Are you planning to visit Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy?
Friuli-Venezia Giulia is a region in northeast Italy bordered by Austria, Slovenia, and the Adriatic Sea. The region is home to the gorgeous Dolomite Mountains, as well as white wine that is produced in the region’s vineyards.
However, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is a region that is mostly well-known among Italians but is rarely visited by foreign travelers.
To get a taste of the real Italy – from nature and adventure to fine wine and special cuisine, visit Friuli-Venezia Giulia! From Venice, the area in just over an hour and a half.
If you’ve never been to this gorgeous Italian region, why not include it in your next Italian holiday? Let’s check out the best reasons why you should visit the beautiful northern Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
13 Best Things To Do and See in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
Here are the best things to do in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy.
1. The Glorious Churches
Visiting religious sites and holy sites is one of the oldest types of tourism, and it is impossible to run out of places of religious significance in Friuli.
There are many Christian Catholic places of worship here such as the San Pietro di Rosazzo Abbey in Manzano, the Convent of Sant’Antonio in Gemona del Friuli or the Madonna di Rosa Sanctuary in San Vito al Tagliamento.
Other Friuli churches have their distinct character and should be included in your itinerary.
• Sanctuary of Monte Grisa in Trieste
Officially the National Shrine of Mary Mother and Queen, Sanctuary of Monte Grisa is a reinforced concrete edifice with a triangle-shaped design.
• Sanctuary of Barbana in Grado, Gorizia
The church and bell tower stands in the middle of the small island of Barbana in the Grado Lagoon.
• Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine di Castelmonte in Prepotto, Udine
There is a fortified settlement with a massive church in the centre, as well as several walled houses in the complex.
2. The Impressive Castles and Fortresses
It doesn’t matter if you stumble across a castle while hiking in the woods or if you hire a guide to take you around the grounds. Visiting one is always an enchanting experience.
In Italy, only the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia was heavily fortified throughout the Middle Ages. Meanwhile, the Cividale Dukedom area was protected by a network of Roman castles established by the Longobards.
Other fortresses were constructed during the reign of the Patriarchs of Aquileia or by Germanic families from 1077 to 1420.
Fortresses were built in various towns at the same time, such as Venzone, Gemona, Udine, Cividale, Monfalcone, Trieste, and Muggia, among others. The only new castle constructed during the Venetian rule (1420-1797) was Palmanova.
However, only a few of these castles remain, with the majority having fallen into ruin or been integrated into other structures.
3. The Breathtaking Trails in the Dolomites
This region, noted for its close ties to nature, is best explored by trekking the paths that crisscross it. Trekking the breathtaking trails of the Dolomites is certainly among the best activities in Friuli-Venezia Giulia!
One may find a wide variety of hiking paths and environmental preserves in the region’s Dolomite mountain ranges alone. I Sentieri delle Acque is one of the most difficult day treks.
However, there are numerous breathtaking views along the way, including the legendary Palma, a 170-year-old and 115-foot tall white spruce.
Meanwhile, the prehistoric footprints of Antonio, the dinosaur whose remains were uncovered in the community of San Giovanni in Tuba, can be found in various trails. A replica of Antonio’s remains can be seen at the Civic Museum of Natural History in Trieste, but the trail pays homage to the mythical figure that he has become in these mountains.
- ALSO READ: 10 Best Walks in Italy To Trek and Hike
4. The Caves of Friuli
Friuli’s diversified topography is home to caves that are a must-see for adventure lovers, in addition to centuries-old churches, castles, and fortresses.
The Grotta Gigante, one of these caverns, is among the must-visit attractions in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. It holds the Guinness World Record for the largest tourist cave on the planet. It is a single cavern that extends 280 meters long, 65 meters broad, and 107 meters high. It is thought to be roughly 10 million years old.
Another example is the Pradis Grotte, nicknamed the green caves, in Clauzetto (Pordenone). These are formed by a deep gorge carved into the limestone by the Cosa river, along with three connected caves.
Meanwhile, the San Giovanni d’Antro Località in Pulfero is both a cave and a church. At 348 meters above sea level, a few hundred meters from the village of Antro, the cave opens into a steep granite wall of Mount Mladesiena. The first section of the cave is currently under development for a modest church dedicated to the Saints who gave the cave its name.
5. Beautiful Small Towns and Villages
Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s little towns and villages provide a varied range of views into the heritage and country life of this lovely northern Italian region.
Friuli takes pride in its strong rural character, which is exemplified by its language, whilst Venezia Giulia revolves around the port city of Trieste, which is guarded by the Carso plateau.
The following are some of the must-see towns in Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
• Palmanova
Palmanova is the star-shaped town in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, characterized by the fortifications all around town, which give the city the shape of a nine-pointed star. These fortifications are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017.
• Spilimbergo
This is a medieval village in the Friulian hinterland famous for its cultural riches.
• Cividale del Friuli
You can find this medieval town in the province of Udine, on the banks of the Natisone river.
