Porto Piave Vecchia lighthouse

Faro di Piave Vecchia is a striking black-and-white lighthouse standing right at the mouth of the Sile River, on the border between Cavallino-Treporti and Jesolo on Italy's Veneto coast. Its bold stripes make it one of the most recognizable landmarks along this stretch of the Adriatic shore.

Where is the lighthouse and how do you get there?

The lighthouse sits at the tip of a narrow strip of land next to the Piave Vecchia harbor, exactly where the Sile River meets the sea. On one side there's open beach and the Adriatic, on the other the river mouth and views across the channel to Jesolo. The site lies within the Parco Regionale Veneto Orientale, the regional park covering the dunes and pine woods of Cavallino-Treporti. The easiest way to reach it is by bike or car from Cavallino, following the coastal road and then a walking path for the final stretch to the lighthouse itself.

What's the history behind it?

The first lighthouse on this spot was built in 1846, under Austrian administration, for military and navigational purposes. It didn't survive the Second World War — retreating German forces destroyed the original structure. The lighthouse seen today was rebuilt between 1949 and 1951 by Venice's water engineering authority. Since 2004, the building at the base of the tower has also served as the local headquarters of the Coast Guard (Capitaneria di Porto) covering the Jesolo stretch of coast.

What will you see on site?

The tower is cylindrical and stands around 48 meters tall, making it one of the taller lighthouses on Italy's Adriatic coast. Its black-and-white bands make it easy to spot from both land and sea. Inside, a spiral staircase of Istrian stone with 243 steps leads up to the main lantern, used by lighthouse and coast guard staff. Because the building doubles as an active Coast Guard station, the interior isn't generally open to visitors — the best way to experience it is on foot, walking along the beach or the path beside the channel, where the tower stands out dramatically against the sea and the river mouth. Its light is visible from up to 18 nautical miles out, making it an important navigational marker for boats approaching the harbor.

When is the best time to visit?

Late afternoon and sunset are the best times to come — the light off the Adriatic sets off the black-and-white tower beautifully, and this part of Cavallino's coastline tends to be quieter than the main resort beaches nearby. In summer, expect more cyclists and walkers along the shoreline path; outside the high season, the area takes on a wilder, more secluded feel, and it's a good spot to watch the waterbirds that nest in the wetlands around the river mouth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you climb to the top of the lighthouse? No — the lighthouse also functions as a Coast Guard station, so the interior isn't open to the public. You can freely view and photograph it from outside, from the beach or the path along the channel.

Is it known by another name? Yes, it's also called Faro di Jesolo, since it stands right on the border between Cavallino-Treporti and Jesolo, close to both towns.

How far can the light be seen from the sea? The lighthouse's signal is visible from roughly 18 nautical miles offshore, helping vessels navigate toward the entrance of the Piave Vecchia harbor.

Is the area around the lighthouse easy to reach on foot or by bike? Yes, paths run along the coast and the channel that are open to walkers and cyclists, and the beach next to the lighthouse is freely accessible.