Friuli Venezia Giulia is one of Italy's most underrated regions for motorcycle touring. Yet, it offers everything a motorcyclist could desire: breathtaking Alpine passes, scenic roads on the Karst plateau, medieval villages, fine wines, and the sea.
In less than two hours, you can travel from the sharp curves of the Zoncolan to the rolling hills of Collio, from the borders with Austria and Slovenia to the golden beaches of Lignano. And all this with quiet roads, spectacular views, and a unique culture that blends Italy, Austria, Slovenia, and Friulian traditions.
In this article, we'll take you on a discovery of the 10 best motorcycle itineraries in Friuli Venezia Giulia , tested and recommended by motorcyclists who know every bend of this extraordinary land.
1. MOUNT ZONCOLAN AND OVERVIEW OF THE PEAKS
Distance: ~120 km (loop)
Difficulty: High (tight curves, steep slopes)
Road type: Excellent asphalt, technical curves
Departure/Arrival: Tolmezzo
Difficulty: High (tight curves, steep slopes)
Road type: Excellent asphalt, technical curves
Departure/Arrival: Tolmezzo
The route
Zoncolan is legendary in cycling—and it's equally so for motorcyclists. With gradients of up to 22%, hairpin bends, and 360° views of the Carnic Alps, this climb is an absolute must.
Main stages:
- Tolmezzo – Starting point, capital of Carnia
- Ovaro – Alpine village with a medieval castle
- Climb to Zoncolan – 10 km of breathtaking curves up to 1,750 m above sea level
- Overview of the Peaks – Spectacular road connecting Zoncolan to Ravascletto
- Forni di Sopra – Lunch break with authentic Carnic cuisine
- Return to Tolmezzo via Ampezzo
Why it's unmissable
- Technical and fun curves
- Spectacular Alpine panoramas
- Little traffic (except during the Giro d'Italia)
- Possibility to continue to Austria or Slovenia
Advise
Avoid weekends in July and August if you want to enjoy the traffic-free curves. Bring a jacket: at 1,750 meters, it's cool even in summer.
2. CHIANZUTAN SADDLE AND PURA PASS
Distance: ~100 km (loop)
Difficulty: Medium
Road type: Good asphalt, fast curves
Departure/Arrival: Tolmezzo
Difficulty: Medium
Road type: Good asphalt, fast curves
Departure/Arrival: Tolmezzo
The route
An itinerary immersed in the woods of the Carnic Alps, with flowing curves and wild panoramas.
Main stages:
- Tolmezzo
- Sella Chianzutan (1,700 m) – Panoramic pass with views of the Friulian Dolomites
- Pura Pass (1,425 m) – Narrow, winding road through the woods
- Paularo – Mountain village with excellent restaurants
- Return to Tolmezzo
Why it's unmissable
- Little-known and little-trafficked roads
- Fast and fun curves
- Authentic Alpine landscapes
3. MONTE CROCE CARNICO PASS AND AUSTRIAN BORDER
Distance: ~150 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Medium
Road type: Excellent asphalt, wide curves
Departure/Arrival: Tolmezzo or Udine
Difficulty: Medium
Road type: Excellent asphalt, wide curves
Departure/Arrival: Tolmezzo or Udine
The route
A classic cross-border itinerary that leads to Austria via one of the most historic passes in the Alps.
Main stages:
- Tolmezzo
- Paluzza – Carnic village with castle
- Timau – The last Italian town before the border
- Monte Croce Carnico Pass (1,360 m) – Italy-Austria border
- Kötschach-Mauthen (Austria) – Lunch break in Austria
- Return via Pontebba and Tarvisio (optional)
Why it's unmissable
- Scenic road with wide curves
- Possibility to continue in Austria
- History of the Great War (museums and fortifications)
4. TRIESTE KARST AND SLOVENIAN BORDER
Distance: ~120 km (loop)
Difficulty: Low
Road type: Good asphalt, gentle curves
Departure/Arrival: Trieste
Difficulty: Low
Road type: Good asphalt, gentle curves
Departure/Arrival: Trieste
The route
A fascinating itinerary between the sea, the Karst plateau, and the Slovenian border, with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Trieste.
