Lignano Sabbiadoro developed in the early 20th century starting from some private hospitality resorts, which at the beginning could be reached only by sea.

During World War II, the final operations of the German navy – involving the evacuation of troops and personnel from Istria and Trieste ahead the advancing Yugoslavs – took place here in May 1945.

Germans equipment included E-boats, LSTs, a small hospital ship, all types of transport, and a variety of weapons.

The latest administrative town elections were held in June 2022 and saw the Center-Right Coalition victorious over the Center-Left civic list.

The Terrazza a Mare ("terrace on the sea" in English) of Lignano Sabbiadoro was designed by the architect Aldo Bernardis in 1969 and opened in 1972.