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Izola

Enter the world of fish and get in touch with the authentic Mediterranean!

Once an island, the town is renowned for its fishing, winemaking, olive-growing and fish-processing traditions. The medieval town, with its narrow streets and church on a hilltop, charms with its many parks and eight beaches. Next to the town, where you'll find a vibrant inner harbor (called "mandrač"), there is now also a marina.

Izola does have a certain Venetian charm, together with a large marina, some narrow old winding streets and excellent restaurants and bars where you might linger.

Lonely Planet

TOP 5 experiences

Izola offers a cornucopia of seaside activities. Start with the outstanding cuisine which focuses on fish, excellent wine and olive oil, and experience the benefits of the sea and sea air first hand.

Spend a day with a local

Experience the Izola countryside in the company of a local. Take a walk through the narrow streets of the charming Istrian village of Korte and taste genuine homemade specialities. See how the locals once washed their laundry in a special outdoor “laundrette”. Visit the archaeological site of a prehistoric fort and travel back in time more than 5,000 years to when the first residents of Istria set up a Castelliere, a fortified settlement. On your stroll, take in marvellous views of the Istrian landscape, listen to interesting stories and enjoy the friendliness of the locals.

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Visit Izolana – House of the Sea

The interactive museum that excites visitors of all ages showcases the fishing tradition of Izola, with numerous ship models and a full-size renovated pasara boat on display. You’ll be impressed by the 3-D model of Izola, which will take you back 5,000 years to follow the development of the town right up to the present day. Discover the route of the former Parenzana railway and cycle past the main Izola attractions on a simulator. A visit to Izolana is the perfect starting point for further exploration of the town.

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Indulge in peace in Strunjan Landscape Park

Izola borders the Strunjan Landscape Park, which stretches all the way to one of the park's most interesting points – the 80-metre-high Strunjan Cliff. Together with its verdant edge, the 200-metre strip of sea below and the saltpans, the Strunjan Landscape Park has been declared a nature reserve. The healthy and tranquil environment, the wonderful views and the diversity of flora and fauna offer an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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Green facts

Slovenia's green story is well in the making. Feel it wherever you go.

A historic stone building with a small window is surrounded by vibrant green trees.

The countryside of Izola reveals some partially preserved water sources. In days past, these were the only source of water in the entire hinterland; today they are an important natural treasure and a part of Izola's cultural heritage.

Sunset over a tranquil ocean, viewed from a lush, green cliff.

With the rich vegetation along its edge and the belt of sea that stretches 200 metres, the Strunjan cliff was declared a nature reserve.

A smiling woman in an apron stands in a lush, sunny garden, holding bread and a basket of vegetables, garlic, and wine.

Izola is one of the less built-up areas in the region, as 40% of it is arable land, where the rich Istrian soil provides the best, tastiest produce.

Aerial view of a rugged, green coastline with a calm, blue sea. Hills covered in foliage extend into the distance.

The recent closing of the former coastal road between Izola and Koper has helped preserve the biodiversity of the Slovenian sea. Instead, the Blue Corridor is now taking shape along this 4-km stretch of coastline.

"Brodet" (fish stew) and gratinéed polenta with baccala (prepared cod) and fresh Istrian truffles

The fishermen of Izola have always had a soft spot for one particular dish – brodet and polenta. This delicacy tastes amazing, regardless of the fish that goes in there. The main flavours come from the Istrian herbs, wine and seafood. Today, brodet is the star, the diva of the local cuisine, particularly when paired with polenta and baccala, and finished off with a topping of truffles. Try the recipe of Izola-based chef Ivica Evačić–Ivek.

Try the recipe

Izola: A place where hearts from different worlds beat as one

Izola is more than just a town boasting diversity. Izola accepts diversity with open arms. It creates experiences intended for all, riding the waves of pleasant emotions.

Two people stand in an ornate, historical courtyard with arched windows and decorative facades.

Register of Tourist Guides

Local guides will help you discover local attractions and hidden treasures. Find a tourist guide that will present Slovenian cultural and natural heritage to you in more detail in your chosen language.

Choose a local guide

Experience a pleasant getaway and have some rest

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.

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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.8

Hostel Alieti

23 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.8

Turistična kmetija Medljan

2 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.7

Apartments Ritoša

2 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.6

Guesthouse Centrum Izola

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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.3

Hotel Marina

209 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 4.9

DeGrassi Boutique Garni Hotel

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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 5.0

Garni Hotel Dolcemente

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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 3.5

Cliff Hotel & Spa

177 Reviews (open in a new window)
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TripAdvisor traveller rating Tripadvisor rating: 3.5

Hotel Belvedere

177 Reviews (open in a new window)
Tripadvisor

Book your adventure in Mediterranean and Karst Slovenia

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.

Price in EUR From 150,00 €

Are you a fan of indulgence and exploring flavours? Then the Perla Gourmet package is perfect for you: in addition to relaxation in the Spa Perla wellness...

Price in EUR From 150,00

Perla Gourmet

Price in EUR From 125,00 €

There's never a wrong time for ultimate pampering. Indulge in the soothing effects of spa treatments and savour an unforgettable gourmet experience.

Price in EUR From 125,00

Ultimate pampering

Price in EUR From 1.699,00 €

Wheelchair-accessible adventure holiday in Slovenia: 7 days at a seaside resort, with private guided tours of Postojna Cave and Ljubljana. Enjoy a perfect...

Price in EUR From 1.699,00

Wheelchair accessible destinations, 7-day adventure in Primorska

Destinations nearby

Izola is a great place to embark on trips around the coastal towns and villages of Slovenian Istria, and to explore the wonders of Karst. Hop on a boat to get to the Sečovlje salt pans and Piran, a charming seaside town with surviving sections of a medieval wall. It is safe to say that Piran is a town built on salt. Take the coastal road and ride your bike the 7 km to Koper, a vibrant coastal town with a diverse green hinterland just beyond. Explore the karst underground and descend into the Postojna Cave some 40 km from Izola. Next, head over to the astonishing Predjama Castle – a castle literally built into a cliff cave. Another highly attractive destination is the Brda Region. Much like Izola, Brda will enchant with its excellent cuisine and wine offerings.

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