Koper

A historic town on the Slovenian coast, considered one of the sunniest places in Slovenia and Slovenia’s maritime window to the world.

Koper is a town of a hundred suns and the centre of Slovenian Istria. Its historic centre is adorned with medieval Venetian palaces, squares, and streets. The sun warms the lagoon of the Škocjanski zatok Nature Reserve with its hundreds of birds, the Karst Edge, and world-renowned climbing areas. Istrian cuisine invites you to numerous events. 

Koper is an extraordinarily charming and dynamic city with incredibly branched tourist trails in the city and the outskirts. It is a city with a special charm.

John Tercek, Vice-President of the world-famous shipowner of Royal Caribbean Cruises

DESTINATION AWARDS

Koper was awarded the golden Slovenia Green Destination label. More

Koper was awarded the title of the European Destination of Excellence by the European Commission. More

The project “Gastronomic treasures of Istria” received the Sejalec award. More

The Mediterranean & the Karst in Slovenia
Koper

The Cathedral of Mary's Assumption, which is considered to be one of the largest churches in Slovenia, holds one of the most precious paintings of the famous painter Vitorre Carpaccio.

TOP 5 sights

Slovenia surprises at every step with its natural and cultural treasures. Come and see what surprises Koper can offer you.

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Tito Square and the Koper Bell Tower

Tito Square, in the heart of Koper, brings together the city’s most important historic buildings. Among them is the 54-meter-high bell tower dating back to the 12th century.

Castle Socerb

At the brink of a Karst wall rising a few hundred metres tall there is the mighty Castle Socerb with a view of Koper and Trieste’s gulfs and the surrounding places all the way to Piran.

Dance of Death in Hrastovlje

In St. Trinity’s church in Hrastovlje, there is one of the best-preserved frescos of the Dance of Death in the world, which takes you back to the times of the mystic Middle Ages.

Praetorian Palace

One of the most outstanding palaces in Koper that serves as a ceremonial building now. It impresses its visitors with its elegant image and rich history.

Muda Gate and Da Ponte Fountain

Through Koper’s only preserved city gate from the 16th century, you reach the fountain first mentioned in the 15th century, which served as the city’s main water source until the end of the 19th century.

TOP 5 experiences

Discover Koper’s rich cultural and historical heritage and explore the flavours of its hinterland.

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Interactive Game "Hunt for Justice": An Adventure Experience

Experience Koper’s landmarks in a different way. Imagine being caught by city guards and having to prove your innocence. How? Download a special App and explore the streets and landmarks – such as the Praetorian Palace, the Lion’s Mouth, the Barbabianca and Carli palaces – while solving city riddles to prove your innocence. At the end of the game, you will be rewarded with a free visit to the bell tower in Tito Square.

Interactive Game "Hunt for Justice": An Adventure Experience

Sunny Events Throughout the Year

Enjoy great company in sunny Koper and its surroundings. Savour local wines at the May Festival of Refosco and Slovenian Istria or visit the Altroke Istra Gourmet Festival. Indulge in local cuisine at September’s Altroke Sweet Istria, celebrate autumn at the Altroke Martinovanje, or enjoy the festive December atmosphere of the traditional Fantazima event.

Meeting the Šavrinke Women

Follow in the footsteps of the Istrian women known as Šavrinke and discover typical homesteads of the Koper countryside. Visit the House of Bardinc, a typical Istrian house in the village of Lopar near Marezige, built more than 200 years ago, featuring an old wine cellar and one of the oldest Istrian wine presses. Experience the past at the Vrešje House in the village of Krkavče. Explore a living museum that revives rich Istrian heritage and offers visitors an unforgettable journey into the past.

In the company of birds in Škocjan Inlet Nature Reserve

Relax at the Škocjan Zatok Nature Reserve, which is only a step away from the bustle of the city. Observe numerous species of birds and other interesting animal and plant species. You can also learn about the wealth of the nature reserve while riding Camargue horses along the education trail.

