An Italian Holiday

Taking Turns at the Helm

Departing Grado around 11am, we headed westward at the continued slow pace of 4 knots.  Canal boating requires patience, it’s a time to relax and listen to the song birds.  You can’t be in a hurry, so planning your route from start to finish, based on the number of rental days selected, is important.  Retracing some canals, we turned south on the Bocca dei tre Canali, reaching the town of Lignano Sabbiadoro on the Adriatic. 

Lunch Times were spent underway or while waiting for locks and bridges

Our usual routine was to have breakfast on the boat and lunch while underway, reserving dinners for going out on the town.  

Bow Lines tied to poles, a guide line delinates the space

Moorage at Lignano was the typical med-moor tie – cleats on the dock for stern lines, and rings on poles for the bow lines. 

Dock Cleats are easier for stern lines rather than poles

Lignano is another popular beach town and holiday destination for families. 

Time at the Beach is spent in late mornings

Wonderful Pedestrian Areas for Shopping and Dining

A sports festival is held on the beach and the seaside promenade is lined with hotels, apartments and huge trees for shade.

A nice boulevard along the waterfront

The center of town has a wide pedestrian only area offering a wide variety of shops along with numerous restaurants.

There are many Cafes from which to choose

The town has a holiday atmosphere with entertainment for all ages:  Video Arcades, Splash Park, and Fun Parks with rides for young children.  Of course, Leonard’s favorite activity is visiting the bakery shops, markets, and gelato vendors. 

The Night Scene

Like most towns in Italy, adults and families are out later in the evening when it is cool; naps are taken during mid-day, and the day's social scene comes alive at night.

A Meat and Pasta Shop

 If you would like more information on Canal Boating in Europe, or to book a canal boat trip for 2019, contact Mark Bunzel, (mark.bunzel@gmail.com) for information and briefings on canal boat trips in France and Italy now being planned.