Underrated Italian city with fewer crowds than Venice and £26 flights from the UK
WHILE holidays to Rome, Florence and Venice remain popular, there’s another Italian island that seems to have flown under the radar.
Popular towns and cities in Italy can get very crowded, but there are still some secluded spots where holidaymakers can relax in peace.
One of those places is Trieste — an Italian city that’s just two hours east of Venice.
Trieste is located in the northeastern corner of the Adriatic, it is the capital of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region.
The Italian city is often overlooked by holidaymakers, who opt to visit neighbouring Venice and Verona instead.
But the town has garnered favour with holidaymakers recently, finally making its way onto the tourist map.
While the city doesn’t attract hordes of holidaymakers from the UK, there are still plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained.
One of the city’s main attractions is Piazza Unità — a huge square that’s surrounded by grand Habsburg buildings on three sides.
The waterfront square and its palaces underwent a huge transformation in the early 2000s.
Piazza Unità is home to Palazzo del Lloyd Triestino, the city hall, as well as the nearby Canal Grande, said to be one of the most beautiful places to visit in Trieste.
The canal was built in the 18th century on the site of the former salt marshes.
Another top attraction is Castello di San Giusto — a huge triangular fortress that was built on a hill above the centre of the city.
The fortress was built to protect the city, with its three corner bastions being constructed in stages throughout the 16th and 17th centuries.
Arguably, the panoramic views from the top of the fortress are its biggest draw.
Other attractions in the city include an ancient Roman theatre, which is just a short walk from Piazza Unità.
Ryanair operates direct flights from London Stansted Airport to Trieste, with prices starting from £26 for a one-way ticket.
Hotels in the city are relatively affordable too.
For example, Sun Online Travel has found an overnight stay at Urban Hotel Design, a three-star hotel, for £50 per person per night, based on two people sharing a room.
Trieste isn’t the only little-known Italian place Brit holidaymakers can visit without the crowds.
One of those places is Canosa di Puglia, a small European town is known locally as “Little Rome” because it was built on seven hills, just like the Italian capital.
It is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in Italy.
Everything you need to know about visiting Italy
- Brits must have at least three months left on their passport from the day they plan to leave the country.
- Tourists do not need a visa if visiting for up to 90 days in 180 days.
- Make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit.
- Travellers may be asked to show hotel booking confirmations and that they have enough money for their stay at the border.
- Holidaymakers may also need to show proof of insurance.
- Italy is one hour ahead of the UK.
- The country uses the euro with around €10 working out to £8.55.
- Flights to Italy from the UK take between 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the destination.
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