Caorle is a seaside treasure on the shores of the azure Adriatic Sea and framed by green fields, lagoons and rivers. Like many towns on the Venetian Riviera, Caorle began as a small fishing community. Today it’s a popular summer resort adored for its charming historic quarter, beaches, family-friendly attractions and watersports.
Piazza Vescovado is the beating heart of the old town and home to the Romanesque-style Cathedral of Santo Stefano. Cobblestone streets lead from here and pass brightly colored houses with flower-filled balconies.
Browse boutiques and enjoy people watching from pavement cafes on Rio Terrà street. Admire the sea views from Santuario della Madonna dell’Angelo, an 18th-century church set on a promontory at the confluence of two waterfront promenades.
Beaches stretch along the Adriatic from the old town, presenting opportunities to top up your tan, swim and try watersports such as parasailing, tubing and wakeboarding. To the east is the wide Levante Beach and dog-friendly Bau Beach. Passing the Scogliera Viva esplanade of carved rocks to the west is Ponente Beach, a favorite sunset spot. Porto Santa Margherita Beach and Duna Verde Beach are other coastal options a short drive away.
Rent motorboats and join guided excursions at the Darsena dell’Orologio marina. Cruise Caorle Lagoon, once visited by Ernest Hemingway, to see examples of casoni, which are traditional thatched-roof wooden fishermen huts. For more fishing heritage, visit Caorle Fish Market to watch the daily auctions.
Fun for all ages awaits at Aquafollie The Family Waterpark and on the fairground rides at Luna Park. Parco del Pescatore has a children’s playground, walking trails and a casoni. Observe artifacts from the Bronze Age to present day and a Roman-era ship at the National Museum of Sea Archeology.
Caorle is a 1-hour drive from central Venice. Catch a train to Portogruaro and then take a local bus from there. Arrive in style by boarding a motorboat at Riva degli Schiavoni, on Venice’s San Marco island.
