Among the most picturesque destinations on the Venetian Riviera, to which even Ernest Hemingway dedicated pages of intense beauty, Caorle retains the charm of a traditional fishing village overlooking the Adriatic. A guide to what to see and where to eat.
The town is located in the North-East of the Venetian Lagoon and it is renowned for its lively old town full of colorful houses and tiny fish restaurants around the harbor.
One of the most interesting spots is the Sanctuary of “Our Lady of the Angel”, built in 1751 over the remains of the ancient wooden church dedicated to Archangel Michael and dating back to the 6th or 7th Century.
Inside there is the statue of the Virgin Mary, protector of fishermen and protagonist of a curious legend. According to it, the statue was found in the middle of the sea by a group of fishermen who saw it floating despite the heavy marble base. Drawn to the shore no one succeeded in moving it, except for a group of children who took it to the Cathedral from which it disappeared the same night, to inexplicably appearing the day after inside the small church that today bears her name.
From the Sanctuary, a beautiful promenade on the sea leads to the historic center, called Scogliera Viva. Here, for more than twenty years, artists from all over the world have left their “mark” on the rocks, from amazing sculptures to poetic quotes engraved in the rocks. These works of art give life to one of the most charming walks of the Italian coast.
The fishing port, heart of the historic center, hosts a picturesque ritual handed down from generation to generation: at the end of the day, fishermen moor their boats and, with care and ancient craftsmanship, they wash and repair their nets, getting ready for the new day.
To enjoy super fresh fish, you can book the restaurant Al Fogher, a family business run by two brothers. Being one of them a fisherman, you can easily guess why it’s an absolute must-go for yummy grilled or fried fish delicacies. Nearby, in a small Venetian-style “campo” (a little square), you find also the Trattoria al Mare which offers sophisticated fish recipes in a cool atmosphere. Do not miss its nice déhor in the heart of the historic center.
For an aperitif or after-dinner drinks, the coolest address is Harry Johnson Speakeasy, where you can taste excellent cocktails, surrounded by the sumptuous atmosphere of the 1920s. For those with a sweet tooth, or simply to end the evening on a sweet note, a stop at Dessart is a must, where you can enjoy the best ice cream crèpes on the coast, followed by a romantic stroll through the narrow streets of the historic center.
