Ankaran is famed for its pleasant climate. Boasting one of the largest RV camps in Slovenia, Ankaran is a town that brushes against the Debeli Rtič Landscape Park.
Many describe Debeli Rtič as a beautiful beach, others say it is a wonderful area in which to take walks, while scuba divers regard it as a colourful treasure trove of nature.
Slovenia’s Mediterranean and Karst
Ankaran
Debeli Rtič and St Bartholomew Bay are sites of archaeological remnants dating back to the Roman times.
Slovenia is replete with surprising natural and cultural riches. Would you like to know what the must-sees in Ankaran are?
Explore Ankaran and its surroundings by rambling among the olive groves and vineyards, and along the coastline. Breathe in the relaxing scents of the sea and pine trees.
Take a stroll amid olive groves and vineyards, and descend from the top of the Ankaran peninsula to reach the cliff that slopes steeply into the sea. The height of the cliff walls ranges from 12 to 21 metres. The cliff is overgrown by numerous indigenous plants, while the stony sea bed is home to plenty of life, which thrives there because the sea is shallow and provides good light.
MoreTake a stroll amid olive groves and vineyards, and descend from the top of the Ankaran peninsula to reach the cliff that slopes steeply into the sea. The height of the cliff walls ranges from 12 to 21 metres. The cliff is overgrown by numerous indigenous plants, while the stony sea bed is home to plenty of life, which thrives there because the sea is shallow and provides good light.
MoreSet out to explore Slovenia from the coast to the mountains. Ankaran is the starting point of the Slovenian Mountain Trail, which is the longest and the most popular Slovenian long-distance trail. From Ankaran the trail leads you across the Karst world to the Julian Alps, via the Karavanke mountain range to the Kamnik–Savinja Alps, all the way to Pohorje and Maribor. The trail can also be traversed in the opposite direction, which means you will finish it by taking a refreshing dip in the sea.
MoreExplore Ankaran and the surrounding area by embarking on Bebler’s Route, which was named after Aleš Bebler – Primož. The route will take you past Črni Vrh, the village of Hrvatini and the hamlet of Božiči, over the Sanator hill to Sveta Katarina (Polje Bay), where a shell dune is located. Another point of interest is the salt marsh beside St Nicholas.
MoreSeek summer refreshment at the bathing area next to the former Monastery of St Nicholas, and learn about its history. The monastery with the adjoining park and bathing area back to the 11th century has changed owners and its purpose of use throughout history. Initially a dwelling for monks, it came under the ownership of a noble family of Madonizza from Koper in the 18th century, and served as a military hospital during Napoleon’s Illyrian Provinces.
MoreMake sure your holidays are active and fun. Explore the underwater world around Debeli Rtič by scuba diving. There is a cove that is perfect for fishing boats located in Valdoltra. There is not a single dull moment to be had at the coast either, as the camp offers tennis and mini golf facilities; alternatively, you can try your hand at frisbee, and play beach volleyball at St Katarina.
MoreTrue summer begins at the beach, by the sea. Ankaran and the surrounding area encompass a number of well-tended beaches suitable for visitors who would like authentic contact with the natural beauty of the seaside and those who prefer cosmopolitan comforts. All beaches are accessible by a free summer bus.
MoreTrue summer begins at the beach, by the sea. Ankaran and the surrounding area encompass a number of well-tended beaches suitable for visitors who would like authentic contact with the natural beauty of the seaside and those who prefer cosmopolitan comforts. All beaches are accessible by a free summer bus.
MoreRelax in the healing environment of Debeli Rtič. A pleasant climate, complemented by the scents of the sea and the pine trees, will soothe and re-energise you. At the Debeli Rtič Wellness Centre, Youth and Health Resort, operating under the auspices of Slovenian Red Cross, guests can indulge in massage therapies, saunas and the gentle embrace of sea water in the indoor or outdoor pool.
MoreVisit the Adria Wellness Centre situated in an idyllic environment, away from the urban hustle and bustle. Unwind with massages and saunas, or dip into heated pools filled with sea water. Your well-being will be restored by natural Mediterranean resources such as unrefined sea salt, rosemary, lavender, algae and clay.
