Green Mediterranean

Slovenia's coast, just over 46 kilometres long, boasts beautiful medieval towns and tourist resorts such as Piran and Portorož. The coast offers plenty of fully equipped beaches but if you prefer to get away from the crowds, you can also find unspoilt natural beaches and coves. Thanks to the sub-Mediterranean climate, winters are mild and summers are hot and dry, although the vegetation is considerably more luxuriant than in other Mediterranean countries. The Slovenian Mediterranean is green, and vines thrive in the coastal area.

Natural sights

The Slovenian Mediterranean is enclosed by three bays: The Bay of Piran, the Bay of Strunjan and the Bay of Koper. Thick strata of marl and sandstone in the Bay of Strunjan create the highest flysch cliff of the whole Adriatic coast, towering up to 80 metres above the sea. The Strunjan Cliff is protected as a nature reserve and, together with the saltworks, forms part of the Strunjan Nature Park.

Even more famous are the Sečovlje saltworks in the Bay of Piran, in operation since at least the year 800. Today they are the only saltworks in the Mediterranean where high-quality salt is still produced in the traditional manner, using petola. In view of their exceptionally rich natural and cultural heritage, they are protected as a nature park. They are also a very important bird sanctuary. Nearly 300 species of birds have been observed in the area of the saltworks, and around 80 species nest here permanently or periodically. Another very important bird sanctuary is Škocjanski Zatok near Koper.

In geographical terms, the Slovenian Mediterranean is part of Slovenian Istria, with its hilly green coastal area. Particularly interesting is the area of the edge of the Karst, which clearly delineates the boundary between the Karst region and the coastal region. The vertical cliffs at Črni Kal and Osp are now among the best and most demanding rock-climbing areas in Europe. Natural beauties also lie hidden below the surface of the sea. Incredibly rich and varied marine flora and fauna are waiting to be discovered in the sea at Piran. Punta Madonna is protected as a marine natural monument.

Tourist resorts and towns

Koper is the most important town on the Slovenian coast and the sixth largest town in Slovenia. This island town was founded by the Romans, while centuries of Venetian rule have left their mark on it. It was joined to the mainland some centuries ago. The immaculately preserved medieval town centre is one of the most beautiful sights of the northern part of the Istrian peninsula. The town is a centre of nautical tourism and has its own marina. It is also the home of the University of Primorska. The Port of Koper has enormous strategic importance for the whole of Slovenia.

Izola, an attractive little coastal town with a strong fishing tradition and a preserved medieval town centre, was also an island centuries ago. Tourism is concentrated in the Simonov Zaliv area, which has a bathing establishment, hotels and restaurants. On the western edge of the town is the marina. Izola is a venue for numerous international musical, cultural and sports events. The boat show attracts large crowds.

Perhaps the most charming of the medieval towns on the Slovenian coast is Piran. This ancient port is squeezed onto a narrow peninsula and in the Middle Ages was protected by a town wall. Part of the wall still survives today. The heart of the town is Tartini Square, which is protected in its entirety as a cultural-historical monument. The town conserves its original layout, with narrow streets and close-packed houses rising up in steps towards the top of the ridge and creating a typically Mediterranean vista. Piran has many good restaurants and hotels. It is also home to the Sergej Mašera Maritime Museum and an aquarium.

The coastal town with the longest tradition of tourism is Portorož, a tourist resort with comfortable hotels and modern swimming pools, and a wide choice of restaurants and events. Portorož is a popular centre for conferences and meetings, with several conference halls capable of holding up to 1,500 guests. The town also has a casino, a modern marina and a natural health resort with its own wellness centre. An international airport is located nearby. Portorož offers a wide choice of entertainment, sports activities and relaxation.

Strunjan has a famous natural health resort, offering among other things a range of therapies using sea mud. Nearby is the Strunjan Nature Park, which includes the Strunjan Cliff and saltworks.

In the hinterland of the coastal towns, in the hills of Šavrinska Brda, lie a number of old and picturesque Istrian settlements such as Padna, Krkavče, Koštabona, Pomjan and Gažon.

Not far from the coast is one of the biggest tourist attractions of the area, the village of Hrastovlje with the Church of the Holy Trinity, adorned by late Gothic frescoes depicting the Dance of Death. Because of these paintings Hrastovlje is considered one of the most important examples of medieval mural painting in Slovenia.

Socerb Castle offers a magnificent view of the Slovenian coast and, in particular, of Trieste. The Castle also contains a restaurant, where you can be served as the lord of the castle was once served.

Activities

The Slovenian coast is a water sports paradise. Its numerous beaches offer a variety of sports activities from beach volleyball to tubing. Many of the hotels have their own swimming pools.

The Mistral in summer and the powerful Bora at other times of the year make the sea off Slovenia very suitable for sailing. Sailing boats with skippers are available for hire. Three marinas are available for mooring. Other activities include waterskiing and diving.

The hilly coastal area is ideal for cycling and there are several marked cycling routes.

Natural health resorts in Strunjan and Portorož can restore your sense of wellbeing.

Climbers can put themselves to the test all year round in the very demanding climbing areas of Osp, Mišja Peč and Črni Kal, which lie on the edge of the Karst.

The Sečovlje saltworks and Škocjanski Zatok are excellent locations for birdwatching. In Slovenian Istria you can even go hunting for truffles, a highly prized delicacy.

Food and wine

Many of the restaurants in Slovenia's coastal region are famous for their Mediterranean cuisine and well-stocked cellars. Notable wines include the red Refosco and the white Malvasia.