STAGE 3: Rivarotta – Lignano Sabbiadoro (44.3 km)

We set out again from Rivarotta, for the third leg of this itinerary to discover Friuli by bicycle. It is through Via Modeano that you leave the built-up area, pedaling alongside a canal that runs to the right, along a quiet little road that turns white and then leads onto the paved Via Valderie, which you take by turning right. At km 4 you pass the Serenissima Highway and head west along the Modeano Canal near fortification works that belonged to the border between Italy and Austria-Hungary, including the remains of the Lower Tagliamento Fortress.

After passing a traffic circle and the next crossroads, a dirt road leads toward the embankment of the Tagliamento River, then finding the asphalt road again, passing under the highway and bypassing the town of Ronchis, until returning to the embankment and entering the town of Latisana (km 14), of Roman origin and whose historic center is well worth a visit.

Continuing on, it is always the Tagliamento embankment that accompanies the pedaling along the bends of the river: thus we skirt Gorgo and enter Pertegada (km 25.7). Continue to follow the river, crossing the Litoranea Veneta canal with a swing bridge (if it is not passable, use the one on the ordinary road system following the signs for Lignano) and take the bike path on the left. The mouth of the Tagliamento River is getting closer and closer, and beautiful views of the river enrapture the eye, until it is time to turn left, taking the Riccardo Riva Promenade and cycling into Lignano Sabbiadoro, where the stage ends at the meeting point of Lungomare Trieste and San Giovanni Bosco Park.

Length: 43 km
Height difference in ascent: 250 m
Downhill elevation gain: 250 m
Highest point: 13 m
Lowest point: 1 m
Type of surface: mixed

Municipality of departure: Teor
Starting location: Rivarotta
Municipality of arrival: Lignano Sabbiadoro
Place of arrival: Lignano Sabbiadoro

Recommended period: all year round

The Friulian Riviera is a loop route designed to visit bike-friendly Friuli Venezia Giulia. The bicycle route is about 192 km long and runs between the Adriatic Riviera and the lagoon, also crossing the lowlands. It can be enjoyed by sea lovers and all those who dream of walking in small forests or discovering the fascination of archaeology and history.

With a ride punctuated by lagoon landscapes and the flat, gentle rhythms of the plains, the route is suitable for anyone: it runs along the Upper Adriatic coast, laps the lagoons of Grado and Marano, and reaches the Roman city of Aquileia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Credits: Province of Udine – Land of the Patriarchs