How to see Trieste from the sea: admiring the city’s best profile

It’s well-known that coastal cities show their best side when viewed from the water. Trieste is no exception, with its elegant profile made up of Austro-Hungarian buildings, the large Piazza Unità d’Italia facing the Adriatic, the Barcola coastline, and the cliffs of the Karst a little further south. Today, there are various opportunities to view Trieste from the sea and discover the city from an alternative perspective. Here are a few, ranging from the most relaxing to the most dynamic.

Going by boat to Miramare Castle

One of the easiest ways to see Trieste from the sea is to take advantage of its public maritime transport system. Trieste Trasporti connects the historic city center to several nearby docks, allowing easy access to the beaches of Barcola, Grignano, and Sistiana throughout the summer season – typically from May to early October. This is an invaluable vantage point, especially for seeing Miramare Castle from the water, offering one of the most enchanting views of Trieste.

The connection from Trieste to Muggia, a colorful fishing village we’ve written about in this article, is available year-round. In addition to enjoying a lovely day trip, you’ll have the chance to see Trieste from the sea as you approach the Molo dei Bersaglieri.

Sailing courses in Trieste

Trieste is the city of the Barcolana regatta, so why not challenge yourself by getting on a sailboat? Along the Barcola and the city center coastline you can find several sailing schools, including weekend courses that allow visiting tourists to participate. This could be a great way to prepare for the next edition of the Barcolana, the open-to-all sea festival, and enjoy Trieste as part of one of the most famous regattas in the world.

Kayaking along the coast

For those looking for a slower-paced adventure in close contact with nature, another great way to view Trieste from new perspectives is by kayaking. Several local businesses rent kayaks or organize guided tours, with departures from key beaches in Trieste like the Pineta di Barcola or the bay of Sistiana. From here, you can particularly admire the cliffs of Duino: a rugged coastline with steep cliffs dropping into the sea, creating spectacular landscapes that are difficult to fully appreciate unless viewed from the water.

For more information on available tours and departure points, feel free to ask for details at the reception of the DoubleTree by Hilton Trieste.