by InTrieste
As sunlight glinted off the sleek hulls of yachts moored along the Adriatic coast, officials gathered in Aprilia Marittima to usher in a new tourist season. But for the region’s leaders, the celebration was more than ceremonial—it marked a significant economic shift for the town of Latisana, a community fast becoming a year-round destination.
“In the first four months of 2025, tourism in Latisana increased by more than 32 percent compared to the same period last year,” announced Sergio Emidio Bini, regional councilor for Productive Activities and Tourism. “This is not a one-off spike, but a sustained trend. Compared to the pre-pandemic era in 2019, overnight stays between January and April have doubled, with more than 12,000 bookings recorded.”
Once known primarily as a summer spot, Latisana—nestled in the flatlands of the Bassa Friulana—has quietly emerged as a strategic hub in northern Italy’s growing tourism sector. With a population of just over 13,000 and home to roughly 500 businesses, the town has found new momentum by investing in its maritime infrastructure and year-round appeal.
At the heart of the transformation lies Aprilia Marittima, a sprawling nautical complex equipped with three harbors and over 2,500 berths, making it the largest marina on the upper Adriatic coast. The port serves a growing population of boat owners and visitors seeking nautical tourism experiences in an area long overshadowed by larger destinations like Venice and Trieste.
“The new regional nautical law and the development of a local commercial district will be key to boosting tourism further and supporting local businesses,” Bini added.
Passed earlier this year, Regional Law 28 of 2024 provides a comprehensive legal framework to support the nautical industry, promising structured development in four areas: promotion, business grants, marina upgrades, and investment incentives. The first funding calls under the new law are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
As Aprilia Marittima readies itself for another bustling summer, regional authorities are betting that thoughtful planning and infrastructure investment will help solidify Latisana’s place on the Adriatic tourism map—not just as a seasonal destination, but a thriving, all-year maritime hub.
