What better opportunity?

“I’ll be arriving at the airport at six. Can you pick me up?”

With my work shift in Udine over at two, I got in the car and in half an hour I reach Duino (TS), where the famous Rilke path starts. It closed for a few years, because of a dispute between the owner and the province of Trieste, but reopened on 8 November 2015 and I cannot wait to go back.

The nature trail starts just a few metres from Duino Castle, the residence that hosted the Czech poet Rainer Maria Rilke, after whom the path is named.

Well-indicated, the trail leads to Sistiana, a seaside resort along the coast from Trieste. It starts with a winding path that climbs gently and in less than five minutes I’m already stopping for a pause. But not because I’m out of breath: I absolutely have to photograph what I see. The sea seen from above has a completely new appeal. In addition, the castle of Duino standing high above the sea deserves a photo too. At sunset, the panorama is stunning.

I realise that the walk, a little over 4 km long if one goes there and back, will last more than I expected. But there are no problems: Trieste airport is just 17 km from here and in 15 minutes I’ll be with my sister.

Surrounded by a typical Mediterranean vegetation, I can see the gulf of Trieste, the site of the famous Barcolana regatta, and the bay of Sistiana, with a view from above of the characteristic village-like seaside resort of Portopiccolo.

Along the trail there are several scenic spots where you can stop. Below me are the cliffs, with the waves of the northernmost part of the Mediterranean Sea seeming to explode on the rocks, throwing thousands of droplets into the air. Like the explosions of ideas that must have inspire the Prague-born poet when he came here to write his Elegies.

The place is very popular today. There are tourists, simple walkers and locals with their dog. But all share a characteristic: a smile and a calm face.

Walking is good for the health. But to walk here, between Duino and Sistiana, on the Triestine Carso, is also good for the spirit!