Main stages:
- Trieste – A Border City Rich in History
- Prosecco – A Village on the Karst with a Sea View
- Opicina – Karst Plateau
- San Martino del Carso – Symbolic Place of the Great War
- Slovenian Border – Crossing to Lipica (Slovenia)
- Postojna Cave (optional, Slovenia)
- Return to Trieste via Monrupino
Why it's unmissable
- Views of the sea and the plateau
- Unique Central European culture
- Possibility to continue in Slovenia
- Excellent seafood restaurants in Trieste
5. COLLIO AND EASTERN HILLS: BETWEEN VINEYARDS AND VILLAGES
Distance: ~80 km (loop)
Difficulty: Low
Road type: Good asphalt, gentle curves
Departure/Arrival: Cividale del Friuli or Cormons
Difficulty: Low
Road type: Good asphalt, gentle curves
Departure/Arrival: Cividale del Friuli or Cormons
The route
A relaxing itinerary through the vineyard-covered hills of Collio and the Colli Orientali, with food and wine stops and medieval villages.
Main stages:
- Cividale del Friuli – UNESCO World Heritage Site, Devil's Bridge
- Prepotto – Vineyards and cellars
- Cormons – Capital of the Collio
- Dolegna del Collio – Views of the Vineyards
- Gorizia – Border city with Nova Gorica (Slovenia)
- Return to Cividale
Why it's unmissable
- Postcard-like hilly landscapes
- Tastings of fine white wines (Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia)
- Authentic medieval villages
- Excellent Friulian cuisine
Advise
Perfect for a relaxing Sunday outing. Book a tasting at the winery.
6. FRIULI DOLOMITES AND VAL CELLINA
Distance: ~150 km (loop)
Difficulty: Medium
Road type: Good asphalt, sharp bends in some sections
Departure/Arrival: Pordenone or Maniago
Difficulty: Medium
Road type: Good asphalt, sharp bends in some sections
Departure/Arrival: Pordenone or Maniago
The route
A spectacular itinerary through canyons, lakes, and the Friulian Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Main stages:
- Maniago – City of Knives
- Barcis – Turquoise lake surrounded by mountains
- Poffabro – One of the most beautiful villages in Italy
- Cimolais – Gateway to the Friulian Dolomites
- Piancavallo – Ski resort with panoramic views
- Return to Maniago
Why it's unmissable
- Breathtaking Dolomite landscapes
- Lake Barcis with turquoise waters
- Scenic roads with little traffic
7. PALMANOVA AND THE NAPOLEONIC ROAD
Distance: ~100 km (loop)
Difficulty: Low
Road type: Excellent asphalt, straight and fast roads
Departure/Arrival: Udine
Difficulty: Low
Road type: Excellent asphalt, straight and fast roads
Departure/Arrival: Udine
The route
A historical and cultural itinerary among fortresses, Venetian villas, and the famous Napoleonic Road.
Main stages:
- Udine – Capital of Friuli, castle and elegant squares
- Palmanova – Star-shaped fortress city, UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Napoleonic Road (SS 252) – Straight road built by Napoleon
- Aquileia – Roman archaeological site, UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Grado – Lagoon island with golden beaches
- Return to Udine
Why it's unmissable
- Palmanova is unique in the world (a perfect star fortress)
- Roman history in Aquileia
- Possibility of a dip in the sea in Grado
8. RING OF THE THREE NATIONS: ITALY, SLOVENIA, AUSTRIA
Distance: ~200 km (ring)
Difficulty: Medium-High
Road type: Good asphalt, technical curves
Departure/Arrival: Tarvisio or Pontebba
Difficulty: Medium-High
Road type: Good asphalt, technical curves
Departure/Arrival: Tarvisio or Pontebba
The route
A cross-border itinerary that crosses three countries in one day, with Alpine passes and spectacular scenery.
