Trieste loves its Carso and its sea. Two antithetical elements that come together here to create anequilibrium seldom to be found elsewhere.
The Carso with its traditions, its history; the sea with its soul.
Passing along the seafront in Trieste (called the “Rive”) provides a spectacular overview of the town and its buildings, on the variety of architectural styles that recalls the splendour of the Habsburg Empire, so soaked in history and antiquity when one looks up towards San Giusto Hill.
A suggestive area hosts the Old Free Port and the Assicurazioni Generali building, the Canal and Molo Audace (Audace Wharf), another symbol of the town.
But the sea in Trieste is not just “ornamental”.
The local coast varies from the splendid bays of Sistiana and Grignano, to the small, secluded and hidden beaches such as the cove situated below Duino Castle, set between the cliffs formed by the intense erosive action of the sea, or the beaches below the panoramic Coast Road, from “Canovella de' Zoppoli” to the “Filtri di Aurisina” (Filters of Aurisina), and the “Costa dei Barbari” (Barbarian’s Coast), the much-loved and popular nude beach.

One of the most popular bathing areas is the Barcola Riviera, which runs from the port area to the crowded emplacements of the "bivio" (fork), just before Miramare Castle.

There are many bathing establishments along the coast and nearer town, although not many bathing areas are left in the city itself. The most famous and particular one is undoubtedly the public establishment Lanterna, better known as “Pedocin”, the only bathing establishment in Europe in which the area for women and children up to 12 years old is separated from the men’s. A 3-metre high wall (the only architectural barrier still intact) separates the two sections and ensures the tradition continues. It is situated on the Fratelli Bandiera Wharf and the entrance fee is no more than a bus ticket.

The sailing tradition

Ever since 1903, Trieste has boasted a strong and vibrant yacht club, one of the most important reference points for the Italian nautical world, and especially sailing. In 1925, the magazine that was first published in Trieste as the official reference point for all Italian sailing circles, launched the Adriatic Federation of Yachting, one of the embryos which subsequently gave birth to the National Federation. This tradition and the tie between sailing and the town was sealed by the historical Barcolana regatta, instituted in 1969, and still a worldwide event.

WWF Miramare Natural Marine Reserve

The Miramare Natural Marine Reserve was set up in 1986 between the small touristic port of Grignano and the Barcola Riviera. It is managed by a non-profit organisation, WWF Italia Onlus, with an integrated and comprehensive approach. Access to the sea is permitted for guided underwater visits and snorkelling.
The centre is open all year round and offers multi-sensorial routes through the typical habitat of the gulf of Trieste. A staff of biologists and naturalists welcome school groups and tourists, accompanying them in the discovery and interpretation of this marine and coastal environment.

For more details, download the brochure dedicated to the sea from the link at the top on the right.