MoreCome to the Golden Olive Branch Festival and sample premium olive oil made by local producers, and taste various gastronomic delights in the form of traditional Istrian dishes featuring olive oil. The event is made even livelier by evening concerts and other accompanying programmes, while the fair lets visitors purchase and take home a little part of the noble treasures hailing from the vast olive groves from Ankaran’s vicinity and the rest of Istria.
MoreCome to the Golden Olive Branch Festival and sample premium olive oil made by local producers, and taste various gastronomic delights in the form of traditional Istrian dishes featuring olive oil. The event is made even livelier by evening concerts and other accompanying programmes, while the fair lets visitors purchase and take home a little part of the noble treasures hailing from the vast olive groves from Ankaran’s vicinity and the rest of Istria.
MoreExperience Summer in Ankaran and discover the diverse range of culture offered by Slovenian and foreign artists. See plays and listen to concerts featuring various types of music taking place on a floating stage with the setting sun providing a stunning backdrop, while children can have fun at plays staged especially for them during the day and be creative at workshops.
MoreSpend a merry December in Ankaran. Children will enjoy ice skating, and adults can learn new dance steps at dance workshops, and show off their new knowledge at evening dances. The atmosphere is enlivened by a variety of concerts and numerous events for gourmets. The events culminate with New Year’s celebrations and jumping into the sea is an exciting way to start the brand new year.
MoreSlovenia is writing its green story. Feel it at every turn.
A special type of meadow developed on the silty, moist and salty ground of St Nicholas in Ankaran, which is the perfect ground for the seaside rush as well as many other interesting plants.
The natural monument of Debeli Rtič is one of the few areas on the Slovenian coast where pristine nature meets remarkable biodiversity.
At the coast by St Katarina there lies the only shell dune in Slovenia, featuring 234 species of snails from the Gulf of Trieste, and at least 30 species of birds.
Ankaran offers several well-tended beaches, which are accessible during the summer with a free connecting bus.
Scampi alla busara
The cuisine of Ankaran is very diverse owing to the several cultures that meet in an area of merely 8 square kilometres. Due to the immediate surroundings and the vicinity of the sea, dishes connected with the Mediterranean prevail. A number of fish and seafood dishes are popular. One of the delicious dishes that are also available at certain local restaurants is scampi in tomato, garlic and wine sauce, also known as scampi alla busara.
Come to Ankaran to relax and revitalise your soul. Take a deep breath and inhale the delicate scents of the sea and Mediterranean macchia. Appreciate the beauty of the dramatic cliff separating vineyards from the sea on the Debeli Rtič peninsula.
Find a tourist guide that will present Slovenian cultural and natural heritage to you in more detail in your chosen language.
Would you like to stay a little longer and see and experience as much as possible? Then select suitable accommodation that is ideal for you in the nearby area.
Learn about the stories stemming from salt, carved in stone and hidden among the green vineyards. Descend into the karst caves, enjoy the beach, explore its hinterland with a diverse range of tastes and enjoy the view of the fertile landscape with a glass of top-quality vine.
Set out to a ramble around Slovenian Istria. Only 7 kilometres away is Koper, one of the oldest Slovenian towns, with a stunning old city centre and rich architectural heritage. Continue towards Izola, a lively town that has preserved its tradition of fishing and wine and oil production. Izola is only 17 km away from Ankaran. A further 8 kilometres away lies the coastal pearl of Piran, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful medieval towns along the Adriatic coast, and which grew on salt. If you decide to take a trip to inland Slovenia, we suggest visiting Lipica with its beautiful Lipizzaner horses, which are only a 42-kilometre drive away. Other treasures of the Karst world are waiting to be discovered as well.
This picturesque historical town with its own green surroundings is a bridge between the Karst and the Sub-Mediterranean world.
Piran, the most beautiful town of Mediterranean Slovenia.
Enter the World of Fish and Get in Touch with the Authentic Mediterranean!
The world of underground wonders, stunning natural phenomena and unique tastes.
Take a look at the images of Slovenia captured on camera by visitors. Capture your own unforgettable experiences and share them with us on social networks.
For more information please visit the website of the town of Ankaran.
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