Nature experiences along the coast of Friuli Venezia Giulia

Enjoy a day in the great outdoors and explore the natural wonders along the coast of Friuli Venezia Giulia! Discover the nine Regional Nature Reserves, the wild islets of the Marano and Grado Lagoons, the fishing valleys, navigable rivers, forests, caves, and much more. Choose the adventure that inspires you the most!

Treat yourself to a day in the great outdoors: try one of the many organised excursions or explore the beauty of the coastal nature reserves at your own pace.

Discover the delicate ecosystem of the Valle Canal Novo Nature Reserve in Marano Lagunare by walking along the boardwalks just above the waterline or visiting the aquarium, where you can get acquainted with the lagoon’s marine life, including the graceful seahorses.

Immerse yourself in the unspoilt wilderness of Isola della Cona by completing one of the two circular hiking trails, or choose a bicycle itinerary to explore the sandbanks, hygrophilous shrubs, fishing valleys and the beaches of the Valle Canavata Nature Reserve.

If you prefer to follow the pedestrian and cycle paths crisscrossing the Karst area, such as the renowned Rilke Path or the Napoleonic Road, you will soon reach the Duino Cliffs Nature Reserve and admire the rugged beauty of the towering limestone cliffs standing proudly in contrast to the placid blue sea below. Alternatively, explore the dolinas (local dales), the caves and the wind-carved paths along the marked trails of the Val Rosandra Nature Reserve, the Mounts Lanaro and Orsario Nature Reserve and the Lakes Doberdò and Pietrarossa Nature Reserve.

Did you know that the Mouth of the River Stella Nature Reserve can only be accessed from the water? Choose the experience that suits you best. You can join motorboat excursions with a stop at the “casoni” (fishing huts) village, or take paddleboarding and canoeing tours through the peaceful canals of the nature reserve. Depart from Lignano Sabbiadoro beach and ferry your paddleboard or canoe by motorboat, or rent them from Bilancia di Bepi, a riverside stilt hut where traditional bilancione net fishing is still practiced.

Have you always dreamt of a horse-riding adventure? Whether you're a child or an adult, there are plenty of experiences designed just for you, including pony games, horse familiarization activities, riding lessons, and horse-riding trips!

Meet the herd of wild white Camargue horses that roam freely in the Isola della Cona Nature Reserve, or visit the other free-roaming herd at the Free Horses Farm, part of the Valle Ca' Lovo Estate. This fishing valley is free from stables and fences, where horses feed on what nature provides, and the principles of Ethical Equestrianism are practiced.

Do you feel like immersing yourself in nature while paddling at a slow pace?
Choose one of the many canoe and SUP tours: there are plenty of itineraries to explore! From experiences along the sea at the main beach resorts across the coast to excursions in Nature Reserves like the Mouth of the River Stella or Isola della Cona, with possible transfers from the beach!
You can explore the Marano Lagoon by taking a SUP or canoe tour from the Red Lighthouse to the wild Shell Island, or paddle at sunset in the Grado Lagoon, with the island of Barbana and its famous sanctuary in the background.
You can also admire the stunning Gulf of Trieste, the castles of Duino and Miramare, and even the largest square in Europe by the sea, Piazza Unità in Trieste, right from the coast!

Venture into the Karst plateau's inland and get ready to descend several steps to admire the stunning limestone formations hidden inside the caves. For a truly adventurous experience, don't miss the Torri di Slivia caves and the Giant Cave.