Experience the sea in winter on the Coast of Friuli Venezia Giulia

In Friuli Venezia Giulia, Carnival is a tradition that takes on different forms, reflecting the character of each place. In Muggia, one of the oldest Carnival events in northeastern Italy, narrow streets and squares turn into a large open-air stage, with centuries-old rituals and spectacular parades. On the Karst plateau, the Karst Carnival (Kraški pust) features floats and masks in an atmosphere that brings together cultures and borderland territories. In Trieste, Carnival livens up historic districts and culminates in the traditional city parade of masked participants. Alongside these deeply rooted celebrations, Carnival also takes on new forms: in Lignano, events such as the Skate Carnival offer contemporary interpretations, far from traditional schemes. Because here, Carnival is first and foremost an expression of identity and creativity.

 

Before the season truly begins, the sea is told through boating. The Lignano Boat Show is the largest exhibition in the Upper Adriatic dedicated to small craft and represents a key moment for those who love a sea that is lived, designed and built. Set in the historic Darsena Porto Vecchio, boats, accessories and onboard electronics stand alongside artisans’ demonstrations, where hands-on experience becomes a story. Many solutions now considered standard in recreational boating were born in trade fair contexts like this, through direct dialogue between builders and boaters. Here, the sea is not just a backdrop, but a laboratory of ideas, encounters and maritime culture.

The sea in winter has surprising properties: the air is richer in iodine and cooler temperatures encourage deeper breathing. In Grado, at the Terme Marine di Grado, thalassotherapy enhances seawater, lagoon air and natural light in authentic regeneration programmes. Along the coast, alongside the thermal baths, spas and wellness centres offer saunas, steam baths and treatments designed for every season. Here, wellbeing is not escape, but a return to what matters most: slowing down, breathing, listening.
Valentine’s Day – a shared pause

What if the rarest gift were time? A day at the thermal baths or in a sea-view spa is an invitation to stop together, away from the rush, and let the sea do the rest.