The Slovenia Coast is small but charming with a nature park, salt pans and historical towns.
In this guide of the Istria Coast, I am sharing all the best things to do in Piran (beaches, walls, views…) and also what to do around the Slovenian coast: Portoroz, Izola, Koper, and the Slovenia Beaches… Happy planning!
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Slovenia:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Slovenia: DiscoverCars
My favorite adventure from Bovec: Kayak on the Soca River
My favorite excursion from Ljubljana: Postojna Cave and Predjama castle
My favorite places to stay:
- Lubljana, central – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Lesar Hotel Angel
- Bled, iconic – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Vila Bled
- Bovec, outdoorsy – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Dobra Vila
- Piran, historic – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Hotel Piran
6 Top things to do in Piran and the Slovenian Coast (Istria)
For those looking for a short answer, below is my selection of the top things to do in Piran and the coast of Slovenia:
- Explore the Piran Fortification Walls
- Visit the charming Piran Monastery
- Climb to the top of the Piran Bell Tower
- Watch sunset on the Waterfront
- Admire the peninsula of Izola
- Relax at the Strunjan Park
You can find photos and more information about each activity (as well as many others) further in the article.
The Slovenia Coast – Map, Towns and Video
About the Slovenia Coast – Location
The region of Istria (Slovenia) is located at the meeting point of the Karst area and the sea.
The region includes the Slovenia coastline, which is only 47km (29mi) long. It opens to the Adriatic Sea, part of the Mediterranean, East of Italy.
There are not many beaches, and not much natural sand. But the coast offers a nature reserve and charming towns with a long history.
Towns on the Slovenia Coast – Map
The main towns along the Coast are:
- Portoroz
- Piran
- Izola
- Koper
Below is a map to help you get oriented:
Planning a road trip around Slovenia? All the locations listed in this article and many other wonderful places to visit in Slovenia are included in my Travel Guide:
Plan your dream trip in Slovenia thanks to my guide
- 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- 16+ extra ideas
- GPS + info to make the most of your time
- 190+ original photos to help you choose
Piran and Slovenian Coast in Video – Virtual Tour
Before I introduce all the best things to do in Piran and the region, here is a short video to give you an idea of what it looks like to explore the coast and its wonders:
More photos after the planning tips.
How to get to Piran and the Coast of Slovenia
How to get to the Coast
- If you are renting a car, the coast is easily accessed via Motorway A1 (Check out my guide about driving in Slovenia)
- You first drive past Koper, then Izola, then Piran
- Ljubljana to Piran = 1h30 drive
- Ljubljana to Koper = 1h10 drive
- Trieste (Italy) to Piran = 45 min drive
- Zagreb (Croatia) to Piran = 2h drive
- Bled to Piran = 2h drive
Need to rent a car in Slovenia?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Choose a car with enough power for the mountain roads
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Piran Slovenia Tours
If your holidays are based in Ljubljana and you don’t want to drive, you can also book a day trip to Piran and the coast.
Check out the program and book
Access to Piran and getting around
Getting around the coast is quite easy. There are frequent buses between the towns, or you can easily drive.
I used the taxi once and I think I paid 20 euros from Piran to Koper.
However, note that access to the fortified town of Piran is limited. There is just one road and no places to park.
You have to park in the multi-level carpark just outside and hop on the free shuttle that takes you to the center, near Tartini square.
10 Best Things to do in Piran, Slovenia – Beach, architecture, walls…
Let’s start with the things to do in the town of Piran itself: what to see and the places to visit. It is one of my favorite towns in Slovenia!
#1 – Enjoy Tartini Square
What to do in Piran? Let’s start at the central square, called Tartini after the famous musician from the region (learn more about Guiseppe Tartini here). It is a charming oval shaped square that used to be a basin.
It is surrounded by beautiful houses and the clock tower on one side and the port on the other.
This is where all begins, where the shuttle drops you and where the visitor center is located.
They have a great map with different walks in Piran and in the region.
#2 – Walk and explore Piran
Piran is a wonderful town to just walk the narrow streets and the seaside.
A lot of charming buildings and small churches are hidden on the peninsula. So, spend some time strolling and appreciating the cool vibes of the town.
