Stressed and want to unwind? Yearning for a vacation that will soothe your mind and your soul? Then you need to head to the Central European beach where a holiday is a true vacation. Grado is a tiny island in north-east Italy surrounded by the Adriatic Sea that is known as the Sunny or Golden Island. You can just imagine how much light and beauty there is here. I can reach Grado by car in about 40 minutes from my city (Gorizia). On cooler days I've ridden my bike to the island and it has taken me about two hours.
The ancient city of Aquileia is located in the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region of Italy and is on UNESCO's World Heritage list. One of the most prosperous towns in the Roman era it was destroyed in the 5th century by Attila the Hun.
The mountainous territory of Carnia is the part of Friuli which stands astride the border between Austria and Slovenia. Due to its anguished history, often marked by the extreme poverty of my people, Friuli is extremely attached to its land. The Friulian people over the last centuries have therefore learnt what the land has to offer and to use it in the best possible way.
The town of Lignano is often referred to as Lignano Golden Sands and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Thousands of tourists travel to Lignano every year to enjoy he beautiful golden beach of the town and of course, the thermal baths and the relaxing spas located in the town.
Gorizia is a very charming city located at the border of Italy and Slovenia. Gorizia had once been the main town of the region but when the international border had separated it in 1945, its importance has decreased. Today, in Slovenia across the border a new town has been founded by the name of Nova Gorica.
Trieste is the capital of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region and has a population of close to 260,000. The city is located on the main trade route, leading to the Germans towards the north, Latin countries in the west and to Mediterranean destinations in the south. The city is internationally known for its mercantile, cultural and artistic heritage.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia is a region in Italy and is one of the five autonomous regions that have a special statute. The capital of the region is Trieste. The region is spread over an area of 7800 sq km and has a population of close to 1.2 million. The economy of the region is quite well developed and is based mainly on agriculture and farming. Cattle breeding is also quite popular and wide spread. The economy of the region is considered to be one of the most developed in the country. The agricultural products are known to be quite high quality and are exported all over Italy as well as in other European countries.
Pordenone is a city located in the Fruili-Venezia Guilia region in northeastern Italy. The name of the city means "port on the River Noncello". The history of the city dates back to the Roman age when several agricultural settlements and villas were locatedhere. In the later centuries the city was made to be a port on the River. In the 14th century Pordenone was handed over to the Habsburg family and later to the Republic of Venice in the 16th century. After the First World War the economy of the city suffered extensively but it picked up again because of the military presence after the Second World War.
Udine is a city located in the region of Friuli Venezia Guilia and is situated quite close to the Slovenian Border. Udine has a long history that goes back to centuries. Although the name of Udine is first mentioned only in 938 AD, it is believed that the city had been inhabited since Neolithic ages. In 1223, Udine became the seat of the Patriarch and the most important center for trade and commerce in the region.
As of 2007, the population of Udine was 97,800 people. The city is a peaceful place, and one with much history which is very well reflected in several aspects of the city's culture.
Be sure to check out Part I of snow activities in Friuli Venezia Giulia
HIGH ABOVE
Friuli Venezia Giulia's mountains hold a fascination for their untouched nature. To climb the snowy mountain tops to then descend off-slope accompanied by ski-school guides. There are numerous possibilities for real enthusiasts and lovers of high mountain slopes to practice this extreme sport in Friuli Venezia Giulia. The framework drawn by the extraordinary alpine landscapes remain both unique and a must see!
Be sure to check out Part II of snow activities in Friuli Venezia Giulia
The eastern Dolomites, the Alps in Carnia and the Western Giulian Alps. From Piancavallo passing through Carnia until you reach Tarvisio and the surrounding areas: it is still possible to ski away from the crowds and noise, on the numerous downhill slopes for those who love the thrill of speed and on other, simpler slopes, for those who prefer a more relaxing and calmer ski.
Enjoying a life of perfect relaxation amid golden beaches and the calm sea of Grado and Lignano. Diving amongst the white rocks of Trieste's Riviera. With a thousand opportunities for open-air sports, restful spa breaks and fun for the whole family.
The numerous museums devoted to arts and crafts have collected and preserved the area's material culture like a treasure of memory and poetry: the Museo dell'Arrotino, in Val Resia, devoted to knife-grinders, evokes figures and words that have now disappeared, and the Permanent Exhibition of the Mining Tradition in Cave del Predil recounts the stories of the men who toiled in the depths of the earth.
Authentic magic. Where large forests breathe, pearly lakes repose, and impressive rock walls jut out. The perfect environment for all outdoor sports. An environment warmed by its people and by its villages nestling in enchanting atmospheres. And animated by thousands of colorful festivals.
Istrian Lamb, oil, Vitovska wines and Tabor cheese. The offspring of the hard Carso uplands, battered by the wind and rich in attractive little villages. And in cosmopolitan Trieste, a special cooked ham, confectioners and historical cafes.
Cuisine and the land, the land and cuisine: a fundamental link generating a kaleidoscope of tastes. The most noted ambassadors of the region, San Daniele ham and the wines of the Friuli Venezia Giulia vineyards, introduce the dishes and products of the sea, mountains and hills.
Historic events, landscapes, languages and dialects. The many diversities enriching Friuli Venezia Giulia have also rubbed off on its varied traditions of wines and foods: dishes, flavors, aromas and culinary rites are bound indissolubly to the land and recount its history through a range of flavors.
Continue on to Part I of this article on Frilui Seaside Attractions
Lignano Sabbiadoro: A Truly Great Holiday...
All your dreams come true in the town flying the "Blue Flag". There is endless fun to be had, in theme parks, funfairs, and a park zoo. Sailing, windsurfing, horse riding and golf keep sports lovers on their toes and by boat or by bike, you can reach enchanting natural sites.
Continue on to Part II of this article on Frilui Seaside Attractions
A melting pot for Latin, Germanic and Slav civilizations. Beaches of fine sand and a sea gently sloping away in Lignano and Grado, inlets embedded between white rocks in Trieste. Enchanting places, all year round.
