Along this once-neglected, marshy shoreline a number of mass-tourism resorts flourish. Lido di Jesolo is perhaps the most organized (or regimented) in the matter of hotel-controlled sand strips, umbrellas and chairs; and a vast range of aquatic activities is available. Off National Route 14, between Venice and Trieste, you can head for the beach at many intersections. Bibione, Eraclea and Lignano are sun, sea and sand, like Jesolo.

The small seaside town of Caorle, 36 km east of Lido di Jesolo, has escaped development and retains its characteristic architecture, including a sturdy Romanesque cathedral with a cylindrical campanile. Grado on its lagoon, 47 km south of Udine on Route 352, via the classical port of Aquilea, now several kilometres inland, has a beautiful beach where, among other attractions, the therapeutic properties of sea water are exploited. Grado also has quaint fishermen’s houses and an early Christian church (Sant’ Eufemia).