Top 5 places to visit in Friuli-Venezia-Giulia

Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, in the North-Eastern corner of Italy, is a border region with a turbulent past. Its cultural atmosphere has been strongly influenced by the various historical dominations that have finally created a melting pot of culture and traditions making it a very peculiar place.

Thanks to its geo-morphological diversity, the region offers endless opportunities to visitors: a beautiful coastline, imposing mountains, a relaxing hilly countryside covered in vineyards and plenty of cities and small towns with an impressive historical heritage. 

History buffs, foodies and wine lovers or those that like outdoor activities, will find plenty of opportunities to fulfill their interests. Nonetheless, for those that like less touristy destinations, this is a region that is still relatively out of the radar of the mass tourists.

Here is our top 5 of places to visit in Friuli-Venezia-Giulia:

    1. TRIESTE

Home of the famous writers Svevo and Saba, Trieste is the ex-flourishing port of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the ex-international emporium between the Mediterranean, the Eastern and Central Europe and the crossroads of the old Central European culture. 

Piazza Unità d'Italia, Trieste

Thanks to its varied heritage, from Roman ruins to medieval churches, from the splendor of the Hapsburg palaces to the distressing memory of the Holocaust in the Risiera di San Sabba, Trieste can tell millions of stories to the visitors.

Pier, Trieste

And, if the city centre can be visited in one day, if you want to explore the surrounding areas and make the most of this charming corner of Italy, you should plan at least a 3 days itinerary, that can include a visit to the Miramare and Duino castles and to the Grotta Gigante.

This city is also the arrival point for most visitors both by plane or by train. 

    2. COLLIO GORIZIANO & CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI

Even those unfamiliar with Friuli usually know the Friulian wines, true regional pride and certainly among the best Italian white wines, produced both from indigenous and international vine varieties.

These Friulian excellence comes right from the Collio, a hilly area that develops around the city of Gorizia, between the Isonzo river and the Slovenian border. A visit of the area should start in Cormòns from where you can walk the Vigne Alte trail or dedicate some time to wine tastings in the various wineries or explore the many lovely villages and hamlets. 

Vineyards, Collio Goriziano

Around 30 minutes drive north of Cormons, is Cividale del Friuli, a Friulan gem, born under the glories of ancient Rome. 

Dramatically located on the banks of the Natisone river, Cividale encloses Venetian palaces and interesting monuments from various eras, including the Longobard Temple, the Celtic Hypogeum, the Archaeological Museum and the legendary Devil's Bridge.

Cividale del Friuli

    3. GRADO & AQUILEIA

Two of the towns with the greatest historical background in the region, Grado and Aquileia, are certainly worth a stop if you are visiting Friuli-Venezia-Giulia.

Grado

Grado, also called Island of the Sun, is a lagoon town that has become quite famous among Northern Europeans in the 70's and 80's for its beautiful and lively coastline. While the lagoons are extremely interesting from a naturalistic point of view due to the numerous species of birds that inhabit them, the picturesque old town of Venetian origin is enriched by Roman and early Christian archaeological remains and animated by the many bars and trattorias that offer the gastronomic specialties of the coast and the fine wines of the hinterland.

Grado

Located on the mainland, approximately 10 km away from Grado, Aquileia is an unmissable destination for all lovers of the ancient Roman art. Founded in 181 BC, it reached its splendor under the empire of Caesar Augustus, who transformed it into one of the largest and richest cities of the whole Empire. 

Aquileia

The city still hosts many Roman remains, including the marvelous Basilica, with the precious mosaic floor of the 4th century, an excavation area hosting more mosaic floors of rich patrician houses, the Roman Forum, located right in the city center, ​​the Great Baths and a burial ground.

    4. DOLOMITI

The Friulian Dolomites are distinguished by their wild character: not very touristy, they are rich in streams, rivers, caves and waterfalls. The symbol is the Montanaia Bell Tower, also known as the "Stone scream", a real natural monument that can only be reached after a good trek.

Friulan Dolomites

The ​​Carnia is also worth a visit, a unique area of uncontaminated nature, snow-capped peaks, silent woods and scenic valleys dotted with lovely little villages where it is possible to taste some of the best regional cuisine including artisan cheeses from mountain huts. 

Also, not to be missed is the famous Alpe Adria trail, which starts from Salzburg, passes Carinthia and crosses the whole of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, to finish by the sea in Grado.

    5. KARST or CARSO

The Karst is a particularly precious territory from a naturalistic point of view. For its morphological peculiarities, the caves, the sinkholes and the valleys that the underground courses of the rivers have dug into the rock, and for the extraordinary variety of vegetation, the area is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.

Karst, Trieste

But it is also the perfect destination for history buffs. 

Indeed, the Karst of Trieste has been one of the most active areas on the Italian front during the Great War. Today, the open-air museums are an excellent evidence of the terrible battles where thousands of men fought for over two years. Trenches, barracks, artillery posts, roads and mule tracks used by soldiers are still visible and accessible, together with a couple of Austro-Hungarian cemeteries.

 Austro-Hungarian cemetery, Prosecco

Trenches, Karst

WHEN

Most of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia has a moderate climate, hence it is a year-round destination. Winter is the perfect time for mountain lovers, and summer is excellent for those that like to spend their day by the sea. For hikers and those that want to explore the cities, the best time to visit is spring or autumn.

During the year various wine festivals and events take place in the region, including the "Cantine Aperte" in May and "Calici di stelle" in August. Regattas aficionados should visit Trieste in October for the historic Barcolana sailing competition.

HOW TO GET THERE

By plane: Trieste airport hosts many flights from Europe and is easily connected via train to the city center.

By train: many fast trains connect the city center to the other main Italian cities and to some of the major European destinations. 

HOW TO GET AROUND

Probably the best way to get around is by car, especially if you are interested in exploring the natural richness of this beautiful region, but inter-regional train connections are also very good.