Truffle Hunting

Join a truffle-hunting adventure in the mysterious forests of Slovenian Istria. Accompanied by experienced truffle hunters and their dogs, you will search for these precious culinary treasures. After the hunt, enjoy a truffle tasting that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.

Giants of Istria: Themed Hiking Trail in the Footsteps of Giants

Set off on a beautiful hiking trail and discover a legend that takes you around Kubed. Istria is the land of giants – kind-hearted beings who once helped shape the landscape, build castles, and construct the unique pentagonal tower to protect Kubed. Along the way, you will uncover their traces and learn about the world in which they lived.

Giants of Istria: Themed Hiking Trail in the Footsteps of Giants

Cycling and Culinary Adventure Through Istria

Take a cycling tour through Slovenian Istria. Your journey begins in Hrastovlje, where you can stock up on delicious snacks from the local Trček farm before visiting the Church of the Holy Trinity with its striking Dance of Death fresco. Continue along the marked K3 cycling route toward Dol pri Hrastovljah, where you can enjoy traditional Istrian cuisine at the Švab Inn. Conclude your trip with a spectacular view at St. Stephen’s Church in Zanigrad, overlooking the Hrastovlje valley and the sea.

Climbing paradise on the Karst Edge

The Karst Edge, central Slovenian climbing area, offers more than half of the climbing routes of different difficulties in Slovenia. The most popular one among climbers is the wall in Osp, the oldest Slovenian village. You can also find a number of routes at Črni Kal and Črnotiče. In addition to climbing, you can also explore the natural and cultural characteristics of the Karst Edge on biking and hiking trails.

Istrian Wines and Olive Oil: Treasures of Slovenian Istria

Thanks to its sunny location and favourable climate, Slovenian Istria is known for its top-quality wines. Visit one of the largest wineries in Slovenia, Vinakoper, winner of the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards, where you can see the largest wine barrel in Slovenia and one of the largest in Europe, and enjoy tastings. The Koper countryside is also home to extensive olive groves producing protected-designation-of-origin olive oil of Slovenian Istria – one of the finest in the world.

Istrian Wines and Olive Oil: Treasures of Slovenian Istria

Wine and Olive Oil Fountain: A Unique Tasting with a View

In Marezige, visit Slovenia’s first wine and olive oil fountain, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for lovers of wine and olive oil. Enjoy premium wines from local wineries and selected extra virgin olive oils from local producers while admiring stunning views of the Slovenian sea. This picturesque village above Koper perfectly blends winemaking tradition, unforgettable views, and relaxed enjoyment of authentic Istrian flavours.

The Best Beaches in Koper

Experience the charm of the Adriatic coast all year round. Enjoy the sea in the very centre of Koper at the Mokra Mačka city beach along the waterfront promenade. Between the mouth of the Badaševica River and Žusterna, visit the urban coastal park Žusterna, designed for socializing and active leisure time in and by the sea. Next to the park, relax at Žusterna Beach, suitable for young families and accessible for people with disabilities – especially popular among water sports enthusiasts.

Experience Koper in your own way.

Explore Koper and its hinterland in the most original, boutique, and authentic way. Try something you won't find anywhere else. Select from a range of five-star boutique experiences boasting the Slovenia Unique Experiences mark.

Logo Slovenia Unique Experiences.

A nostalgic journey in legendary classic cars through Istria’s olive groves.

Vintage Gourmet Tour

From 410,00 €

Green facts

Slovenia writes a green story. Feel it at every step.

A green olive rests on a white spoon, surrounded by a drizzle of olive oil. Olive leaves are scattered on the wooden table.

Destination Koper is the richest Slovenian tourist destination as regards the number of olive tree plantations.

A cow with distinctive gray and white fur stands by tall reeds near a tranquil blue lake under a clear sky.

The Škocjan Zatok Nature Park is the largest partly salty marsh in Slovenia which spreads over 122 hectares of land and boasts as many as 245 species of birds.

