Aprilia Marittima is a nautical and residential service center in the Marano Lagoon, 4 km from Lignano Sabbiadoro. The lagoon sheltered from winds and storm surges is a starting point for cruises along the Croatian coast.
The Marina Punta Gabbiani is part of the Aprilia Marittima tourist complex and is the base for recreational boating in the Upper Adriatic. It consists of a dock with several floating docks protected by a breakwater. It possesses a dock from 300 berths from 10 to 25 meters, with full equipment and a large yard with raised docks.
Operates as a boatyard capable of repairs on plumbing, electrical and electronic systems, fiberglassing, painting, carpentry service, carpentry, refurbishing of hulls. A machine shop is also present. Equipment in the yard includes 4 travel lifts of 20, 30 and 80 tons that provide launching and hauling operations.
Each berth is served with water, electricity up to 8 Kw, satellite TV outlet, wi-fi internet connection and pump out system. The Marina offers an alternative dry-marine service for boats from 7 to 15 meters. The Marina is equipped with green spaces, parking lots, swimming pools, Jacuzzis, playground, and restaurant. To reach it one must follow the rules of lagoon navigation and possibly sail during the day to be able to notice the briccole the signs and see at the entrance the red-light light placed on the head of the breakwater that protects from the sea and easterly winds. Sandy shoals can form at the inlet and in haze there is a possibility of stranding on the beach although the red and green lights at the inlet and a bottom of about 2.5 m might suggest a safe landing.
The center of Aprilia Marittima includes 3 docks (Darsena Centrale and Marina Capo Nord in addition to Marina Punta Gabbiani) and an area with canals, berths and townhouses called Terra Mare Canal di Ponente. Residential and commercial areas are also present. The Darsene overlook the lagoon of Marano Lagunare, and through a series of canals one can reach the open sea at the mouth of the port of Lignano Sabbiadoro.
The Marano lagoon is fed almost exclusively by resurgence rivers (Stella, Turgnano, Cormor, Zellina, Corno, Ausa, Natissa, Tiel). Three regional nature reserves are located in the area, testifying to the richness of the lagoon landscape: the Foci dello Stella Nature Reserve, the Valle Cavanata Nature Reserve, and the Foce dell’Isonzo Nature Reserve.
For a good meal, you can visit Marano Lagunare with its seafood cuisine of gnocchi with seafood, marinated anchovies, and fried squid, or reach the hills of Collio and taste the fine DOC wines and flavors of the local cuisine.