Horizons blending together, wind in your hair and the taste of salt. Imagine leaving Grado lulled by the waves, landing in the heart of Trieste and cycling back among Karst cliffs and nature reserves where time seems to have stopped.
It’s not just a bike trip, it’s a journey between two worlds: from the Habsburg grandeur of Piazza Unità to the magical silence of Valle Cavanata.
Sea & Pedals: boat ride in the Gulf of Trieste and return by bike along the coast between lagoon and Karst.
Grado–Trieste: An Adventure Between Sky, Sea and Pedals
The contrast between the lagoon of Grado and the cliffs of the Trieste Karst is one of the most evocative in the Upper Adriatic.
🛳️ Part 1: By Boat (Grado → Trieste)
The maritime service usually runs from June to October (managed by TPL FVG / APT Gorizia).
• Departure: Molo Torpediniere, Grado.
• Arrival: Molo Audace, Trieste (right in front of Piazza Unità d’Italia).
• Duration: about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Indicative cost: about €11.40 one-way + €1.00 bike supplement.
• Tip: booking isn’t always required, but bike spaces are limited (often max 10–15). Arrive at the pier at least 20 minutes early.
🚴 Part 2: By Bike (Trieste → Grado)
The return follows Cycle Route FVG2 (Adriabike). The route is about 70 km long, mostly flat, except for the climb towards the Karst after Trieste.
Return stages:
1) Trieste – Barcola (0–5 km): leave Trieste cycling along the Barcola seafront, admiring the Faro della Vittoria.
2) The climb towards the Karst (5–15 km): to avoid the Strada Costiera (very busy), follow signs for Grignano and climb towards Santa Croce. Spectacular views over the gulf.
3) Duino and Sistiana (15–25 km): recommended stop at Duino Castle. You can walk a stretch of the Rilke Trail (on foot) or continue towards the mouth of the Timavo.
4) Monfalcone – Marina Julia (25–40 km): cross Monfalcone and head to the coast at Marina Julia. The landscape changes: rocks end and wetlands begin.
5) Isola della Cona Nature Reserve (40–50 km): a birdwatching paradise. You’ll ride among Camargue horses and herons.
6) Valle Cavanata and Fossalon (50–65 km): a long, relaxing ride along the lagoon embankments, completely away from traffic.
7) Arrival in Grado (70 km): return to the Island of the Sun via the cycle path that runs alongside Grado Pineta.
🛳️ Part 1: By Boat (Grado → Trieste)
The maritime service usually runs from June to October (managed by TPL FVG / APT Gorizia).
• Departure: Molo Torpediniere, Grado.
• Arrival: Molo Audace, Trieste (right in front of Piazza Unità d’Italia).
• Duration: about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Indicative cost: about €11.40 one-way + €1.00 bike supplement.
• Tip: booking isn’t always required, but bike spaces are limited (often max 10–15). Arrive at the pier at least 20 minutes early.
🚴 Part 2: By Bike (Trieste → Grado)
The return follows Cycle Route FVG2 (Adriabike). The route is about 70 km long, mostly flat, except for the climb towards the Karst after Trieste.
Return stages:
1) Trieste – Barcola (0–5 km): leave Trieste cycling along the Barcola seafront, admiring the Faro della Vittoria.
2) The climb towards the Karst (5–15 km): to avoid the Strada Costiera (very busy), follow signs for Grignano and climb towards Santa Croce. Spectacular views over the gulf.
3) Duino and Sistiana (15–25 km): recommended stop at Duino Castle. You can walk a stretch of the Rilke Trail (on foot) or continue towards the mouth of the Timavo.
4) Monfalcone – Marina Julia (25–40 km): cross Monfalcone and head to the coast at Marina Julia. The landscape changes: rocks end and wetlands begin.
5) Isola della Cona Nature Reserve (40–50 km): a birdwatching paradise. You’ll ride among Camargue horses and herons.
6) Valle Cavanata and Fossalon (50–65 km): a long, relaxing ride along the lagoon embankments, completely away from traffic.
7) Arrival in Grado (70 km): return to the Island of the Sun via the cycle path that runs alongside Grado Pineta.
Useful tips
💡 Practical tips
• Wind: always check the weather. If the Bora is blowing, cycling from Trieste towards Grado can become very tough (headwind). In that case, consider reversing the plan: bike out and boat back.
• Surface: mixed route with asphalt and light gravel (white roads in the reserve). A trekking or gravel bike is ideal.
• Water: bring a good supply, especially on the stretch between Monfalcone and Grado where refreshment points are fewer.
Boat: Grado (Molo Torpediniere) → Trieste (Molo Audace). Bike (FVG2 Adriabike): Trieste → Barcola → Grignano/Santa Croce → Duino/Sistiana → Monfalcone/Marina Julia → Isola della Cona → Valle Cavanata/Fossalon → Grado.
In short
A tour that combines sailing and cycling: from the lagoon of Grado to the elegance of Trieste, then back among Karst cliffs, nature reserves and quiet traffic-free embankments.
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