A person in a red shirt stands under a vast, overhanging rock formation, arms raised.

The area of Karst Edge which represents the natural border between the typical Karst surface and flysch, Istria is known around the world as an outstanding climbing destination with over 800 routes.

An elderly woman in traditional attire, holding a basket on her head, kneels on grass beside a donkey. A basket of apples rests nearby.

The houses of Slovenian Istria, the green accommodation options of the countryside carrying the label of Travelife Gold and Slovenia Green Accommodation in the midst of vineyards, offer a view of the Koper and Trieste gulfs.

Fritaja with Wild Asparagus on Olive Oil

Destination Koper with the largest number of olive oil farmers and olive tree plantations in Slovenia is considered the Slovenian mecca of olive oil. Istrian olive oils are among the most valued oils in the world. Golden olive oil should serve as the basis for the preparation of fritaja with wild asparagus, as it hides inside the power of the sun which also makes the wild asparagus in the Istrian countryside sprout.

Try the recipe

Koper. Active. Authentic. Exceptional.

In Koper, the sun inspires your every step and warms vibrant event venues all year round. Enjoy outdoor activities and the energy of the sun captured in delicious Istrian dishes, premium wines, and olive oil.

Watch videoVodilne destinacije - Koper

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.

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Experience a pleasant getaway and have some rest

If you wish to stay longer and experience even more, choose accommodation in the surrounding area that best suits your wishes.

Grand Hotel Koper

4.5 1162 Google reviews

Hostel Villa Domus

4.6 361 Google reviews

Hotel Bio

4.2 682 Google reviews

Villa Robida

4.6 191 Google reviews

Hotel Capris Capodistria Boutique

4.8 177 Google reviews

Villa Molet

5 266 Google reviews

Hostel Museum

4.6 407 Google reviews

Casino & Hotel Admiral Škofije

4 452 Google reviews

Vidic Apartments Koper

4.7 15 Google reviews

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.

From 1.000,00 €

Spend three days immersed in the wonders of the Slovenian coast, far from the crowds and the heat! Peaceful sailing, delicious food, breathtaking scenery...

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Mini cruise on the Slovenian coast

: Active holidays

Persons:: 2

Nights:: 2

Location:: Izola

Provider:: POMORSTVO IN TURIZEM Damjan Rožnik s.p.

Star rating:: (5)

From 282,00 €

A break on the greenest stretch of the Slovenian coast.

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A getaway to Talaso Strunjan

: Health and well-being

Persons:: 1

Nights:: 3

Location:: Strunjan

Provider:: Talaso Strunjan

Star rating:: (4)

From 558,80 €

Indulge in a couples' massage, pampering in the world of saunas, and a stroll by the sea.

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A Talaso Strunjan escape for the two of us

: Health and well-being

Persons:: 2

Nights:: 2

Location:: Strunjan

Provider:: Talaso Strunjan

Star rating:: (4)

From 1.071,00 €

A seaside retreat for stress management.

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Antistress & Healthy Living

: Health and well-being

Persons:: 1

Nights:: 5

Location:: Abitanti

Provider:: Talaso Strunjan

Star rating:: (4)

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Nearby destinations

Explore Slovenian Istria. Take a ride to Izola, the fishing centre of Slovenian Istria, which is a few kilometres away, or experience romantic moments in captivating Piran. On your way inland, you can explore the beauties of the Karst – make a stop in Lipica, where 300 white Lipizzaner horses await you, explore the breath-taking underground world of the Škocjan Caves and Postojna Cave and visit the idyllic Karst villages.

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Piran and salt pans

Piran, the most beautiful town of Mediterranean Slovenia.

Karst

The world of underground wonders, stunning natural phenomena and unique tastes.

Lipica

Lipica is a renowned cradle of the Lipizzaner horse breed in Europe.

Logo of the destination Koper.

More details on Koper

For more information visit Koper website

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