What should not to be missed on the Slovenia coast (this weekend)?

We reveal 7 hints for exploring the Slovenian coast and making your experience there even greater.

1. The fabulous shades of Portorož through roses and rosè wines.

Did you know that there are over 2,000 roses growing in Portorož? There are more than 123 species of roses in the flower garden alone, right next to the sea. Some of them were planted between 1887 and 1925. Each May, the flower garden transforms into a heaven of roses, each with its own unique brilliance symbolising love and beauty. The most special among them is a rose called Portorož – and it even has its own festival called The PortoRose2 Rose & Rosé Festival, which takes place this weekend, 24 – 25 May. At the event, you will have a chance to try different varieties of rosé and sparkling wines. The highlight of the event will be the planting of a new rose on the »celebrity flower bed«, a smaller variation of Hollywood’s walk of fame.

2. The 41st regatta of old  traditional boats  

Experience Piran as it used to be and come to visit the town this Saturday, 25 May, when the 41st traditional regatta of old boats will take place. What is more: alongside this event, also the vintage car owners will meet in the morning at the main pier, which will doubble the excitement of all vintage and antique lovers. A few steps away, at Tartini square, the Antiques and Handcrafted Products Market will be held. Round off yourexperience of Piran as it used to be with a visit to Mediadom Pyrhani, the multimedia museum, where you will discover hidden underground corridors in a picturesque and playful way, the story of the pillory, the most distinguished personalities from Piran and other intriguing city secrets.

3. Vintage gourmet adventure in the olive groves

Are you ready for a gourmet adventure while taking in the most beautiful views of the Slovenian coast and the Istrian countryside? Get ready for a fun trip in the Fiat and Zastava vintage cars. Final destination? Oljarna Lisjak! Surrounded by the romantic olive groves, you will be taken on a journey through the story of their olive trees that grow along the edge of the Strunjan cliff. You will also have a chance to taste different sorts of olive oil and wines by the local winemakers. The vintage gourmet tour has also been among the first nine providers that were awarded the Slovenia Unique label, showcasing outstanding 5* experiences that can be found in Slovenia

4. The fest of Istrian artichokes

Did you know that Istria boasts an indigenous type of artichoke that grows in Strunjan? They have been in the area since the times before the Venetian Republic. Purple-green in colour and slightly smaller than the usual artichoke, it is known for having a great taste, which makes it extremely prized among gourmands. 25 and 26 May, the Artichoke Feast will take place in Strunjan, which is an excellent opportunity to discover a variety of dishes and everything else that can be made from this delicious and healing plant. When there, make sure to walk through the salt pans or climb to the Strunjan Cross, where you will be enchanted by the breath-taking views and a glimpse of the Moon Bay.

The story of Piran's European sea bass

In a quiet cove, right next to the salt pans and not far from Portorož,lies the home of the Fonda sea bass. In addition to their excellent taste, they are also known for being the first fish in the world to appear on a menu with their name. All sea lovers and sea food lovers can discover many marine secrets and why the Piran Sea bass is so special with its exceptional taste on an unforgettable day at the Fonda fish farm, which is also one of the Slovenia Unique Experiences. First, you will board a boat and sail to the interesting home of the sea bass before learning how to feed fish, how long sea bass needs to grow, how mussels live and how to recognize really fresh fish. The visit will finish off with a superb tasting of the delicacies from the Fonda fish farm and a glass of excellent white wine, Malvasia.

6. Gourmet foodie e-bike tours

Good food and exercise go hand in hand. That is why a culinary excursion with a ride on e-bikes is a perfect match. While exploring markets and narrow streets of the Istrian towns and villages along the route of the old Parenzana railway line, you will have a chance to taste Istrian delicacies, from prosciutto and truffles accompanied with a glass of home-made Refosco wine, to delicious seafood dishes which go well with a glass of Malvasia. Cycling through the rolling hills of the Istrian hinterland has never been so tasty, but also not so easy. 

7. Kino Otok – Isola Cinema for movie lovers

Combine a visit to the charming fishing town of Izola with a visit to the 15th edition of the International Film Festival Kino Otok – Isola Cinema, which will take place there from 5-9 June. With film projections under starry skies, by the sea, and in cinema theatres, conversations with guests from around the world and music nights by Izola’s Lighthouse, the Otok film wave wishes to offer fresh new film images and open the doors for new thoughts and opportunities for socializing. Meanwhile, it will also splash to Ljubljana, Cerknica, Tolmin, Sežana, and Idrija;
The programme with independent feature films will be once again joined by Submarine – Otok for Kids, a diverse film-educational programme for children, youngsters and families.

The list was put together by Portorož Tourism Board, with the exception of the treat for the movie lovers - here, the materials were provided by the organisers of the festival.

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