The northeastern region of Friuli Venezia Giulia is about as far-flung as you can get while staying within Italy’s borders. The melting-pot vibe of this reserved, less-touristed corner of the country reflects its geography, with neighbors Austria and Slovenia heavily influencing the local culture, cuisine, and even dialect. Experience a side of Italy far from the beaten path in the historic coffeehouses of Trieste and Udine, magnificent peaks of the Carnic Alps, and vineyards quietly turning out blockbuster wines tucked in between—there are plenty of things to do in this unique region.
When the icy sea breeze whips up from the Adriatic during winter, the Triestini take refuge in their coffeehouses and the Udinesi under their porticoes. However, with spring’s balmy temperatures, the cities and countryside bustle with activity again. Friuli Venezia Giulia’s northern mountains offer a spectacular setting for hiking and cycling in the summer months, while the lovely towns host an array of outdoor concerts and festivals through the fall.
Though regional trains connect Trieste, Udine, and other major urban centers in Friuli Venezia Giulia, the best way to explore its smaller towns, wine country, and Alpine countryside is on wheels. Rent a car (or a bike in this cycling-friendly region) to skirt the coastline from Lignano Sibbiadoro to Trieste, then turn inland to town-hop past Gorizia, Cividale del Friuli, and Udine into the Alps to Tarvisio and Sappada on the Austrian border.
Italy’s most famous prosciutto may hail from Parma in the region of Emilia Romagna, but true ham enthusiasts know that the country’s premium cured haunches are produced instead in the tiny village of San Daniele di Friuli at the foot of the Alps. Italian-raised heirloom pork, sea salt harvested from the Adriatic, and a unique microclimate in the Tagliamento River valley produce the sweet and aromatic aged Prosciutto di San Daniele that is worth making a culinary pilgrimage to sample.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +39 | Language(s) Italian | Attractions 4 | Tours 193 | Reviews 848 |
Stretched along Italy’s border with Austria and Slovenia, Friuli Venezia Giulia is considered one of the country’s most culturally mixed regions. Its principal cities showcase elegant architecture influenced by the Hapsburg Empire and a coffeehouse culture that is more Austrian than Italian, while the local language and cuisine pair Mediterranean and Slavic elements.
...MorePerched on a narrow strip of land that reaches far into Slovenia, Trieste is the largest and most famous city in Friuli Venezia Giulia. A major seaport and cultural capital, Trieste attracts visitors with its neoclassical architecture, storied coffee houses, and lively beach scene along the Adriatic coast.
...MoreYes, Friuli Venezia Giulia is a little-known gem worth exploring for a few days. Set far from the tourist hordes in Italy’s more famous hot spots, this region offers all the cultural and culinary heft of areas like Tuscany and Emilia Romagna while retaining an authentic, genuine atmosphere.
...MoreYes, though there are distinct regional dialects and pockets along the border where you’ll hear more Austrian German or Slovenian spoken than Italian. Trieste is known for its unique local language that combines elements of Italian, German, Croatian, and even Greek—a holdover from its long history as a Mediterranean seaport.
...MoreYes, Friuli Venezia Giulia has 80 miles (130 km) of coastline, varying from sandy beaches to picturesque karst cliffs. The three major seaside resort areas are concentrated around Lignano Sabbiadoro, Grado, and Trieste, where there are beach clubs, free public areas, and even marine reserves where visitors can stake out a patch of waterfront for the day.
...MoreThough there are a few scattered ski resorts—most notably around Tarvisio—Friuli Venezia Giulia is not considered a major skiing destination. Visit during the snow season if you’re looking for solid runs with few crowds, or wait until the snow melts in spring to explore the peaks via the hiking and biking trails.
...More
