6 must-do experiences in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Friuli-Venezia Giulia is one of Italy’s least-known yet most underrated regions. Its secluded position plays a role — located on the country’s far eastern edge, it borders Austria to the north and Slovenia to the east, and opens onto the Adriatic Sea.

What makes Friuli so extraordinary is its variety: sea, rivers, art cities, ancient forests, lakes, mountains, and excellent cuisine. Even better, it’s still largely untouched by mass tourism, meaning visitors can enjoy its treasures in peace.

Here are six unmissable places to visit in this magnificent region.

1. The UNESCO Site of Aquileia

Located in the province of Udine, Aquileia is a small town with an immense past. Often called “The Second Rome,” it was one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire and a key commercial hub.

Its most famous monument is the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, a Romanesque-Gothic church featuring the largest early Christian mosaic floor in the Western world — a breathtaking 760 square meters of intricate patterns.

Wander through the quiet streets to find archaeological remains in the open air, such as the Fondo Cal site, with vestiges of ancient Roman houses and oratories.

Finally, don’t miss the Fluvial Port, one of the best-preserved Roman harbors in existence. Along the Via Sacra, shaded by cypress trees, you’ll see warehouses, customs buildings, and mooring docks — evidence of Roman engineering genius.

2. The Millenary Forest of Tarvisio

At the northern border with Austria and Slovenia stretches the Tarvisio Forest, Italy’s largest state-owned woodland — 24,000 hectares of pure nature in the Friulian Alps.

This vast ecosystem, known as the “lungs of Europe,” shelters rivers, alpine lakes like Fusine and Predil, and a wealth of wildlife, including bears, eagles, ibex, lynx, and even otters.

The forest is also famed for its resonance spruce trees, prized by violin makers for crafting instruments such as violins and cellos. These trees, nicknamed “the singing spruce,” grow only in a few places in Europe — and Tarvisio is one of them.

3. Cycling through the Grado Lagoon

For those who love exploring on two wheels, Grado is a paradise. This elegant seaside town, nestled between Trieste and Venice, offers an extensive network of cycling paths through lagoon landscapes and fishing villages.

The Alpe Adria Cycle Route — voted the best bike trail in Europe — ends here after a 415 km journey from the Austrian Alps to the Adriatic Sea.

Grado’s historic center, with its cobbled streets and cozy harbor, is perfect for a rest stop, while the surrounding lagoon and sandy beaches provide a peaceful escape immersed in nature.

4. The Emerald Pools (Pozze Smeraldine)

In the province of Pordenone, the Pozze Smeraldine are one of Friuli’s most stunning natural attractions. These emerald-green pools, formed by the Meduna Stream in the Val Tramontina, create a magical setting of waterfalls, rocky basins, and crystal-clear waters.

The area is part of the Friulian Dolomites Natural Park, and the site’s unspoiled beauty even caught international attention — The Guardian listed the Pozze Smeraldine among the “10 most beautiful natural swimming pools in the world.”

5. Lignano Sabbiadoro

One of the Adriatic’s most famous beach destinations, Lignano Sabbiadoro combines relaxation, sports, and nightlife. Divided into three main areas — Sabbiadoro, Pineta, and Riviera — it caters to every kind of traveler: families, young people, and those seeking peace.

The city boasts multiple Blue Flag awards for its clean waters and facilities, and it’s also known for its vibrant events, including the legendary Festivalbar.

Don’t miss the Terrazza a Mare, a pier with a panoramic terrace, restaurant, and bar — the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the sea.

6. The Wineries of Collio

At the far eastern tip of Friuli, near the Slovenian border, lies Collio, a land of rolling vineyards and charming villages.

This DOC wine area, recognized since 1968, produces some of Italy’s best white wines: Pinot, Sauvignon, Tocai Friulano, and Collio Bianco.

Stretching from the hills of San Floriano and Oslavia to Ruttars and Vencò, the landscape is a patchwork of villas, castles, and endless vines — a dream destination for wine tastings and countryside relaxation.
 

From Roman mosaics to alpine forests, from turquoise pools to golden beaches and vineyards, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is a region that surprises at every turn — a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.