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The city of Trieste in Italy’s northeastern Friuli-Venezia Giulia region is known as a true crossroads between the Mediterranean and the Balkans. It is unlike any other major city in Italy and resembles Austria more than the rest of the Bel Paese. It is frequently overlooked by many tourists, including locals, but that is an unfortunate mistake! In this article, we’ll focus on Trieste’s magnificent coastline and beaches along the Gulf of Trieste which are all within 30 minutes from each other.
Grignano Beach
Grignano is located just below the famous 19th-century Miramare Castle, one of Trieste and Friuli’s most visited landmarks. There are actually two private beaches here: Sirena (also known as Grignano 1) and Grignano 2. The first is preferred by families because it has two swimming pools and lots of fun activities for children throughout the day. Sirena also boasts a mechanical lift for direct access into the sea for guests with limited or no mobility. Grignano 2 is also known as the Riviera and is an exclusive private bathing establishment affiliated with the Riviera & Maximillian’s Hotel and Spa.
©Mihael Grmek / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Sistiana Beaches
Just 10 km north you’ll find another fantastic location to test out the turquoise waters of Trieste’s gulf. The tiny bay of Sistiana also boasts Caravella Park, an immense wooded area providing welcome respite during the hottest hours of the day. In fact, one of the beaches is known as Caravella which offers all kinds of services for families as well as great dining and nightlife. The other location is Castelreggio which is not as pricy but also has a variety of services in addition to cabanas and umbrella rental. Castelreggio is one of Trieste’s most beloved beaches and is frequented by locals.
Have you already chosen this as your destination?
Costa dei Barbari beach is for those seeking a truly local experience. This spot is not inundated with tourists and tends to attract mostly locals because of its exclusivity. It is not easy to reach but well worth it!
Duino
Duino is just a few kilometers from Sistiana and if you truly love the outdoors and want to experience incredible views of this part of the Adriatic, then we recommend the Sentiero Rilke that connects the two locations. This 2 km trail is accessible to just about everyone and is categorized as “easy”. It takes you through the Falesie Nature Reserve and provides stunning views of the sheer, rocky cliffs plunging into the turquoise sea.
Duino’s castle is also a must-see and is where the Czech poet Rainer Maria Rilke (the above-mentioned trail’s namesake) stayed in 1912. Other illustrious guests include Mark Twain and Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio. Visit the official website for information on how to visit.
We are certain that you will enjoy Trieste’s beautiful beaches, culture, cuisine, and friendly people. For more ideas on what to see and do in the area, continue reading.