• Fagagna
This town is famous for its local cheese, which is created from the highest quality unpasteurized milk. The town is located on a hill and is accessible through an uphill route.
• Venzone
This village is enclosed by medieval walls that were designated a Monumento Nazionale (National Monument) in 1965.
6. Golf and the Stunning Friulian Scenery
Seven 18-hole golf courses can be found in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region.
Golf courses in Friuli-Venezia Giulia have been fashioned out of the region’s varied scenery, which includes vineyards, lovely beaches, Venetian lagoons, and the snowy Carnic Alps as a stunning background.
Golf Club Udine, a prominent championship-standard course amid the undulating Friulian countryside, and Golf Club Grado, a unique layout on the scenic island of Grado, are two of the area’s most naturally beautiful courses.
The Golf & Country Club Castle di Spessa, located in the heart of the Collio, is known for its modern fairways surrounded by a 1200s castle.
The Grado Golf Club, located on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, is a popular choice for serious players looking for a test of skill. Additionally, the club is located near some beautiful beaches and includes a spa on-site.
7. The Lush Vineyards and Fabulous Italian Wines
The Friuli-Venezia Giulia wine area, together with the Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, is part of the Tre Venezie wine region, which ranks alongside Tuscany and Piedmont as one of Italy’s world-class wine regions.
The white wines of Friuli-Venezia Giulia are often regarded as some of the best examples of Italian wine in that style. When visiting the Friuli region, be sure to sample some of the region’s world-renowned wines, especially the famous prosecco.
The majority of Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s vineyards are located in the southern half of the area, including the big wine districts of Collio Goriziano, Isonzo, and Carso.
There are other smaller regions, such as Annia, Grave and Latisana, in the center and western parts of the region which makes lighter and less refined wines.
More red wine is produced in the Graves and Aquileia regions, with Merlot and Cabernet Franc among the most popular varietals.
Visiting these vineyards is one of the top things to do in Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
8. The region’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Travel back in time to the prehistoric past, from the Roman Empire to the reign of the Lombards, by visiting one or all of five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Friuli-Venezia-Giulia.
They’ll take you to beautiful medieval towns, stunning valleys, prehistoric dwellings erected on stilts, and timeless scenery. As a bonus, you’ll get an opportunity to learn about the region’s artisanal food and wine products.
One of the five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Friuli-Venezia Giulia is entirely inside the region, while the other four are part of other regions and countries.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Friuli are the Aquileia ruins and basilica, the Dolomite Mountains, the walled city of Palmanova, the old town of Cividale del Friuli, and Pile Dwellings in the Alps.
9. The Region’s Cuisine
Slavs, Austrians, and Italians are all represented in Friuli, a multicultural melting pot. Since many different cultures have passed through the area, the foods are just as diverse.
In Friuli, you’ll find an eclectic range of culinary styles and flavors. Try their polenta-based goulash or their cherry-and-prune-stuffed gnocchi. Jota, a hearty stew composed of sauerkraut, beans, potatoes, and bacon, is the most popular regional cuisine. Although this isn’t Italy we’re used to, it’s still fantastic.
Other delicacies in the region that are worth trying are cevapcici, Trieste’s characteristic meatball dish, and brovada, a secondo that mixes turnips, grape peels, and pork sausage.
San Daniele, Italy’s best-known prosciutto producer, is a must-see stop on any trip to Italy.
10. Hiking, Skiing, and Other Adventures in the Friulian Alps
The Carnic Alps and the Julian Alps are two of the most popular mountain ranges in Friuli-Venezia Giulia for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor sports.
Towards the northwest of the region, the Carnic Alps and a portion of Veneto may be found, while the Julian Alps round up the Alps in the east.
• Coss-border skiing or snowboarding
The Sella Nevea ski resort in Friuli is connected to the Slovenian resort of Kranjska Gora, making it possible to ski (or snowboard) from one resort to the other. Both the Slovenian (Bovec) and Italian (Sella Nevea, Julian Alps) sides are accessible with a single ski pass for both resorts.
• Tarvisio Alpine Bob Coaster
There is something for everyone to enjoy on Tarvisio’s newest Alpine Bob Coaster! In the forest. The alpine roller coaster zigs and zags as you hurtle down the track.
• Mushing a dog sled
Tarvisio’s International Mushing Sleddog School is a great place to learn how to drive a dog sled. Even summer programs are available for people who are truly averse to the cold.
- ALSO READ: 10 Best Ski Resorts in Italy
11. Swimming in Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Friuli-Venezia Giulia has miles of sandy beaches and public swimming areas. A beach holiday awaits you in Lignano, Marano Lagunare, or Grado. The beaches there are very popular, especially for Friuli’s Austrian neighbors.
Other swimming destinations are also found in the region, offering fun experiences and the best photo opportunities.
• Lignano Sabbiadoro Beach
Here’s a nice sandy beach for perfect relaxation and fun.
