12 Must-Try Experiences in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Piazza Unità d’Italia (Unity of Italy Square) is the heart of the splendid city of Trieste, and the largest square in Europe. This vast, solemn space that soars towards the Adriatic is the strongest expression of the regional capital's cultural and political importance. You can really feel Trieste's cosmopolitan spirit, a melting pot of different cultures where Central Europe rubs shoulders with the Mediterranean.

If you face inland, Palazzo Stratti (Stratti Palace) stands to your left, distinguished by elegant, Neoclassical elements. It's home to the historic, inviting Caffè degli Specchi, with outdoor seating where you can sip a coffee or prosecco in complete tranquillity, observing the comings and goings of passers-by.

The Parco del Castello Miramare (Castle of Miramare Park) extends over the Gulf of Trieste, from the Grignano headland. This large, variegated park is home tree and shrub species from Styria, Carinthia and non-European countries like Mexico.

Wandering through the atmospheric lanes surrounded by greenery, you'll stumble upon a Swiss cottage on the banks of Lago dei Cigni (Swan Lake), the Cappella di San Canciano (Chapel of San Canciano) as well as numerous sculptures, greenhouses and dry-stone walls. The castle's open to the public and has been transformed into a museum, where you can visit the well preserved, lavish 19th-century noble residence of Maximilian of Habsburg.

Aquileia in the Province of Udine is home to an important archaeological area and UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. Aquileia was an influential city in the Roman Empire, and in the Middle Ages it became one of the main hubs for the dissemination of Christianity.

It's now well known for its Area Archeologica (Archaelogical Area), where digs have uncovered well-preserved remains including columns, mosaics, roads and foundations of villas. If you're travelling as a couple, you can go on an amazing walk through the ruins of a glorious past, admiring the inviting wildlife at the same time. This includes pine forests and the distinctive landscape of the nearby lagoon.

Tarvisio, in the province of Udine, is home to the resplendent Lagi di Fusine (Lakes of Fusine), including Lago Inferiore (Lower Lake) and Lago Superiore (Upper Lake), approximately 900 m above sea level. These two lakes of Morainic origin boast impressive bright green waters. To get there, go to the sign pointing to Sentiero Rio del Lago. This is the starting point for our recommended route and is also a great spot for admiring the Mangart (standing at 2677 m).

The path runs along the banks of the Lower Lake, then continues around the outside of the Upper Lake. On the way’s a place selling refreshments, ideal for a quick break and treating the kids to an ice cream.

Sentiero del Pellegrino (Pilgrim's Path) offers 1000 metres of uneven track, from Camporosso in Valcanale to Santuario del Monte Lussari (Sanctuary of Monte Lussari, standing at 1790 metres). If you prefer creature comforts, the Camporosso-Monte Lussari cable car takes you to your destination in minutes.

The path (number 613) starts from the end of the large car park. It winds steeply through Parco Naturale Foresta di Tarvisio (Tarvisio Natural Forest Park), a brilliant challenge if you like staying active on holiday. Monte Lussari (Mount Lussari) is known as the 'balcony of the Julian Alps' due to the vast, breathtaking panorama of bright and iridescent colours, an incredible backdrop for photos with loved ones.

San Daniele del Friuli, in the province of Udine, is known for its prosciutto crudo (dry-cured ham) and trota affumicata (smoked trout). It stands on the banks of the Tagliamento, making for lovely walks, horse riding, canoeing or sunbathing on the shore. The historic centre's distinguished by well-kept streets rising gently up the hill, with little shops, cafes and restaurants.

In June, you can attend an organised tour around the ham factories, like La Casa del Prosciutto degli Alberti. The aromatic local prosciutto can be bought all year round in the numerous artisan shops and little stores in the centre. You'll find restaurants also serve this tasty delicacy which has made this little Friuli town famous worldwide.

Carnia never fails to dazzle visitors. Crossed by the Alps and the Dolomiti Friulane (Friulian Dolomites), this natural paradise offers excursions for beginners and seasoned mountaineers alike. In the summer you can explore the paths on your mountain bike or on horseback, while skis and snowshoes are required come wintertime.

Mountain lovers will never forget the Anello del Lago di Bordaglia (Ring of the Bordaglia Lake), starting from Pierabech and continuing through the Oasi Faunistica di Bordaglia-Flèons (Bordaglia-Flèons Wildlife Oasis). You'll stumble upon gorgeous views and fleeting encounters with animals populating the Alps, including various type of deer like roe and chamois.

The Strada Napoleonica (Napoleonic Way) starts from Piazza dell’Obelisco in Opicina and continues to Borgo San Nazario, in the Trieste district of Prosecco. This cycling and pedestrian route’s a favourite for families, couples and anyone who craves tranquillity. You can get there by car, bus or on the distinctive Tranvia di Opicina (Trieste–Opicina tramway).

On the way you'll admire the typical Carso landscape and come across some climbing walls where you can witness the feats of free climbers. The road opens out onto magnificent views, with the Faro della Vittoria (Vittoria Light) overlooking the Gulf in Poggio di Gretta. The route's great for families as it's a little over 3.5 km of almost flat terrain, and suitable for pushchairs.

Grotta Gigante di Opicina (Giant Cave of Opicina) takes you deep into the earth in a vast cave system. Discover a hidden world of incomparable beauty, where stalactites and stalagmites inhabit a magical environment. It's the world’s biggest cave, spanning hundreds of metres under the earth’s surface. Choose from two experiences: Percorso Turistico (Tourist Route) and Percorso Speleo (Speleological Route). The first’s suitable for all and lasts an hour.

Visitors are accompanied by an expert guide who explains how the cave was discovered, how it was formed and its characteristics. The second, lasting four hours, goes through the Coloni section, which is closed off to the public. Booking’s required and you should have experience with via ferratas and wear suitable clothing.

The Centro Termale di Arta Terme ('Thermal Centre of Arta Terme') is known for the sulphurous waters of Fonte Pudia (Pudia Spring) and numerous wellness services. Surrounded by majestic mountains, it makes for an ideal wellness holiday. The spaces are modern and well kept, and the pool’s lit by large windows overlooking the bright green woodland.

As well as taking advantage of the wellness area, you can try specialist spa treatments, pamper yourself with beauty treatments and use the gym equipment to work out. There are also saunas, Turkish baths, showers and Kneipp treatments. The prices are very reasonable, making the Thermal Baths good for your body, your mind and your wallet too.

Pordenone has plenty of parks for a walk or bike ride for active travellers. Don’t want to spend money renting a bike? We recommend the town's free bike sharing service. In Parco Galvani (Galvani Park) is Museo Itinerario della Rosa Antica (Itinerary Museum of Ancient Roses) or MIRA, including hundreds of rose varieties and specimens.

Parco San Valentino (San Valentino Park) boasts a gorgeous pond and an ideal habitat for rare species of flora. We also recommend Parco Martiri delle Foibe (Martyrs of the Foibe Park), with its four 19th-century, English-style Laghetti di Rorai (Rorai Ponds), and Parco IV Novembre (November IV Park), with lime trees in concentric lines.

The Pozze Smeraldine (Emerald Pools) are a corner of paradise in the Parco Naturale Regionale delle Dolomiti Friulane (Friulian Dolomites Regional Nature Park). This set of small lakes formed by the Meduna river are so-called for their intense green colour, which makes them unique.

To get there, follow a short, simple route. You'll pass a spring where you can top up your water bottle. The landscape has a wild charm; the water is cold, crystal clear and surrounded by white rocks, perfect for sunbathing. When the heat gets too much, these natural pools are a real life saver.