An American globetrotter who has journeyed to virtually every corner of Italy has singled out a frequently overlooked city as her ultimate favourite and current home.
Kat Smith, a seasoned traveller with 13 years of nomadic experience, has finally put down roots in Trieste, a north-eastern coastal city that is rapidly gaining popularity. Official figures show a remarkable surge in tourism, with overnight stays more than doubling from approximately 700,000 in 2021 to 1.5 million in 2024.
What Makes Trieste So Special?
Kat, the co-founder of travel resource Mamma Mia Indeed, explained her deep connection to the city. Since moving to Italy in August 2023, she has made a point of visiting at least one new destination each month, from the southern tip of Puglia to the northern border with Austria. Despite frequent returns to famous spots like Naples, Rome, and Venice, it is Trieste that has captured her heart.
"Although still relatively unknown outside of Italy, Trieste is slowly starting to come out of its shell and get the recognition it deserves," she stated.
A City of Unique Character and History
Trieste's distinct identity is immediately apparent. Its architecture, cuisine, and local dialect feel closer to Vienna than to Rome, a legacy of its time as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Strolling through the centre around Piazza Unità or along Via Carducci, visitors find Sacher cakes in bakeries next to croissants, and goulash sharing menu space with pasta.
The city's complex history has forged a powerful local pride. "When speaking with locals, especially the older generation, they tend to stress that they're Triestino first, Italian second," Kat noted. This sentiment harks back to the post-WWII era when Trieste was recognised as the independent Free State of Trieste.
The Allure of the Adriatic Coast
Life in Trieste is intrinsically linked to the sea. "Regardless of the season, you'll find people flocking to the sea or to the coast for the daily ritual of watching the sunset over the Adriatic," Kat described. The city's relationship with water is profound, with many residents owning sailboats and social life revolving around the coastline.
Public transport even extends to the water, with a ferry providing a scenic way to travel the coast and visit nearby attractions like the stunning Miramare Castle. The city's position on the border with Slovenia also means that exploring neighbouring countries is remarkably accessible, often more so than travelling to other parts of Italy.
From its unique Osmiza farm-to-table dining culture to its festive winter atmosphere in Piazza Unità, Trieste offers a blend of cultures and experiences unlike anywhere else in Italy, making it a compelling destination for travellers seeking authenticity.
