Hostels in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Friuli Venezia Giulia is Italy’s most northeastern region. It only borders one Italian region, Veneto; its remaining borders are Austria, Slovenia, and the Adriatic Sea. The capital of Friuli Venezia Giulia is Trieste. Other cities include Gorizia, Aquileia, and Grado. Note that Venezia (Venice) is not in the region, despite the name.

There are direct trains to Friuli Venezia Giulia from Venice, or you can fly direct to Gorizia from Venice or Treviso. Having your own transportation to explore the small villages and winding mountain roads is ideal as there are few buses.

Friuli Venezia Giulia offers travellers a variety of landscapes to explore. In the far north, the Guilie and Carnic Alps tower above the central, vineyard-covered plains, which roll gently toward the coastal plains and the unique rock formations around Trieste. The region has a rich history as well. Friuli Venezia Giulia was first inhabited by the Romans and rose to prominence during the Augustan period. In the 6th century, Slavs settled in the eastern part of the region. By the 12th century, Trieste and Gorizia established themselves as free city-states under the Austrian Empire. In the 15th century, Friuli became Venetian territory. As a unified region, Friuli Venezia Giulia flourished under the Austro-Hungarian Empire; after the First World War, Friuli became part of Italy. The region saw heavy casualties in the First World War, during which it was a main theatre of operations.

Budget hostel accommodation can be found in Trieste. Look for the Italian word “ostello,” or simply “backpackers.” Traditional, European-style hostels are rare in the small towns; consider a guesthouse, pension, or bed and breakfast.

Once you have your hostel accommodation sorted, explore this rich, uncrowded region. Outdoor enthusiasts should explore the many hiking trails through the Italian Alps while others may be keen to simply wander the southern lagoons and beaches near Trieste. The eastern Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are within the region; there is world-class skiing and hiking here. Additionally, Friuli Venezia Giulia has some of Italy’s best kept secret vineyards. Don’t miss the chance to relax with a local vintage.

From ancient Roman ruins to elaborate Austro-Hungarian palaces, from the Dolomites to tiny villages with world-class wine, you can find an extensive list of things to do in Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Handwritten by local expert for Friuli-Venezia Giulia hostels Jakob Lombardi