Top 10 Places to Visit in Friuli Venezia Giulia
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Latest page update: 14 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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This top ten list highlights the variety of landscapes and architecture in Friuli-Venezia Giulia — a region where Central European and Italian influences meet. From the grand port city of Trieste to the alpine Lakes of Fusine, there’s a strong sense of contrast and identity throughout. Inland towns like Udine, Spilimbergo and Cividale del Friuli offer history, craft and distinctive charm.
On the coast, Grado and Muggia provide a more relaxed feel, while sites like Aquileia and Palmanova add archaeological depth. It’s a region full of character, with a mix of views, stories and cultures. |
Spilimbergo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia
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Trieste
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Trieste is a port city with a rich mix of Italian, Austrian and Slavic influences. Its grand squares and cafés reflect its time as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Highlights include Piazza Unità d’Italia, the historic cafés, the waterfront and Miramare Castle, perched above the sea. The city also has a strong literary tradition. Trieste has its own airport and train connections to Venice and Slovenia. It’s an elegant, multicultural city with a unique character. |
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Lakes of Fusine
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The Lakes of Fusine are a pair of glacial lakes near the Slovenian border, surrounded by forest and high mountains. Their colours shift from deep blue to emerald green.
Walking paths connect the upper and lower lakes, and the reflections of the peaks create beautiful photo opportunities. It’s peaceful, even in summer. The lakes are reached by car from Tarvisio. They make a great day trip for nature lovers and photographers. |
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Udine
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Udine is a refined city with Venetian-style squares, quiet arcades and Renaissance buildings. It’s the cultural centre of the region and known for its art and food.
The hilltop castle offers views of the city, while the central square, Piazza Libertà, is one of the most beautiful in Italy. Udine is connected by train to Venice and Trieste. It’s a pleasant place to stay or stop while exploring the region. |
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Grado
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Grado is a seaside town on a lagoon, known for its historic centre and long sandy beaches. It has a relaxing feel and is popular with families and older travellers.
The old town features narrow alleys, Roman remains and a Byzantine basilica. There are also spa facilities and a protected natural area nearby. Grado is best reached by car or bus. It’s ideal for those looking to combine beach time with a bit of history. |
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Cividale del Friuli
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Cividale del Friuli is a small town with a big past, founded by Julius Caesar and later a Lombard capital. Its medieval centre includes a famous Devil’s Bridge over the river.
The town has several museums, including one dedicated to Lombard culture, and its cathedral and cloisters are also worth visiting. Cividale is on the train line from Udine. It’s a great destination for history lovers and day trippers. |
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Spilimbergo
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Spilimbergo is known as the home of Italy’s most famous mosaic school. The town itself is attractive, with frescoed buildings, stone streets and medieval towers.
The mosaic school offers tours and exhibitions showing detailed traditional and modern works. The town also hosts art events and festivals. It’s located northwest of Udine and best visited by car. Spilimbergo is a quiet but creative destination with a strong sense of craftsmanship. |
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Palmanova
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Palmanova is a unique star-shaped fortress town built in the 16th century by the Venetians. From above, its layout is a perfect geometric shape with radial streets.
The main square is wide and open, and walking the walls or viewing the town’s shape from aerial viewpoints gives a sense of its design. Palmanova is on the train line and also reachable by car. It’s a fascinating example of military architecture and urban planning. |
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Aquileia
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Aquileia was once a major Roman city and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its basilica has one of the oldest and largest mosaic floors in the Western world.
Other ruins include a Roman forum, port and burial sites. The archaeological museum adds depth to the visit. Aquileia is close to Grado and often visited on the same day. It’s essential for anyone interested in Roman history. |
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Sacile
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Sacile is a small town often called the ‘Garden of the Serenissima’ because of its canals and Venetian architecture. The Livenza River flows through the centre.
Elegant buildings, bridges and quiet squares make it a pleasant place for a stroll or lunch. Markets and festivals add local colour. Sacile is on the train line between Venice and Udine. It’s an easy and rewarding stop for travellers in the region. |
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Muggia
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Muggia is a fishing town just south of Trieste, with a historic core and a quiet harbour. Its pastel houses and narrow streets feel more Istrian than Italian.
The main square and castle are worth a look, and the waterfront has several restaurants serving seafood. There’s a lively carnival each year. Muggia is reached by ferry or bus from Trieste. It’s small but full of charm and history. |
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