Fourth stage

4

Stage No.

27.7

KM

LINK

Starting Point

Description

Leaving the town behind, at the northernmost point of the Mediterranean, the landscape changes completely: you leave the karst area behind and find yourself immersed in a coastal environment, largely marshy, in an area that was extensively reclaimed in the last century and offers many points of interest from a naturalistic point of view, including biotopes and geosites. The area is characterized by the straight lines of the Schiavetti Springs, the Bonifica del Brancolo and the Palude Cavana, created alongside the canals that first lead to Marina Julia and, passing in front of the Secche di Riva Lunga at Punta Barene, divert onto the Canale della Quarantia to reach the junction for Isola della Cona on the coast, the heart of the Foce dell’Isonzo Regional Nature Reserve. The mouth of this river, known as the “wandering river” because it has often changed its outlet to the sea, represents the northernmost wetland in the Mediterranean, which, thanks to some natural restoration and efficient management, is home to over 320 species of birds, including migratory, wintering, summering, and resident birds, as well as other precious fauna and flora. A visitor center, guesthouse, and restaurant have been set up on the island of Cona. The route now crosses the Isonzo River via a bridge and enters the vineyards of Le Pezzate, where the ancient pumping station of the Isola Morosini Land Reclamation Project is located on the nearby Isonzato Canal. Now you cycle alongside the farms of the vast Bonifica della Vittoria land reclamation project near Fossalon di Grado (where this stage ends) and, on the long straight stretches, you can reach Lido delle Conchiglie, with a VARIANT route to Punta Sdobba and the Caneo Oasis. A spectacular elevated cycle and footpath takes you to the seaside area of the Valle Cavanata Regional Nature Reserve, whose visitor center is located just after the Canale Averto canal. The reserve was established to protect the biodiversity of one of the largest former fishing valleys in the Grado Lagoon, and from the observatories you can admire the birdlife that frequents it today.

WHAT TO SEE

Nature

Regional natural biotope of the Schiavetti Springs

Regional natural biotope of the Cavana Marsh

Regional nature reserve of the Isonzo Estuary LINK

Regional nature reserve of the Cavanata Valley LINK

Religion

Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Marcelliana, Panzano

Church of St. Mark the Evangelist, Fossalon di Grado

Punto di Partenza

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