Near Lignano there is a breathtakingly beautiful natural area: it is the Lagoon of Marano, a wet area which reaches the city and which includes the Natural Reserve of the Stella river mouths.

To reach the Stella river mouths by boat you can leave from the port of Lignano or from Brussa, navigating in the lagoon of Marano. From here you can reach the natural reserve and can also glimpse the typical lagoon casoni (farmhouses).

Stella river mouths natural reserve

The Stella river mouths are an out-and-out oasis of peace, in addition to a wildlife one. Time seems to have stopped here, whilst navigating along the calm river water and lagoon of Marano, among typical casoni (the legacy of a rural past) and among the many lagoon birds which are easily spotted.

In fact, the Stella river mouths are considered one of the best areas for bird watching: here you can spot marsh harriers, red herons, an infinity of other marsh birds and of course the tame and majestic mute swan.

A boat trip to the Stella river mouths is particularly suggested for families and children, as the area is well-equipped with refreshment points, picnic areas, toilets, toilets for the disabled and even a play area for the very little ones.

Lagoon of Marano

A boat trip to the Stella river mouths can’t not include navigating in the Lagoon of Marano, which can be found from the tip of Lignano Sabbiadoro and the Lagoon of Grado.

Featuring calm waters, reed-beds and sandbanks, the lagoon of Marano is enclosed by a series of more or less large islands. For example, the famous Island of Martignano, also called “of the shells” or the Island of Sant’Andrea.

What most characterises the lagoon of Marano is its typical casoni, very distinctive buildings built by local fishermen. For centuries they provided shelter when fishing. Then, almost forgotten, they were recently brought back to life and now welcome tourists and excursionists, offering days marked by clean air, the scents of the lagoon and of good food. There are many restaurants which offer typical local cuisine, based on fish, particularly eels (grilled) and sardines (in saor – onion-marinated).