by Nina Vaclavikova
With clear skies and unseasonably warm temperatures, the final weekend of April brought an early taste of summer to Friuli Venezia Giulia, drawing travelers from across Italy and neighboring countries eager to enjoy the region’s coastline, historic cities and mountain escapes.
From the seaside promenades of Trieste to the elegant piazzas of Udine and the beaches of Lignano Sabbiadoro and Grado, hotels and restaurants reported a noticeable rise in visitors, many taking advantage of the long holiday weekend to plan short spring getaways. Along the Karst plateau, hiking trails overlooking the Adriatic filled with walkers, while the vineyards of Collio welcomed wine lovers looking for a slower pace.
In Trieste, tourists crowded Piazza Unità d’Italia, lingering at outdoor cafés and strolling along the Canal Grande under bright blue skies. Ferries and day excursions to nearby coastal villages also saw strong demand, as locals and visitors alike embraced the sunshine.