Main stages:
- Tarvisio – Border City
- Predil Pass (1,156 m) – Italy-Slovenia border
- Bovec (Slovenia) – Soča Valley
- Vršič Pass (Slovenia, 1,611 m) – One of the most beautiful passes in the Alps
- Kranjska Gora (Slovenia) – Ski resort
- Austrian Border – Return to Italy via Austria
- Return to Tarvisio
Why it's unmissable
- Three nations in one day
- Vršič Pass: 50 Breathtaking Hairpin Bends
- Spectacular Alpine landscapes
Advise
Bring your passport or ID card. Make sure your insurance covers Slovenia and Austria.
9. VAL AUPA AND SELLA NEVEA
Distance: ~100 km (loop)
Difficulty: Medium
Road type: Good asphalt, tight curves
Departure/Arrival: Pontebba or Tarvisio
Difficulty: Medium
Road type: Good asphalt, tight curves
Departure/Arrival: Pontebba or Tarvisio
The route
An Alpine itinerary through wild valleys and panoramic passes.
Main stages:
- Pontebba
- Val Aupa – Narrow and spectacular valley
- Sella Nevea (1,190 m) – Ski resort with views of the Julian Alps
- Chiusaforte – Alpine Village
- Return to Pontebba
Why it's unmissable
- Val Aupa: one of the most beautiful valleys in Friuli
- Little traffic, wild nature
10. LIGNANO SABBIADORO AND THE MARANO LAGOON
Distance: ~80 km (loop)
Difficulty: Low
Road type: Excellent asphalt, flat roads
Departure/Arrival: Lignano Sabbiadoro
Difficulty: Low
Road type: Excellent asphalt, flat roads
Departure/Arrival: Lignano Sabbiadoro
The route
A relaxing itinerary between sea, lagoon, and fishing villages—perfect for a summer day.
Main stages:
- Lignano Sabbiadoro – Golden beaches and pine forests
- Marano Lagunare – Fishing village with colorful houses
- Aquileia – Roman archaeological site
- Grado – Lagoon Island
- Return to Lignano
Why it's unmissable
- Relax by the sea after driving
- Excellent seafood cuisine
- Unique lagoon landscapes
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDING IN FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA
When to go
- Spring (April-June): Ideal temperatures, little traffic, lush nature
- Summer (July-August): Hot in the plains, cool in the mountains, more traffic
- Autumn (September-October): Spectacular colors, harvest, perfect weather
What to bring
✅ Layered jacket (it's cool in the mountains even in summer)
✅ High-visibility jacket (mandatory in some neighboring countries)
✅ Passport or identity card (for cross-border itineraries)
✅ Green Card insurance (recommended for Slovenia and Austria)
✅ High-visibility jacket (mandatory in some neighboring countries)
✅ Passport or identity card (for cross-border itineraries)
✅ Green Card insurance (recommended for Slovenia and Austria)
Where to eat
Friuli Venezia Giulia is a gastronomic paradise:
- Frico (melted cheese with potatoes)
- Gubana (typical dessert with dried fruit)
- San Daniele ham
- White wines from Collio and Colli Orientali
- Fresh fish in Trieste, Grado, and Lignano
Where to sleep
- Tolmezzo/Carnia: The perfect base for Alpine itineraries
- Udine: A strategic center for exploring the entire region
- Trieste: Ideal for the Karst and the Slovenian border
- Lignano: Perfect for sea and relaxation
CONCLUSION: FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA AWAITS YOU
Friuli Venezia Giulia is a region that surprises. Every curve reveals a new panorama, every village tells a story, every dish is an experience. From the Carnic Alps to the Adriatic Sea, from the Collio vineyards to the borders with Slovenia and Austria, this land offers itineraries for every type of motorcyclist.
Whether you're looking for technical bends on the Zoncolan, panoramic roads on the Carso, relaxing rides through the Collio vineyards, or cross-border adventures across three countries, Friuli Venezia Giulia has it all.
And the best part? Quiet roads, spectacular landscapes, unique culture, and a cuisine worth the trip alone. All this just a few hours from home, without having to cross half of Europe.
So, what are you waiting for? Prepare your bike, check your gear, and set off to discover one of Italy's most underrated (and most beautiful) regions for motorcycle touring.
Because the most beautiful road is the one you haven't traveled yet.
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