TriesteAdriatic Coast · Italy

All About Trieste

Stradling the northern borders of mainland Italy with Slovenia, on the opposite side of the Adriatic Sea to Venice, Trieste has an extraordinary location and a fascinating history. Belonging to the Habsburg Empire for more than 500 years, at the beginning of the twentieth century, Trieste was the most important port for Europe’s Central Powers.

The city soon also became an important hub for the arts, welcoming everyone from author James Joyce to the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud. Switching between Italian and Yugoslav (Slovenian) allegiance, Trieste even temporarily became an independent city-state supported by the United Nations. Since its reunification with Italy, it has kept much of its long-held diversity, while maintaining its unique heritage and range of natural and historic attractions.

Thanks to its coastal location, Trieste has a number of links with the magical shores of nearby Croatia, as well as Greece. The Ferryscanner website provides all the information you need to organize and purchase ferry tickets to Trieste from Croatia, Greece, and other Italian ports or vice versa.
 

Routes and Ferries to Trieste

The main routes for those with ferry tickets to Trieste are operated by Trieste Lines and Minoan Lines ferries. These companies are two ferry companies well known for following the Adriatic coast north and south, stopping in some of Europe’s most loved destinations.

When it comes to ferry tickets to Trieste from Croatia, Trieste Lines ferries pull into Mali Losinj, Piran, Porec, Pula, and Rovinj. While these ferries operate all year round, their departures can be limited during the low season winter months, so it’s always best to check for the next departures with Ferryscanner before arriving at the port.

Similarly, it’s also possible to get ferry tickets to Trieste for one of the regularly scheduled services operated by Minoan Lines to the Greek ports of Patras and Igoumenitsa in the north of the country. It’s also possible to cross the waters of the Adriatic to the top of Italy’s boot, with sailings arriving into the port of Ancona on Italy’s east coast.

Trieste is well served with highways, including the E70, which edges the northern shores of the Adriatic Sea from Padua (Padova) and Venice. It also has connections with the E61, which links Trieste with Ljubljana, the Slovene capital. There are direct high-speed intercity train services to and from destinations right across Italy, from Milan in the north to Naples in the south.

The city’s rail network also provides local transport to Trieste – Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport. It is served by flights from Rome and Milan in Italy, Lufthansa flights from southern Germany, and Ryanair flights from a multitude of other European destinations.
 

Ports of Trieste

There are two main ports in Trieste. The Porto Vecchio, or old port, lies at the heart of the city close to the main railway station. A second port, the Porto Nuovo, or new port, was then constructed in the nineteenth century to the northeast of the city. For the most part, those with ferry tickets to Trieste will find themselves directed towards one of the moles of the old port close to the yachts moored at the La Lanterna Pedocin Marina. This places ferry passengers right at the center of Trieste’s heritage and museums, and just a short distance from many of its main beaches.
 

Best Beaches

Trieste has a subtropical climate due to a quirk in weather patterns which means the city doesn’t endure the drop in sea temperatures that much of the rest of the Adriatic region does during the cooler winter months. This means it’s possible to enjoy a day at the beach at almost any time of year, although the best beaches in Trieste remain busiest during the warm summer months of May until the end of September.

La Lanterna

La Lanterna isn’t just a mooring point for those lucky enough to be arriving in Trieste by private yacht. It is also an excellent city beach divided into a women’s only area and a second separate area for men. Its shallows are protected by floating barriers, while there is also disabled access and changing areas.

I Topolino

Doing away with the sand entirely are the coastal terraces that form I Topolino. The nearest to Trieste do actually have small pebble beaches, making them popular with those with toddlers. The furthest terraces are wholly formed out of semi-circular concrete platforms with toilets and showers.

Ausonia

Known as a prime bathing location since it first opened in the 1930s, Ausonia has a mixed clientele of elderly locals who remember this area of coast from their childhoods, and a new generation of teenagers who like its proximity to the city. A fully-fledged resort-style beach, there are diving boards, sun loungers, restaurants, and even massage services.

Bagno da Sticco

Equally central is Bagno da Sticco, which can be found beneath the formidable walls of Miramare Castle. A mix of floating manmade structures and rocks worn smooth by the waves over centuries, this is one of the best places to swim in Trieste. Part of a nature reserve, its waters are pristine.
 

Places to Visit

With a history that has seen Trieste belonging to at least four different nations, its historic center has an intriguing blend of attractions that together help tell the details of the city’s heritage and varied cultures.

Piazza Unita d’Italia

This broad public square faces out towards the all-important Adriatic Sea below San Giusto Castle. It is formed out of a simply breathtaking array of architectural wonders, including many structures which have historic links with the ports. The square is perhaps at its most impressive after dark when its buildings are lit up magnificently.

Miramare Castle

Its fairytale location on coastal rocks is just the start of Miramare Castle’s charms. Built between 1856 and 1860, it was intended to be used by Archduke Ferdinand Maximillian, who later became Emperor of Mexico. It sits within 22 hectares of beautiful gardens.

Grotta Gigante

One of the world’s largest show caves, Grotta Gigante is studded with stalagmites and stalactites. Its main hall rises a staggering 107 meters and extends for approximately 130 meters. Having taken to the caves themselves, you can also check out the exhibits in the neighboring Museum of Speleology – the scientific term for cave exploration.

Victory Lighthouse

The Victory Lighthouse (or Vittoria Light) is as impressive as lighthouses come. Rising 68 meters above the ground, it’s not only one of the tallest in the world, but also one of the most beautiful. While still an active aid to shipping, it is also a monument to the Italians who died during the First World War. To climb the 285 internal steps for yourself, head to Gretta Hill on the summer weekends.
 

Transportation Around Trieste

The company Trieste Transporti operates approximately 60 different bus routes in and around the city. However, if you’re in Trieste for the day, you’ll find most of the main attractions within walking distance of the port. A single bus ticket lasts for 60 minutes and costs around €1.20. They need to be purchased before boarding, either from the company offices or from tobacconists, newsagents, and some cafes in the city.