Friuli Venezia Giulia is one of Italy’s most underrated regions. It combines Adriatic beaches, Roman ruins, Alpine mountains, vineyards, and a fascinating blend of Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian cultures.
Here are the highlights:
Trieste
• Trieste – A beautiful seaside city with grand Habsburg architecture.
• Walk through Piazza Unità d’Italia, one of Europe’s largest sea-facing squares.
• Visit Miramare Castle.
• Explore the Roman Theatre and Canal Grande.
• Enjoy coffee at one of the city’s historic cafés.
Aquileia
• Aquileia
• One of the Roman Empire’s most important cities.
• See the UNESCO-listed basilica with spectacular early Christian mosaics.
Cividale del Friuli
• A charming medieval town founded by Julius Caesar.
• Cross the famous Devil’s Bridge.
• Visit the Lombard Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Grado
• Grado
• Sandy beaches and a picturesque old town.
• Great seafood restaurants.
• Ideal for cycling and relaxing by the sea.
Udine
• Udine
• Elegant Venetian-style piazzas.
• Climb to Udine Castle for panoramic views.
• Excellent local wine bars.
The Alps
• Tarvisio
• Hike around the stunning Fusine Lakes.
• Visit where Italy, Slovenia, and Austria meet.
• Ski in winter and hike in summer.
Wine Country
The region is famous for:
• Collio
These areas produce some of Italy’s finest white wines, with beautiful vineyards and family-run wineries.
Nature
• Val Rosandra Nature Reserve for hiking.
• Laghi di Fusine for crystal-clear mountain scenery.
Local Foods to Try
• San Daniele prosciutto
• Frico (crispy cheese and potato dish)
• Gubana (traditional sweet pastry)
• Fresh Adriatic seafood
• Local white wines like Friulano and Ribolla Gialla
Suggested 5-Day Itinerary
1 Trieste & Miramare Castle
2 Aquileia & Grado
3 Udine & wine tasting in Collio
4 Cividale del Friuli & Colli Orientali
5 Tarvisio & the Fusine Lakes
Friuli Venezia Giulia is especially appealing if you enjoy authentic Italian destinations with fewer crowds than Venice or Tuscany, while offering an exceptional mix of history, mountains, coastline, and world-class food and wine.
Alessandro Colao 