Amid Italy’s economic revitalization and rising interest in investments across small and mid-sized cities, two municipalities in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region—Lignano Sabbiadoro and Udine—have drawn the attention of analysts. One is a popular seaside resort with ambitions to become a year-round investment destination; the other is a historic and economic hub with a stable business infrastructure. The big question for 2025: Can Lignano Sabbiadoro pull ahead and outperform Udine in key economic sectors, especially real estate and tourism?
Tourism as a Growth Engine
Lignano Sabbiadoro has long been synonymous with summer holidays on the Adriatic coast. Each year, the town welcomes over 4 million visitors, primarily from Germany, Austria, and Eastern Europe. However, a strategic shift is underway: local authorities and private investors are actively developing projects aimed at attracting tourists year-round. In 2025, the town is set to complete a €12 million multi-purpose wellness and cultural center designed for year-round use.
This shift from seasonal to year-round tourism is already yielding results. Overnight stays from January to March 2025 rose by 8.7% compared to the same period last year. Combined with expanding infrastructure, this signals the town’s evolution into a comprehensive wellness and leisure destination.
Real Estate: A Hot Spot for Investors
Lignano Sabbiadoro’s real estate market is booming. In 2024, the average price per square meter reached approximately €3,600, rising to over €3,850/m² in early 2025. In premium neighborhoods like Riviera and Pineta, prices for new seafront developments can reach €5,000/m².
Rental demand is equally strong. Short-term rentals in peak season yield owners between €120 and €250 per night. In contrast, Udine’s market, though stable, is less dynamic: average property prices are around €2,000–€2,200/m², with moderate returns from long-term rentals.
Still, Udine remains attractive due to its established commercial real estate sector, offering steady returns through office buildings, industrial zones, and logistics centers—ideal for long-term capital investment.
Economic Activity and Employment
According to the regional chamber of commerce, Lignano Sabbiadoro saw a 6% increase in registered small businesses in 2024. The strongest growth occurred in gastronomy, rental services, water sports, and medical tourism. In 2025, two new spa complexes and a private recovery clinic aimed at international clients are set to open.
Udine, by contrast, relies on a more diversified economy. It is a prominent industrial and academic center. The University of Udine draws thousands of students annually, maintaining demand for housing and local services. It is home to major companies like Danieli in the metallurgical and engineering sector and a growing IT cluster.
Still, the rate of new job creation in Lignano’s service industry surpasses Udine’s, especially among young professionals and seasonal workers.
Accessibility and Infrastructure
Both towns are well-connected. Udine has direct rail and highway links to Trieste, Venice, and Treviso. Although Lignano lacks a train station, it compensates with a well-developed bus network and proximity to Trieste’s Ronchi dei Legionari Airport (under 70 km).
In 2025, Lignano’s municipality is investing €4 million to enhance cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, modernize the promenade, and build a “green belt” around the resort. These efforts improve the town’s appeal to both tourists and investors, especially in light of the growing focus on sustainable development.
Urban Environment and Quality of Life
Quality of life is becoming an increasingly important factor for both residents and investors. In this area, Lignano emphasizes environmental standards, safety, low pollution, and high-quality services. In 2025, the town earned the designation of an “ecologically sustainable resort” by regional authorities.
Udine, meanwhile, retains leadership in the “professional lifestyle” category. High-quality education, healthcare, and transportation systems make it a reliable choice for families and professionals. However, this strength is also a weakness: its slower pace of change makes it less agile in a competitive environment.
Comparative Snapshot (2025 data)
| Indicator | Lignano Sabbiadoro | Udine |
|---|---|---|
| Population | ~6,800 | ~100,000 |
| Avg. residential price (€/m²) | €3,850 | €2,100 |
| Rental income (season/month) | €2,500–€6,000 | €600–€900 |
| Annual tourist overnight stays | >4 million | <700,000 |
| Business growth in 2024 | +6% | +1.8% |
| Key economic sector | Tourism, wellness | Industry, IT |
Conclusion: Who Wins the Race?
At present, Lignano Sabbiadoro is closing the gap with Udine, especially in real estate, tourism, and services. If growth continues at the current pace, and year-round infrastructure expands, the resort could become a key economic driver in the region over the next 2–3 years.
However, Udine still holds strong in traditional sectors and offers a more stable, institutional investment environment.
In conclusion, there is no clear winner in the 2025 market race, but Lignano Sabbiadoro is emerging as a formidable contender—particularly for investors seeking rapid returns and rising asset values in a tourism-driven economy.
