How To Visit This Undiscovered Italian Region For Free
Downtown Trieste with canals and restaurants,
The north-eastern region of Friuli Venezia Giulia is offering to reimburse the train journeys of visitors from other areas of Italy in a bid to put itself on tourist radar. The region is typically one of the least visited by travelers to Italy, although it offers a fascinating fusion of cultures, spectacular natural beauty of snow-capped mountains and paradisiacal beaches, and an exceptional wine scene.
How can I get paid to visit Friuli Venezia Giulia?
Until May 31, 2023, the region’s tourist board, PromoTurismoFVG, is refunding train tickets for visitors arriving from Italy. Trips to the cities of Trieste and Udine, and the coastal towns of Grado and Lignano Sabbiadoro are eligible. Visitors must travel back and forth from one of these five train stations: Latisana-Lignano-Bibione, Cervignano-Aquileia-Grado, Trieste Airport, Trieste Centrale, or Udine.
The region hopes the initiative will encourage sustainable travel while increasing visitor numbers. The only condition for participation is two nights, which is not really hard.
The main square in Trieste called “Piazza Unità d’Italia”
Travelers can use all trains operated by Trenitalia, including regional and intercity lines, as well as the high-speed Freccia trains. Visitors must book their entire trip, including two nights’ accommodation at a participating hotel, either three or five days in advance, depending on the destination. When booking, the cost of the return train journey will be deducted from the total price.
As if a free train ride wasn’t enough, the region is also giving away a free 48-hour FGVcard to visitors participating in the initiative. This enables free and discounted admission to museums, free travel on public transport and other benefits.
What are the top attractions to visit in Friuli Venezia Giulia?
Friuli Venezia Giulia is a multicultural country that has historically been home to Romans, Lombards, Slavs and now Italians. In some areas, in addition to Italian, Friulian, Slovene, German, Venetian and even Croatian are spoken.
This multifaceted history is reflected in one of its greatest cities: Trieste. It stands out from other Italian metropolises because, having been temporarily annexed by Austria-Hungary, it still exudes Austrian culture. There are cafes to rival Vienna, and the expansive Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia overlooks the sea and is lined with magnificent 19th-century palazzi. Remember to use your free FGVcard to visit the city’s museums.
City of Grado colorful architecture and canals aerial view, Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy
Gorizia is another city that lies at the crossroads of several cultures. Italian, Germanic and Slavic architecture, monuments and traditions can be found here. Keep in mind that trains arriving here are non-refundable, but it’s a good stopover between Udine and Trieste, both of which are refundable.
While southern Italy is considered Italy’s beach paradise, Friuli Venezia Giulia has two spectacular seaside resorts that lure visitors north.
Lignano Sabbiadoro, just over the border with the Veneto region, offers access to the Adriatic Sea with over 40 bathing establishments. The iconic Terrazza a Mare, a 1960s shell-shaped building on a pier, houses shops, bars and a solarium.
Grado, a little further along the coast, is nicknamed “the sunny island” and, a bit like Venice, is scattered across a series of islands in a clear lagoon. It is a historic spa town with a health center that still offers thermal water treatments.