There is only one very small ‘beach”, so people just swim from the seaside walk (for good swimmers).
#3 – Relax at the Piran Beach
I know a lot of people are interested in beaches when traveling, but the Slovenia coast does not really have proper beaches.
They have small stretches of land near water.
Anyway, if you want to find the Piran beach, it is on the West side of the peninsula under the church
But if you want a wide beach with sand, you will have to go to Portoroz (see further down).
#4 – Have a look inside the Piran Church
The Piran Church of St George, also called the Piran Cathedral, overlooks the town and offers views of 3 countries: Slovenia, Croatia and Italy.
It was built to its present size in the 14th century and renovated into Baroque style in the 17th century.
#5 – Climb to the top of the Piran Bell Tower
Next to the church is the bell tower. It has a beautiful shape and can be visited for a small fee.
Just note that to get to the top you have to climb 145 small wooden steps that creak and look old…
However, the view from the top is amazing as you are in the town and can see all the roofs and the details of the monuments.
#6 – Appreciate the quiet of the Piran Monastery
Hidden in the streets between Tartini Square and the walls, the small minorite Monastery is charming.
It is a popular venue for musical events due to the superb acoustics of the cloister and the church.
It was one of my favorite places to visit in Piran. Loved the ambience.
#7 – Admire the view from the walls of Piran (fortification)
I love it when there is a viewpoint to see a town.
In Piran you can climb on the fortification walls.
10min walk uphill from Tartini square + around 100 steps.
Evening is better to see the sunset and Morning is better to photograph the town.
#8 – Visit the Piran Mediadom Museum
Mediadom Pyrhani is a small museum with interactive displays and a short 3D movie to learn more about the history of Piran and the salt pans that helped develop its economy.
I think it is a great place to start to understand better Piran when you visit it.
Other museums include the Maritime museum, the magical world of Shells, the aquarium…
#9 – Enjoy the sunset
Piran is a great location for sunset. You have the whole coast to sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
#10 – Appreciate the Seafood
Piran has many great restaurants serving great sea food and fish.
Beware that the portions are huge!
There are other things to do in Piran, and other buildings to discover as you stroll around, but this is a good start.
I don’t drink coffee
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…
Strunjan Park and Slovenia Beaches (#11)
The Strunjan Nature Park is another smaller peninsula on the Slovenia Coast. It has been protected and has become a reserve.
It is covered by trees, offers small beaches, as well as salt pans.
On top of the hill is the church of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary, the most famous place of pilgrimage in the region.
It is a great place to get away from towns and back into nature.
From the official “beaches” of Strunjan, you have a great view of the Piran Cathedral:
4 Best things to do in Izola, Slovenia
Izola is a charming fishing town on the Slovenia Coast.
It is a 20min drive from Piran and has a great vibe and good seafood restaurants.
The smallest of the towns used to be an island. In fact, the name Izola means island…
It has a very different vibe from Piran with less aggressive tourism practice and a family-oriented approach.
#12 – Get up to the Izola Bell Tower
Get to the visitor center and they can recommend a walking circuit.
You can get up to the bell tower and enjoy all the narrow streets and fun houses.
They like stripes!
#13 – Relax at Izola Beach
Once again very small beaches, but they seem calmer and more practical when you have kids.
They are easy to reach from the marina.
#14 – Explore the marina
Izola has a long tradition of being a fishing village.
You can find beautiful and interesting boats in the Marina which is charming with colorful houses around.
#15 – Admire the Izola View
On the hills, close to the road between the coastal main towns is a viewpoint where you can admire the former island of Izola with the marina and the bell tower overlooking the houses.
Behind you can see the coast of Italy.
The GPS coordinates of the viewpoint are in my eBook: The Road Trip Guide – Slovenia
3 Best things to do in Koper, Slovenia
Koper was my least favorite town. I felt that walking in the narrow streets was not as enjoyable. But it is my personal opinion.
However, it is a fascinating town from a historical standpoint. Like Izola, it started as an island and developed by connecting with the mainland.
It goes back to the Bronze age, 1500 BC. Koper was first inhabited in pre Roman times, with various names throughout history: Aegida, Capris, Justinopolis,…
Today it is an economic center with the port and a destination for sport tourism.
