Visiting Castello di Duino on a Windy, Rainy Day in Italy

Our visit to Castello di Duino in Italy didn’t come with blue skies or sunshine. Instead, we were met with strong coastal winds, misty rain, and dramatic clouds rolling over the Adriatic Sea—and somehow, it made the experience even more unforgettable. The moody weather gave this cliffside castle a cinematic feel and turned the views along Italy’s Adriatic coast into something truly special.

Walking the castle grounds with the wind whipping around us, the Adriatic Sea below looked endless and powerful, crashing against the cliffs in a way that was impossible to ignore. Even through the rain, every viewpoint stopped us in our tracks. The terraces and windows still framed the sea beautifully, and the darker skies made the blues and grays stand out even more. It was one of those travel moments where you don’t mind being a little cold or damp because the scenery is just that incredible.

One thing I was especially grateful for during our visit to Duino Castle was dressing for the weather. A warm layer and a good raincoat made all the difference on such a windy day. The castle’s viewpoints are very open, and the coastal air can be chilly, so having something windproof and waterproof helped us slow down and truly enjoy the experience. If you’re visiting Castello di Duino outside of peak summer, packing layers and a rain jacket is a must.

The gardens, though quieter because of the rain, felt peaceful and almost private. With fewer visitors around, we could take our time walking through the grounds, listening to the wind and waves, and enjoying the calm that comes with visiting Italy on a less-than-perfect weather day. It felt relaxed, unhurried, and incredibly memorable.

Even on a windy, rainy day, Castello di Duino delivered one of the most beautiful views of our entire Italy trip. If you’re traveling near Trieste and wondering whether it’s worth visiting Duino Castle when the weather isn’t ideal, my answer is absolutely yes. Sometimes the most beautiful travel experiences happen when things don’t go exactly as planned.

https://amzn.to/3YZYCBn– This is the rain jacket I have, and it’s lightweight, easy to pack, and works surprisingly well at blocking wind and rain. Since it isn’t heavily insulated, I make sure to dress warm underneath with layers, especially on cooler or windy travel days.

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