„Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life.“- Anna Akhmatova, Trieste diaries
Sometimes it doesn’t take much to clear your head. Just four days, a little piece of Italy, and a whole lot of dolce vita. That’s exactly what my husband and I did last weekend – a mini-vacation in Trieste that felt like a summer retreat for the soul. Thursday to Sunday, sun on your face, Aperol in your hand, and amidst it all, a bit of city, a bit of beach, and a touch of royal daydream.
Arrive in the heart of the action
– our hotel in Trieste
When we travel, we want to be in the center of things. No long walks, no car, just walk and soak up the life. That’s why we chose the Hotel Continental this time – right in the heart of the city. Across the street: Zara (which, by the way, is a nice way of saying, „I just popped out… and came back with two new outfits“). The hotel had been freshly renovated, which you can not only see but also feel. Everything was brand new, stylish, charming, and yet not over the top. It was the perfect mix of Italian flair and modern comfort.
our room
Our room overlooked the shopping street—large windows, lots of light, and the feeling of being part of the city without leaving the room. I love being able to watch people from the comfort of my bed, strolling through the alleys, gesticulating on their phones, or simply sipping espresso in the sun. It almost felt like we were looking at Trieste through a movie window.
But… (and yes, there’s a small but): the air conditioning. Anyone who knows me knows – I and air conditioning aren’t friends. I get it, at 30 degrees Celsius it has its place, but most of the time it just annoys me. The first thing I do in every hotel room – after the obligatory „quickly take the photos before the luggage ruins everything“ – is turn off the air conditioning. Bam, quiet. But this time? No luck. Even though it was „off,“ it kept running. Centrally controlled, the receptionist said. And I was like, „Great.“ It was like that one colleague who doesn’t realize the meeting is long over – it’s just still there.
La dolce vita
– a new feeling with every alley
We spent our days in Trieste the way you would in an Italian city: aimless yet fulfilled. We simply walked, through small alleys, across large squares, past chattering locals, vintage cafés, boutiques, and ancient facades. And in between – of course – the occasional stop for a cold beer or a sparkling Aperol. You could almost say Trieste is like Venice – only without waterways, but with more space to breathe. And with that certain melancholic charm that only port cities have.
What I love most about Trieste? That you don’t need a clear plan. You just stroll along, and suddenly you’re standing in front of a small shop selling handmade soaps, or discover a hidden café with only three tables but the best espresso in town.
A day at the sea
– the beach club at Hotel Maximilian
On the second day, a longing for the sea finally overcame us. So we headed to the beach—more specifically, to the Hotel Maximilian’s beach club. Funnily enough, we stayed there last year. This time, however, we wanted to stay in town so we wouldn’t have to drive in the evenings (who wants to be behind the wheel after three glasses of rosé?). The beach was magnificent—stone stairs, turquoise water, and sun loungers with a sea view.
We lay there for hours, listening to music, reading, dozing, and occasionally splashing in the water. If there’s one sound I want to carry in my heart forever, it’s the gentle lapping of waves against the rocks, mixed with Italian silence.
Breakfast with style
– a noble morning ritual
Back at the hotel, a breakfast awaited us that was nothing short of impressive. Elegantly laid out, with silver jugs, fine china plates, and more selection than you’d need at nine in the morning (but we tried everything anyway). The service wasn’t quite up to scratch yet – one waitress asked us five times whether we wanted cappuccino or caffè – but honestly? Given the ambiance, it was somehow charming. You could just tell they were trying. And that’s what counts.
Princess vibes at Miramare Castle
And then came my personal highlight: Miramare Castle. Anyone who’s been reading my blog for a while knows – I’m a little princess at heart. And nothing makes me happier than old castles, weathered stone staircases, and gardens where you can wander for hours. Miramare is located right on the sea, white and graceful, like something out of a fairytale. It feels like stepping into another time – the rooms, the furniture, the history… everything speaks quietly of a world long gone, but still alive here. I could have spent hours there. Okay, I did.
Above the roofs of Trieste
– the observation tower
Another memorable experience was our visit to the observation tower near the Faro della Vittoria. The path there led through an old stone gate—a little mystical, a little dramatic. Once at the top, we were fortunately able to take the elevator (to be honest, my legs were already shaking slightly from the tour of the castle). And then: Wow! The view from the top was breathtaking. All of Trieste lay at our feet, the sea shimmered all the way to the horizon, and the wind played with my dress. A moment in which time briefly stood still. And I thought: This is what we live for. For moments like these
Cultural quickie
– at the Museum Revoltella
In between, we also treated ourselves to a bit of culture – we went to the Museum Revoltella (yes, I had to google its real name). It was a modern art museum in an old palazzo, which was surprisingly quiet and pleasant. The exhibitions were varied – from sculptures and paintings to installations that made you stop and think for a moment. It was a typical „let’s do something for education“ stop, but it was absolutely worth it. What was particularly cool was the contrast between the old rooms and the modern art. I love this kind of tension. We stopped at almost every painting and interpreted the scenes together with my husband. We always enjoy doing that.
Food Love
– Bruschetta, Burrata & Mussels
What would Italy be without food? Exactly – just warm weather. That’s why we indulged ourselves in some culinary delights. One evening, we sat in a small, cozy restaurant in the old town. The sun had just set, it was warm, the streets bustling with life. For starters, we had bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil, followed by burrata – so creamy I could have bathed in it. And because I can never decide, I had pasta with mussels for the main course. Fresh, flavorful, perfect. Italian, in a nutshell.
my summary
Trieste, we’ll be back. Again and again.
These four days felt like a little break from everyday life. Without any big plans, but with many small moments that will stay with you. Trieste enchanted us – with its charm, its history, the scent of the sea and espresso. And yes, maybe even a little bit with its Zara right across the street from the hotel. This was definitely not our last visit. And if you’re ever in the mood for Italy again – but without all the hustle and bustle of Rome or Venice – then Trieste is your place to be.
Bye, with lots of sunshine in your heart
Vanessa
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