Introduction to Caorle
Caorle, a famous seaside resort in Veneto, defies the typical image of modern, unsightly resorts. Instead, it’s an enchanting town brimming with Venetian charm. A few steps in Caorle transport you from a typical seaside environment to a picturesque town rich in history and allure. With a few more steps, you’ll find yourself in patches of land reclaimed from a network of waterways. Beaches, the historic center, and the lagoon are the three vibrant facets of Caorle, making it a truly unique destination for a sea holiday in the Upper Adriatic.
Beaches of Caorle
The two main beaches, Spiaggia di Levante and Spiaggia di Ponente, are the cornerstone of Caorle’s success. Just an hour from Venice, these long, immaculate beaches are well-equipped with services and entertainment options, ideal for a relaxing family or couple vacation. These beaches stretch out adjacent to the historic center, surrounded by accommodations, bars, and shops. Caorle has earned the prestigious Blue Flag multiple times for its excellent services.
Spiaggia di Levante and Spiaggia di Ponente
Spiaggia di Levante and Spiaggia di Ponente are similar with their long stretches of golden sand, clean facilities, and shallow, gently sloping seabeds, ensuring safe swimming. You can easily walk between the two beaches along the scenic ScoglieraViva seafront. Spiaggia di Levante is slightly longer and wider, but both are spacious, with widths ranging from 80 to 300 meters. Spiaggia di Levante also includes Bau Beach, a dog-friendly area with specific services for your four-legged friends.
Lido Altanea
Located 5 km from the center, Lido Altanea beach is accessible by car, foot, or bicycle. Behind the beach lies a pine forest, vast green areas, and sports fields. This well-equipped beach is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts but may not appeal to young people seeking nightlife.
Duna Verde
Continuing west, you’ll find Duna Verde, a wilder beach accessible by car or bus. Here, you can relax in the shade of the pine forest and admire the typical Adriatic dune system.
Spiaggia di Brussa
For a completely wild, free beach experience without umbrellas and establishments, head to Spiaggia di Brussa within the Vallevecchia nature reserve. The immersion in nature is total, and peace is guaranteed. The drive from Caorle takes about half an hour, which helps keep this beautiful spot relatively uncrowded.
Exploring Caorle’s Historic Center
Caorle’s historic center is a gem filled with charming views and attractions, complemented by a unique inland landscape.
Chiesa della Madonna dell’Angelo
The Church of the Madonna dell’Angelo, perched on a small promontory near the historic center, is a symbol of Caorle. This sanctuary, built on the remains of a wooden chapel dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, is the city’s oldest religious building. It serves as both a picturesque meeting point and an important pilgrimage site, especially during the festive boat procession every five years.
ScoglieraViva
ScoglieraViva is both an art competition and a unique attraction, transforming what would be a typical seafront walk into an open-air museum. Sculptors participating in the ScoglieraViva competition have decorated the breakwater rocks with human faces, animals, and symbolic representations since 1993.
Lungomare Trieste
Lungomare Trieste offers a modern seafront walk along Spiaggia di Levante. This lively pedestrian avenue is frequented by people of all ages, walking, cycling, or scootering. For coffee breaks or evening drinks, numerous bars along the beach and across the road provide ample options.
Duomo di Caorle
Overlooking Piazza Vescovado, the Duomo, built in the 11th century, is a Romanesque church with Byzantine elements. Its leaning bell tower, standing 48 meters tall, is one of Caorle’s symbols. Recently restored, the bell tower offers a panoramic view of the sea and lagoon from the top.
Laguna di Caorle and Via dei Casoni
The intricate labyrinth of waterways in the Caorle lagoon, a realm of untouched nature, is a must-see. Once home to fishing families, the lagoon is now a protected area with traditional wooden houses called Casoni. You can explore them by following a scenic cycling and walking route from Caorle’s center or during a boat trip.
Activities and Sports in Caorle
Take advantage of your holiday in Caorle to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.
Water Sports
Caorle offers swimming, sailing, windsurfing, SUP, diving, parasailing, and sport fishing. You can also enjoy canoe or kayak excursions in the lagoon and try Venetian rowing, a traditional discipline still popular with locals.
Cycling
Flat terrain and numerous cycle paths make Caorle ideal for relaxing bike rides. The bike routes satisfy both passionate cyclists and casual riders, with paths ranging from 7 to over 60 km. The most scenic routes wind through the Caorle lagoon.
Trekking
A classic walk in Caorle is along the ScoglieraViva, extending to the Lungomare Trieste. Other trekking routes include a 7.5 km walk to Porto Santa Margherita and an 8 km route from the Madonna dell’Angelo Sanctuary to the lagoon’s mouth.
Beach Volleyball
Caorle boasts top-notch beach volleyball facilities, with the Caorle Beach Arena hosting JBA courses and tournaments.
Other Sports
Additional activities include horseback riding, tennis, running, and golf.
Boat Trips
Don’t miss a boat trip to Venice or the islands of Murano and Burano. Arriving by sea is particularly enchanting.
Family-Friendly Attractions in Caorle
Caorle is perfect for a family holiday with safe beaches, green routes, and attractions for children.
Galeone Perla Nera
The Perla Nera galleon offers pirate-themed mini-cruises, entertaining children with treasure hunts and themed activities.
Aquafollie
This water amusement park, close to the center, features a wave pool, slides, and Fisherman’s Bay, designed to resemble a fishing village.
Aqua Inn
A smaller water park located on Spiaggia di Ponente, Aqua Inn offers water fun directly on the beach.
Trenino Orient Express
The Orient Express tourist train offers a child-friendly tour of Caorle, running from May to September and touching all the main tourist spots.
L’isola che non c’era
This indoor play area in Caorle is perfect for keeping children entertained during the hottest part of the day or on rainy days.
Where to Stay in Caorle
Caorle offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets and needs, from 2 to 5-star hotels to apartments, holiday homes, family resorts, and campsites. The majority of seaside hotels are located along Spiaggia di Levante. Porto Margherita, at the end of Spiaggia di Ponente, is the marina area, while Duna Verde and Lido Altanea offer accommodations in a natural setting, ideal for families.
Caorle, with its Venetian charm, stunning beaches, rich history, and variety of activities, is a perfect destination for a memorable holiday. Whether you’re exploring its historic center, enjoying water sports, or simply relaxing on its award-winning beaches, Caorle promises a unique and enchanting experience.
