The most beautiful town on the Slovenian coast grew with the help of salt. The Piran salt pans, where the world-class fleur de sel (flower of salt) is still produced today using age-old methods, were the reason why the picturesque Mediterranean walled town, with its church with a view and cultural attractions, flourished.
The old port town with remnants of a medieval wall is protected as a cultural and historical monument. Narrow streets with closely constructed houses descending from the hill and its church to the central square on the coast only emphasise its Mediterranean character. This worldly coastal town, which developed under the influence of Venice, is considered to be one of the most authentic and most photogenic towns on the Adriatic coast. In addition to architecture, the Maritime Museum, an aquarium and other attractions, visitors flock to this town to enjoy events, the culinary offerings, and nearby special natural features.
Piran is one of the picturesque medieval towns of Slovenia. Lovers of defensive walls and other architectural and cultural features from times gone by can travel in Slovenia for a week, going from one historical town to another, from the coast to Ljubljana, and from the Alps to the Pannonian Plain.
The Piran Salt Pans, established in 804, encompassed the salt pans in the area of today’s marina (Lucija, Portorož), the smaller Strunjan Salt Pans, and the larger Sečovlje Salt Pans. The areas of all the preserved salt pans are now landscape parks. At the Strunjan Landscape Park, you will find an incredible cliff towering over the sea, and at the Sečovlje Salt Pans, you can learn about the traditional salt production with guided tours and a visit to the Museum of Salt-Making.
Water and mud from the salt pans have been used for baths and body treatments for a long time. Thalassotherapy can also be enjoyed in the area of the Sečovlje Salt Pans, where the Lepa Vida Spa is located.
Every August, Piran, a town that grew on salt, celebrates the Saltern Festival that revives the return of the saltern families from the Sečovlje saltpans, where they would spend their summers until the final salt harvest. The main events take place in Tartini Square, which is dedicated to the grand violin virtuoso and composer Giuseppe Tartini, born in Piran. Every summer, the Tartini Festival of chamber music takes place in the town. The town, where painters return time and again to gain inspiration, also offers a number of other events. Follow the calendar of events in Piran!
Piran provides many hiking, biking, and horse trails for active visitors. These trails connect this medieval gem on the coast with the lively tourist town of Portorož and other coastal towns, with landscape parks and, in particular, with attractions in Istria. Among the trails, the Parenzana , the 130 km long bike trail which runs from Trieste, Italy, past the Piran Salt Pans to Poreč in Croatia along the long abandoned railway tracks, is especially attractive for many visitors.
The Slovenian coast offers a wide range of hotels, private rooms, apartments and campsites – the choice is yours.
Also visit museums that house the greatest treasures of Slovenia. Marvel at the special features of the landscape in protected nature areas. In the Karst, which lent its name to all karst phenomena throughout the world, you can also learn about the special features on the land surface, and not only those found in karst caves. All types of accommodation await you in the vicinity of major attractions.
Enjoy the warmth of the seaside sun caressing your skin or descend to the mysterious world of underground caves.
The very centre of social events on the coast and one of the most beautiful historical Mediterranean towns, connected by the story of salt.
Koper is a captivating seaside hub with a picturesque old city core and quaint villages on its outskirts.
Listen to the stories of the salt pan workers and experience the “salty” side of Piran.
Spend your holiday on the Slovenian coast!
The inland areas of Slovenian Istria will enchant you with their mix of the Mediterranean and the Karst and with picturesque villages hiding numerous cultural treasures.
Must-see attractions in green Slovenia!
Choose to have an active holiday on the Slovenian coast.
Share your photos and videos of Piran and the Slovenian coast by adding #ifeelslovenia.
Learn about the stories of three historical coastal towns – Izola, Koper, and Piran; discover the special features and secrets of the countryside, find ideas for day trips, information on entertainment and events, nautical and convention tourism, and about special natural, cultural, and gastronomic features of Slovenian Istria.
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