Friuli and All of its Charms

Italy has amazing food, a rich history, and beautiful architecture, which makes it a perfect choice for a day trip, a longer journey, or a relaxing break. You don't have to go to the "famous" and touristy cities, because often lesser-known and lesser-visited places may surprise you. Maybe that's what makes them even a little more authentic and tempting.

We live in Slovenia, and we only have a two-hour drive to the border with Italy. This means that we can often take a day trip across the border to one of the towns in Friuli. Friuli Venezia Giulia is one of the twenty regions of Italy and the closest one to Slovenia. It is a charming landscape in the north-east of Italy and a hidden gem that brings together a rich history, diverse culture and stunning scenery. At the crossroads of the Alpine peaks and the Adriatic Sea, it takes the traveller through centuries of influences, from Roman remains to Venetian architecture and the mark of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. For those who appreciate historical landmarks, tranquil mountain peaks, or excellent wine and cuisine, Friuli offers something unique for every traveller. It's definitely worth a visit the next time you're in Italy.

Walk, drive or cycle to Trieste for a cup of coffee

Trieste is a great choice for a Saturday trip and coffee by the sea. It is a picturesque port city in the far north-east of Italy, with a rich history and a unique mix of Italian, Slovenian, and Austro-Hungarian culture. The main square, Piazza Unità d'Italia, is one of the largest seaside squares in Europe and offers a stunning view of the Adriatic Sea. Trieste is known as the coffee capital, with a long tradition of cafés that were popular hangout spots for great thinkers like James Joyce. His statue stands right by the canal.

The city keeps its cosmopolitan vibe. After a nice coffee and a delicious pizza in the centre of Trieste, we always take a walk to Miramare Castle, which stand upon a cliff above the sea and captivates visitors with its beauty and historical importance. If you have some extra time and enjoy scenic walks, I recommend two walking trails. The first one is the Rilke trail that runs along the cliff edge of the Trieste Gulf from Sistiana to Duino Castle. The second one is Napoleon's trail, that starts in Opicina and follows old tram tracks. Trieste is also where the Parenzana cycling route begins, which follows the path of an old railway through Slovenia to Poreč in Croatia. Perfect if you're into cycling! You can read more about Trieste in the post here.

Muggia: The only Istrian town in the Gulf of Trieste

We discovered Muggia this summer for the first time, even though it's so close to Slovenia. It's a charming seaside town in northeastern Italy and the only Istrian town on Italian territory. The town has typical Venetian charm with its old town, narrow streets, and colourful pastel façades. Its history is closely tied to the Venetian Republic, seen in the architecture, especially the church bell tower and main Marconi Square. The town is small, so it's easy to explore. You will catch the best view from the castle, reached by a panoramic path. The town has a relaxed vibe, with a small marina, lots of cafés and seaside restaurants serving local seafood, or you can take a swim in the Adriatic Sea at one of the many clean beaches.

Aquileia: An ancient town with a rich Roman history

Aquileia is a historic town in northeastern Italy, where you'll see a mix of the past and the present. Once one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire, Aquileia is now a charming little town with a rich culture and archaeological treasures. We started with a walk along the well-maintained archaeological path, where you can see many artefacts that were discovered in the area. The museum has a big collection of Roman statues, coins, glass, and everyday items. Then we went over to the basilica with beautiful floor mosaics, that are among the largest and most beautiful in Europe. Walking along these ancient mosaics feels like a journey through time, where every detail tells its own story. The archaeological area of Aquileia is a true paradise for those who love history. Here, you can find remains of Roman houses, public buildings, markets, and roads which all show what life was like in ancient Aquileia. The one that stands out the most is the Roman Forum. It was once the centre of trade and social events.

We continued our trip to the town of Grado. We could have taken the shorter route across the bridge to Grado, but we chose the slightly longer one. All the while, we were accompanied by many cyclists who cycled through the two towns on this sunny Sunday morning. We also found a beautiful poppy plantation.

Grado: A lagoon treasure with a historic soul

Grado is a hidden gem in northeastern Italy, with rich history, stunning nature and unforgettable experiences. This charming, romantic city is also known as the "Golden Island". It's by the seaside and has a delightful old town. We wandered through the charming, narrow streets, uncovering historical treasures at every turn. We parked a few kilometres outside the centre and rode our bikes into town. There, near the sea, we found one of the many restaurants and went for lunch. Sandy beaches, like the popular Spiaggia Principale, offer the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. We combined Aquileia and Grado into a one-day seaside trip!

The Laghi di Fusine lakes are beautiful to visit at any time of year

During the summer heat, we sometimes want to get out of the city and into nature, somewhere by the water where it's a bit cooler. Since we've discovered the Laghi di Fusine lakes, we've been there several times. Every time we visit Kranjska Gora, we make a quick stop across the border and visit the lakes. They are stunning alpine lakes of glacial origin, located in northeastern Italy, right next to the border with Slovenia. They are nestled in the Julian Alps, within steep mountain peaks, forests and crystal-clear waters. Their emerald green colour and clear, transparent water attract nature lovers, hikers and photographers, as they offer breathtaking views all year round. In summer, the lakes reflect the mountains around it, and in winter, the landscape transforms into a fairy-tale snow-covered paradise. The area around the lakes is full of hiking trails, with one of the most popular circling both of them, where you can enjoy the peace and natural beauty. You can read more about it in the article here.

The Slizza Gorge: Your go-to spot for a refreshing escape on hot summer days

We only found this hidden gem this summer. The Slizza Gorge is near Tarvisio, where the Slizza River has created a beautiful gorge with steep rocky walls and lush greenery. We did not meet many people along the way, but the ones we did meet were mostly locals. Entrance and parking are free. There is a circular path running for two kilometres through the gorge. We walked down the steps to the river, past the statue of Napoleon. The path is made of wood and gives you great views of the crystal-clear river. The trail is a true oasis of tranquillity and will delight anyone who loves nature, especially those in search of breathtaking views and unspoilt natural beauty. You can see the virtual walk on our Instagram profile: razgledniceizkovčka.