Lignano offers plenty of water activities such as parasailing, boating, and water banana. There’s also a windsurf school in the area and with with amenities like deck chairs, umbrellas, and toilets, as well as snack bars and restaurants.
Plenty of arcades for the kids are also available, plus all the touristy stuff.
• Lago di Cornino
Lake Cornino is located at the southeastern edge of the Carnic Prealps. It’s not a big lake but it provides great opportunities for a walk and excellent pictures for your Instagram.
- MUST-READ: 14 Best Lakes in Italy To Visit
Aside from swimming in the incredibly blue-green waters, Lake Cornino also offers an oportunity to observe griffon vultures and other birds of prey at the bird sanctuary further up.
Visit the Riserva Naturale Regionale Lago di Cornino website for more information.
• Cerdevol Curnila in Val d’Arzino
The Val d’Arzino is a valley of the Carnic Prealps, located in the Friulan provinces of Udine and Pordenone.
Cerdevol Curnila is an excellent bathing destination located in this enchanting valley. Here the water is freezing cold at first dip, but it’s really pleasant once settled. There are plenty of flat rocks where you can hang your towels and umbrellas – lovely spots for picture-taking!
12. The Friulian Cities
Let’s head back to the cities after your outdoor adventures. The provincial capitals of Friuli-Venezia Giulia are all easily reached by train and well-worth a visit.
• Trieste
A charming seaside city in Italy’s far northeast, Trieste is the regional capital of the Friuli-Venezia Giula. It’s right next to the Slovenian border.
Here you can feel the Italian, Austro-Hungarian, and Slovenian influences and the mixture of history and heritage that sets the city apart from the rest of Italy. It is definitely one of the best non-touristy cities you must visit in Italy!
• Udine
Udine is known for its Carnevale festivals and the Mushroom Festival, as well as the hilltop castle which is home to several museums and an art gallery that features works of Tiepolo and Caravaggio.
This city is one of the best places to visit in Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
• Gorizia
Gorizia is a small, charming city located at the foot of the Julian Alps, bordering Slovenia.
The city lies on a plain surrounded by the hills of Collio which are renowned for the outstanding Collio Goriziano wines.
Gorizia is a noted cultural center and deemed “the Austrian Nice” by the Habsburg aristocracy.
• Pordenone
Pordenone is known for its many fine Roman-Gothic and Venetian palaces, the most famous of which is the late 13th-century Palazzo Comunale that’s noted for its picture gallery.
Pordenone also takes pride in being one of the flagship towns in the territory of prosecco, the world-famous sparkling white wine.
13. Festivals and Events in Friula Venezia Giulia
With the region’s rich history and culture, you’re sure to enjoy its festivals and events. Let’s delve into some of them.
• Messa dello Spadone (The Mass of the Sword)
Messa dello Spadone is a liturgical celebration happening every 6th of January in the cathedral of Cividale del Friuli in the province of Udine.
A sword is used to greet the people with three blows in the air before putting it back in its sheath. A mass is then celebrated in Latin, along with ancient Aquileian songs. A medieval historical procession ensues.
This ritual has been celebrated since 1366.
• Sapóri di Carnia
Sapóri di Carnia (“Flavors of Meat”) is a celebration of the region’s eatables. It begins in the streets of Raveo, about 110 kilometers northwest of Trieste, and winds through local villages – each offering a diverse taste not only of meats but fruits and cheeses as well.
• The Historical Reenactment of Macia
Rievocazione Storica della Macia, a 4-day annual festival dedicated to the Renaissance, takes place in mid-August in Spilimbergo in the province of Pordenone. The celebration involves the revival of ancient crafts, bivouacs, music, and period shows, as well as civil and religious ceremonies.
Visitors will delight in artefacts of local artisans, as well as watch jugglers, acrobats, and street musicians. can enjoy a meal in one of the ancient taverns.
This Spilimbergo’s colorful blast from the past is very well worth a visit!
• The Carnival of Sapadda
On the northern slopes of the Dolomites, the comune of Sapadda celebrates the Carnival during the three Sundays preceding Lent.
Each Sunday is dedicated to a category of Sappada inhabitants that lived in the village: Paurn Suntacch (peasants’ Sunday), Pèttlar Suntacch (the Sunday of the paupers), and Hearn Suntacch (the lords’ Sunday). During the Carnevale di Sapadda, the inhabitants are teased by some masks that symbolize them in a comical way.
All parades involve the presence of that mask that is the symbol of Sappada. It’s called Rollate, a sort-of great man-bear with a wooden mask and two big bells. Rollate is the protagonist in the event. He is challenged by children whom he chases and catches. He then punishes them by wielding a broom on their bottoms in a playful way.
The Carnival of Sapadda is a feast of fun, merriment, and jokes, as well as an intense moment of folklore and tradition. It is one of Italy’s unique festivals and events you should experience at least once in your lifetime.