Cedas Trail – From Barcola to the Contovello Pond

The Cedas Trail is a fascinating hiking route that connects the small Cedas marina, located along the Barcola coastline in Trieste, to the karst village of Contovello, and continues toward the Miramare Castle.
This trail offers a mix of natural beauty, breathtaking views, and historical landmarks, making it ideal for intermediate-level hikers.​

🥾 Trail Features
Type of route: forest path and paved road
Distance: Approximately 3 km
Elevation gain: About 250 m uphill
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: Around 2 hours

🗺️ Itinerary Overview
Starting point – Cedas Marina: Located along the Barcola coast, this starting point offers a stunning view of the Adriatic Sea. 🌊

Railway underpass: At a certain point, the trail passes under the railway tracks. 🚉

Vineyards and forest crossing: Once in Contovello, the trail continues through terraced vineyards 🍇 and woodland 🌳, offering spectacular views of the coastline and the Gulf of Trieste.

The village of Contovello: After the scenic bends along Strada del Friuli 🌄, where we can admire the full beauty of the gulf, we ascend toward the charming village of Contovello. 🏘️

Contovello Pond: After passing through the karst village of Contovello, we reach the small lake of the same name. 🐟💧

🌿 Points of Interest
Dry stone walls and pastini: Evidence of the area’s ancient agricultural practices, with terraced vineyards supported by traditional dry stone walls. 🧱🍇

Historic fountains: Along the trail, you’ll find fountains once used by local residents. 💧

Scenic viewpoints: The walk offers enchanting glimpses of the sea. 🌅📸

ℹ️ Useful Tips
Footwear: Hiking shoes are recommended to tackle both uphill and downhill sections comfortably. 👟

Best seasons: Spring and autumn are ideal, to avoid the summer heat and enjoy seasonal colors. 🌸🍂

Watch your step: The initial staircase can be challenging — take your time and pace yourself. 🪜🙂