Cycling in the Caorle Lagoon: an itinerary through the “Casoni” and Brussa
If you are looking for the most authentic side of Caorle, you must leave the shoreline for a moment and jump into the saddle. There is a place where time seems to have stood still, where the sound of the sea gives way to the rustle of marsh reeds: it is our Lagoon.
The itinerary leading towards the Brussa Oasis and Valle Vecchia is not just a bike ride; it is a journey into the soul of this territory.
The route in short
- Start/Finish: Caorle historic center / Hotel All’Orologio.
- Distance: Approximately 25 km (loop or round trip).
- Difficulty: Easy. The route is entirely flat, making it ideal even for those who are not in shape or for families with children.
- Surface: Asphalt and packed gravel.
First stop: The Island of the Casoni
Continuing from the center towards Falconera, you will find yourself immersed in a landscape dominated by water. This is where the Isola dei Casoni (Island of the Casoni) rises. These iconic structures, made of wood and marsh reeds, were once the winter homes of fishermen.
A Friend’s Tip: Don’t just look at them from afar. Stop and observe the craftsmanship with which the reeds are woven. Some “casoni” can be visited and house small museums dedicated to rural and lagoon life. It was here that Ernest Hemingway fell in love with Caorle, drawing inspiration for his book “Across the River and into the Trees.”
Second stop: Towards Brussa and Valle Vecchia
Continuing along the embankments, the horizon widens. Brussa is one of the few beaches in Northern Italy that has remained completely wild: no umbrellas, no concrete—just sandy dunes and a fragrant pine forest.
Cycling in this area means crossing the Valle Vecchia Oasis, a site of community interest where biodiversity reigns supreme. Keep your eyes peeled: it is not uncommon to spot purple herons, black-winged stilts, and, if you are lucky, the flamingos that inhabit the valleys.
Hotel All’Orologio’s tips for a perfect bike ride
- The Magic Hour: Start early in the morning (around 8:00 AM) to enjoy the coolness and spot the lagoon’s wildlife, or choose the late afternoon. The sunset reflecting on the lagoon’s waters is an experience that, on its own, is worth the entire holiday.
- Survival Kit: Even though the route is easy, bring water, sunscreen, and a good insect repellent (the lagoon is alive!).
- Binoculars and Camera: If you love nature photography, this is your paradise.
“For us, ‘Living Caorle’ means knowing how to slow down. The lagoon isn’t meant to be visited in a hurry: it must be listened to. When you reach Brussa, lock up your bike, take off your shoes, and walk on the warm sand. That is when you will understand why we love this place so much.”
Gilberto and Alessio
