The Friuli-Venezia Giulia travel guide explores the region’s sightseeing highlights.
There are 1.2 million people living in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The region borders Austria to the north and Slovenia to the east. To the south it faces the Adriatic Sea and to the west its internal border is with Italy’s Veneto region.
The region encompasses the historical-geographical region of Friuli and a small portion of the historical region of Venezia Giulia (known in English also as Julian March), each with its own distinct history, traditions and identity. The area has at times been part of Austria and the Venetian Republic.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia Location
Friuli-Venezia Giulia Travel Guide Video
Watch the Friuli-Venezia Giulia travel guide video below for more information about sightseeing ideas to plan a trip to Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia Sightseeing Highlights
Friuli-Venezia Giulia cultural sightseeing highlights are Trieste and Udine. Outside of Udine, Palmanova is interesting fortress city.
The beaches in Lignano, Grado, Monfalcone and Trieste, and its ski resorts in the Friulan Dolomites, the Carnic Prealps and Alps, and the Julian Alps, along with its culinary traditions make it the perfect Italy vacation destination.
The northern Italian region Friuli Venezia Giulia is a popular Adriatic cruise destination.
Its high quality products included fruits and vegetables, cheeses, cured ham and wines, especially white ones, are known worldwide for their fine quality.
Grado
Grado is a small town in the northeast of Italy, in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. It’s on an island and a nearby peninsula by the Adriatic Sea, between Venice and Trieste.
It used to be a fishing town, but now it’s a popular tourist spot called “The Sunny Island.” It’s also a spa town with clean, natural surroundings.
Grado is where the poet Biagio Marin was born.
Lots of tourists visit Grado each year to stay in hotels and campgrounds.
The town has a pedestrian-only center with lots of shops, bars, and restaurants. You can also play sports like tennis, wind-surfing, and golf. From Grado, you can take boat trips to explore the many islands in the Grado Lagoon, like Barbana.
Lignano Sabbiadoro
Every year millions of people visit this seaside town. It is located about one hour northeast of Venice at the top of the Adriatic Sea. It’s beaches are among the most popular in Italy.
Palmanova
Palmanova is a Renaissance fortress city. Its design is in the shape of a star. It was built in 1593. Today the historic city is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Trieste
Trieste is the capital city of the region. It is located almost on the eastern side of the Adriatic sea across from Venice. It occupies the little tiny sliver of Italy bordering Slovenia.
Trieste was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Its location led to the mixing of Italian, Austrian and Slovenian influences. In Trieste you’ll find a medieval old city and an Austrian quarter.
Trieste’s main square, Piazza dell’Unita, is located on the waterfront. Its location is unique and quite beautiful. Trieste’s cruise port is a natural opening to the sea for many Central European countries.
The city itself is full of architectural gems and cultural events. Trieste has Austrian and Germanic influences that add to its overall cultural and historical uniqueness. Miramare Castle is a former Asburgic royal residence.
Major trains and highways between the east and west of southern Europe pass through Trieste. It is also a popular vacation destination for those touring the Dalmatian coast. Check our all inclusive Adriatic and Dalmatian Coast cruise packages for cruises that include Trieste.
Udine
Udine is a quiet town located right in the center of the region. The location is between the Adriatic Sea and the Alps. It is a stunningly charming town. Lovely streets to stroll and enjoy Northern Italy.
Udine is the historical capital of Friuli. in 1420 it was conquered by the Republic of Venice. it was part of the Venetian Republic through 1866 when it joined the Kingdom of Italy.
Udine Castle is home to several museums and an art gallery with works by Tiepolo and Caravaggio. It has views of the city and surrounding mountains.
The central Piazza della Libertà has Renaissance buildings, including the pink-and-white-marble Loggia del Lionello and a clock tower.
Udine Cathedral has a baroque interior and a museum of religious decorative arts.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia Travel Facts
Friuli-Venezia-Giulia is located in northeast Italy. It is located at the top of the Adriatic Sea. Its borders includes Austria and Slovenia.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia is one of the smallest regions in Italy. Its natural beauty is one of its main attractions. Further, its cultural highlights result from mixing of western and eastern European cultures. Trieste, the capital, was once part of the 19th-century Austro-Hungarian Empire. Udine, the historical capital of Friuli, was conquered by Venice in 1420.
If flying to Trieste or Udine the closest airport is Trieste. But this airport is not served by major airlines. Alternatively Venice Marco Polo airport is the alternative. It takes about 1.5 hours to travel from Venice Marco Polo airport to Udine. And it takes about 2 hours to travel from Venice Marco Polo airport to Trieste.
Udine and Trieste are the cultural capitals of Friuli- Venezia Giulia. Other destinations are popular for outdoor activities. Friuli-Venezia Giulia is also renown for its vineyards and wine making.
All the seasons have something to offer. Skiers will love the winter in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Then there are ample opportunities to ski the Dolomites. Monte Lussari and Sella Nevea are two popular skiing destinations. During the summer months hikers will enjoy the Dolomites National Park and Laghi di Fusine. Also in summer the beaches of Lignano Sabbiadoro and Isola della Cona are popular. The Spring and Fall are its rainiest months.
For more information about northern Italy click the Northern Italy travel guide page.
For Italy vacations that includes Friuli-Venezia Giulia visit the Northern Italy tours page.