#16 – Admire the Praetorian Palace
At one point, Koper was a Venitian city and the main monument that represents it is the city hall Paetorian Palace.
It is located at the town’s central Tito Square.
Built in the 15th century, there are limited visits open for tourists. Enquire at the visitor center.
#17 – Climb the Bell Tower
On the Tito square, you can also find the Cathedral and its bell tower.
For a small fee, you can climb to the top of the bell tower.
204 steps to reach the platform.
The staircase takes you right near the bells, so be ready to be scared when you walk past them, and they start ringing. When you don’t expect it, you make a big jump.
At the top you have nice views of the town and the port.
#18 – Visit the Koper Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built in the 12th century in Romanesque style.
But it changed style over the years.
It is not heavily decorated inside.
2 Best things to do in Portoroz, Slovenia
Portoroz has been known as a health resort since the 13th century when monks discovered the “healing” properties of the seawater and sea mud.
It is also known as the city of flowers and has developed into the main sea-side resort in Slovenia with palaces.
#19 – Have fun in the resort town
Portoroz has the only large sandy beach in Slovenia. It is very crowded in Summer.
As it turned into a resort town, there is also a lot of shopping to be enjoyed.
#20 – Visit the Salt Pans
Near Portoroz are the famous salt pans that were the source of the economic development of the region.
These are called the Secovlje Salina Nature park.
They are located at the border with Croatia. They are still being used today and can be visited.
You can learn more about the salt process and industry as well as discover the specific fauna and flora of the salt pans.
There is also a spa with special salt treatments.
Where to stay on the Slovenia Adriatic Coast
Piran vs Portoroz vs Izola vs Koper
- Piran is one of the most charming towns in Slovenia. Located on the coast, it has a lot of history and almost no cars – It is very touristic but spending the night here is like stepping back in history. It is my first choice
- For cheaper options consider Izola or Koper
- And if you are looking for a Seaside resort with big hotels, sandy beach, and shopping, stay in Portoroz.
Accommodations in Piran
Where I stayed: Name: Guesthouse PachaMama Pleasant Stay
Location: in the old town of Piran, near Tartini square
Type: Hotel /Guesthouse
Review: Fantastic location. Rooms are small but considering the old buildings in Piran, this must be a general problem/Modern decor.
Not a big fan of their ‘healthy’ breakfast but you are close to several cafés for alternatives.
CHECK OUT LATEST PRICES AND BOOK YOUR STAY
Other suggestions to stay in Piran or the Coast
However, if you prefer a resort type stay with a sand beach, choose an accommodation at nearby Portoroz.
And for a fishing village vibe, head to Izola.
- SEA VIEW IN PIRAN – Hotel Piran with fantastic sea views right by Tartini square and with cozy rooms – Check out photos and availability
- LUXURY in PORTOROZ – The Kempinski palace offers a 5-Star stay by the beach – Check out photos and availability
- GOOD VALUE IN PORTOROZ – Hotel Marko with great location in an old style villa – Check out photos and availability
- HOSTEL IN PORTOROZ – Europa Hostel just one minute from the beach and by the bus stop – Check out photos and availability
- IZOLA SEA VIEWS – Hotel Marina to appreciate the fishing port and marina – Check out photos and availability
or Check out all the best rated accommodations in Piran or the best rated accommodations in Portoroz
Want to see more of the best Slovenia has to offer?
- Best things to do in Slovenia – read article
- Most beautiful landscapes in Slovenia – read article
- Best castles in Slovenia – read article
- Most beautiful waterfalls in Slovenia – read article
- Best off the beaten path attractions in Slovenia – read article
- Most beautiful towns in Slovenia – read article
Planning a trip to Slovenia?
There are many other fascinating things to do within 1 or 2 hours from Piran (caves, castles, churches, vineyards…). You can find them and their locations on simplified maps (to facilitate planning) in my eBook:
Plan your dream trip in Slovenia thanks to my guide
- 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- 16+ extra ideas
- GPS + info to make the most of your time
- 190+ original photos to help you choose
And keep track of your own trip!
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