Goro between the Po Delta and lighthouse history

Goro brings together the landscapes of the Po Delta with lighthouse history, birdlife and a long-standing shellfish tradition. Its diverse attractions include the Faro di Goro at the mouth of the Po di Goro, the older Lanterna Vecchia and the wetlands of the Sacca di Goro. When planning your stay, you can focus on nature, local history and regional cuisine.

Lighthouses and their history

The Lanterna Vecchia was built near the coast in 1864 as Goro’s first lighthouse. The Faro di Goro was built in 1950 at the mouth of the Po di Goro, on a sand spit known as the “Scanno” or “Scannone.” Its main structure is cylindrical and about 22 metres high; its light still has a range of 10 miles. The two lighthouses therefore represent different historical periods and locations.

The Faro di Goro can be reached by boat or via a nature trail that begins at Porto di Gorino. Check local conditions before travelling. Access to the nature observation area at Lanterna Vecchia, however, is at the owner’s discretion, so do not count on being able to visit.

Wetlands and birdlife

The Sacca di Goro lies within the Po Delta Regional Park. Its area includes a Ramsar wetland and a Special Area of Conservation in the Natura 2000 network. The Scannone di Goro, also known as Isola dell’Amore, is a landform created only recently by the advancing Po Delta and serves as a refuge for many birds.

Near Goro, the floodplain widens into the Valle Dindona marshland. It is home to a heron colony that includes black-crowned night herons, little egrets, squacco herons and cattle egrets. Each area has its own character: the Sacca is shaped by its protected areas and shellfish production, while Valle Dindona is associated with a colony of various heron species.

Routes and boat trips

The final stretch of the Destra Po cycle route passes near Goro and continues to the port of Gorino; from there, the route can be extended to the Faro di Goro. Another named route is the approximately 25-kilometre “Birdwatching a Volano - Mesola - Goro.” It follows the Po di Goro, past the Sacca di Goro and on to the Lanterna Vecchia. The lagoon embankment offers a six-kilometre route along the Sacca di Goro.

The delta landscape can also be explored from the water: numerous boat trips depart from the ports of Goro and nearby Gorino, travelling downstream through the natural landscape of the Po Delta towards the sea, past islands, sandbanks and reed beds. A nearby two-hour boat trip called “Birdwatching al vecchio faro” departs from Gorino. The small boat passes the Lanterna Vecchia and then continues to the lighthouse.

Fish market, cuisine and culture

The catch is auctioned daily at Goro’s fish market. The Sacca di Goro is known for producing shellfish, especially clams. The Sagra della Vongola celebrates Goro’s most important product and the town’s culinary traditions. The Teatro R. Ricci, known as the Teatrìn, is a historic building recognised as one of the historic theatres of Emilia-Romagna.

The Goro Center offers educational programmes for schools, children and young people. They combine learning, creativity and the discovery of the surrounding area. The centre also offers interactive, hands-on and creative workshops for all ages on the environment, culture and biodiversity. These educational activities complement the themes of nature and history that define Goro and its surroundings.

Discover more destinations: Stellata, Porporana, Dosso, San Giuseppe, Lido Degli Scacchi, Formignana, Ca' Matte, Portomaggiore.

For the broader travel overview: Ferrara.