Summer carousel of events on the coast

Who doesn’t love the smell of the Mediterranean, which has been proven to relax your breathing and heart rate? Fall in love with the streets and tastes of Slovenia’s seaside towns! The traditional lifestyle between the olive orchards and the sea is enlivened with festive events, a constant of the Slovenian Mediterranean scene. Culinary events and concerts crowd the schedule, the fragrance of fried fish wafts from picturesque windows, while the medieval squares are full of life and youth. When the sun goes down, music wends its way onto the terraces and courtyards, and sometimes just the sea is enough to replace the bass guitars. Events in Koper, Piran, Portorož and Izola that you shouldn’t miss.

Jazz and wine in Venetian Koper

Elegance was breathed into Koper by the Venetians, who had a taste for Istrian wine and also used boats built in Koper to conquer the Mediterranean. All of the squares, manor houses, churches and fountains are part of the rich heritage of this market and artisanal town, which was surrounded by salt pans in olden times. Koper’s medieval town centre developed on a former island, which today forms part of the coast, while the summer events retain an island feel.

From vineyards to olive groves (June)

Once a year, you can enjoy two of the Mediterranean’s greatest pleasures, wine and olive oil, in the company of Istria’s finest wine growers and olive producers. You can also visit the area’s best agrotourism farms. One taste and the path to pleasure opens before you.

MareziJazz 2017 (30 June – 1 July)

Central Europe’s largest big-band festival, MareziJazz, will be held for the 13th time this summer in the village of Marezige above Koper, and will feature musicians from all over Europe who will create a unique jazz experience.

Summer theatre evenings

Theatre lovers – summer is nicer in the streets than in the halls. Summer theatre evenings will be held every Tuesday in July and August in Martinčev trg (Martinc Square) in Koper.

Fishing and film in Izola

This charming coastal village between Koper and Piran was named for the island that provided shelter during the time of large migrations. The sea still holds the sunken remains of the ancient Roman harbour quay. The local economy has historically been tied to fishing, with three large fish processing plants opening their doors here in the 19th century. Today, visitors come for its broad cultural palette.

Holiday of olives, wine and fish (9 – 10 June)

A holiday for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine. Local producers set up stalls in the town centre, at which you can find home-made wine, olive oil and other culinary specialities of Slovenian Istria.

Kino Otok – Izola Cinema (31 May – 4 June)

A magical outdoor cinematic experience accompanied by the sounds of the sea. A carefully curated cinema and accompanying programme has put Kino Otok on the map of boutique art-film festivals in Europe.

Fishermen’s holiday (19 – 20 August)

A real Mediterranean seafood holiday with music, fun games and many other events. The 40-year-old tradition will light up Izola in August.

Salty love in Piran

Romantic medieval Piran has starred in films, and its streets have been graced by the likes of Sophia Loren and Orson Welles. For many it is the most attractive of Slovenia’s coastal towns, with its Venetian architecture and cinematic charm. Its town centre is a protected cultural and historical monument. The famous Tartini Square, which opens on the charming harbour, plays host to events and festivals throughout the summer.

39th Annual Musical Evenings in Piran (July)

Enjoy music every Thursday at the Minorite monastery. The evenings were inspired by the works of the celebrated violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini, and the event also features annual guest soloists and chamber ensembles from Slovenia and abroad. 

Piran Summer Festival (23 July – 6 August)

Tartini Square is a fairy-tale setting for events. The Piran Summer Festival features free dances, concerts, folklore and tango evenings, and strolls through art exhibits.

16th Annual Tartini Festival (16 August – 7 September)

An international summer festival of chamber music dedicated to violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini, who was born in Piran. In addition to the works of Tartini, the festival also features other great names from the world of music who were or are inspired by Tartini’s artistry.

Pamper yourself in cosmopolitan Portorož

The seaside resort town of Portorož is still imbued with the glamour it retains from the times when it was the holiday destination of Austro-Hungarian nobles. Between walks on the promenade and sunning yourself on the town beach, you can treat yourself to the wide range of wellness services and culinary experiences on offer. Portorož nights are long and hot. This town of pampering and pleasure also boasts of a full festival schedule.

VinoFest (24 June)

Wine lovers shouldn’t miss this unique wine and culinary event held in old salt houses by the sea. Meet vintners from all over Slovenia and enjoy a top-flight selection of wines and food.

Wine and Garlic Holiday (15 – 17 July)

This holiday features an abundance of excellent wine, Istrian red garlic and other delights. The locals open up the picturesque courtyards and present the old customs. The days conclude with good music and a romantic atmosphere.

Portorož Nights (11 – 15 August)

In August, Portorož’s famous beach becomes a venue for music, beach games and dancing, with concerts by well-known musicians accompanied by light shows and water effects.

Summer seaside events that reveal the rich cultural heritage of Mediterranean Slovenia

Summer events in the seaside towns are redolent of the fishing tradition, Mediterranean history, Venetian tales and artistic delights. Discover the charms of Slovenia’s seaside towns. 

Festivals

You can enjoy the work of some of the most important creators and performers from all over the world if you visit festivals in Slovenia.

Festivals

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Events

Watch or take part. Be a spectator or an active participant: the choice is yours.

Events

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Piran and salt pans

Piran, the most beautiful town of Mediterranean Slovenia.

Piran and salt pans

Piran and salt pans

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The Mediterranean & the Karst in Slovenia

Enjoy the warmth of the seaside sun caressing your skin or descend to the mysterious world of underground caves.

The Mediterranean & the Karst in Slovenia

The Mediterranean & the Karst in Slovenia

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