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Logo for The World is Accessible. The text 'The World is Accessible' is written in bold black letters. The letter 'O' in 'World' is represented by an image of a globe, and there is a stylized icon of a person in a wheelchair above the 'R'. The letter 'E' in 'Accessible' features a person using a white cane as part of the design.
Two wheelchair users with front wheel adapttions head along a walkway beside a beach, with a boy on a hoverboard in between them.

Exploring Friuli Venezia Giulia - A Region Open to All

Friuli Venezia Giulia remains one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Just a short distance from Venice, it’s a land where visitors can explore ancient castles, wander through archeological sites, and fall in love with the most spectacular sunsets on the sea – all without the overwhelming crowds of tourists. But what truly sets it apart is its dedication to inclusion. Over the years, the regional Tourism Board has taken big steps to ensure that all travelers can fully experience its beauty.

A group of people inside an old building that appears to be a church. One of the people is using a wheelchair an is about to go down a small wooden ramp.
A group of people walk through a shaded archway tunnel with trailing plants climbing up the sideway and bushes all around them. One of the people is using a motorized scooter adaption on their wheelchair.

A Journey Through History

A visit to Friuli Venezia Giulia is incomplete without experiencing its rich heritage. The region boasts grand Habsburg architecture, ancient ruins, and religious landmarks that tell the story of centuries past.

Trieste, the capital, is an elegant city overlooking the Adriatic. A stroll along the wheelchair friendly waterfront promenade leads to Piazza Unità d’Italia—the heart of the city. This stunning square, framed by opulent buildings, opens onto the sea, and is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Many of its historic cafés, like the Caffè degli Specchi, have step-free entrances, allowing everyone to enjoy Trieste’s unique coffee traditions.

For a dose of history, head to the Castello di Miramare. Not only is this 19th-century castle a masterpiece, but its gardens and main exhibition areas are wheelchair accessible, making it a great stop for history buffs and architecture lovers alike.

Another must-visit site is the Cathedral of Aquileia: this UNESCO World Heritage site is fully wheelchair accessible, and you can admire the intricate floor mosaics, some of the oldest in Europe. The nearby Archaeological Museum offers also a wheelchair accessible experience, providing insights into Aquileia’s grandiose Roman past.

The sea: for the sporty and for the relaxed

For those drawn to the sea, Friuli Venezia Giulia offers a variety of adaptive water sports.

At Lignano Sabbiadoro, the association Tiliaventum has revolutionized water sports accessibility through its “Sea4All” program. Wheelchair users can take the helm of adapted sailboats, and try out adaptive kitesurfing, wakeboarding, and windsurfing. The team, led by the passionate Daniele Passoni, is known for its warm welcome and expertise, making water sports an unforgettable adventure for all.

Just a short drive away, in Duino, Duino 45° Nord offers inclusive sailing lessons in a protected harbor. Using specially designed Hansa boats equipped with hoists, beginners and seasoned sailors alike can take to the waves in a safe and supportive environment.

The sun-drenched beaches of Friuli Venezia Giulia are among Italy’s most welcoming for travelers with disabilities. In Grado, accessible beach stations are equipped with wheelchair-adapted changing rooms, restrooms, and beach chairs. The seafront promenade is also a real (accessible) pleasure, not to mention the variety of local fish restaurants – and ice cream parlours.

A group of smiling people pose for a photograph together at a restaurant called Mandi.

Food and Wine—A Taste of Friuli Venezia Giulia

No visit to Friuli Venezia Giulia is complete without experiencing its world-renowned food and wine. The region is home to countless vineyards and is a producer of high quality whites and reds (and rosés!). Accessible cantinas offer guided tastings where guests can sample Friuli’s celebrated white wines, such as Ribolla Gialla and Friulano, while tasting the local excellent prosciutto from the nearby town of San Daniele.

Dining in Friuli Venezia Giulia is an experience in itself. Many traditional restaurants, trattorias, and agriturismi (farm stays) have been made accessible, allowing all guests to savor the rich flavors of the region. From the hearty frico (a crispy cheese and potato dish) to delicate seafood risottos, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

A Region That Welcomes Everyone

Friuli Venezia Giulia is a region of contrasts—where mountains meet the sea, where history blends with modernity, and where accessibility is not just an afterthought. Thanks to the dedication of local associations and regional initiatives, it has become an excellent example of inclusive travel in Italy. Want to plan your next holiday in Friuli Venezia Giulia? Take a look at the Tourism Board’s dedicated accessible travel website – and start booking your tickets!

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