The small seaside town grew on a former island. Even today it reflects the close bond its people have with the sea. Izola beckons: walk along its charming streets or get in on some fun water activities on one of the beaches here. The Strunjan cliff is the right place to experience pristine nature, whereas the verdant cultivated hinterland is well known for its exquisite grapes and olives.

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.

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TOP 5 sights

Wherever you go in Slovenia, you will be amazed at all of the country's natural and cultural treasures. Want to find out about the must-see places in Izola?

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.

Discovering the Beaches of Izola on a SUP

Stand up paddle-boarding is a great way to explore the diverse beaches of Izola. Go from managed beaches to natural and wild beaches, and quench your thirst for exploration with a visit to the archaeological sites along the shore. Revisit the year 1944, when the biggest ocean liner of the day, the Rex, went down in the waters between Izola and Koper, just off what is today the biggest beach in Slovenian Istria. Izola’s beaches are designed to be accessible for people with disabilities. Some beaches are also dog-friendly.

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Discovering the Beaches of Izola on a SUP

Discovering the Beaches of Izola on a SUP

Stand up paddle-boarding is a great way to explore the diverse beaches of Izola. Go from managed beaches to natural and wild beaches, and quench your thirst for exploration with a visit to the archaeological sites along the shore. Revisit the year 1944, when the biggest ocean liner of the day, the Rex, went down in the waters between Izola and Koper, just off what is today the biggest beach in Slovenian Istria. Izola’s beaches are designed to be accessible for people with disabilities. Some beaches are also dog-friendly.

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Diving the Remains of a Roman Port

Diving the Remains of a Roman Port

Are you fascinated by Roman artefacts? In Izola you can dive in and experience an underwater time travel extravaganza. This is because the seabed on the Slovenian side gradually descends, whereas it is ascends on the Italian side. The submerged secrets from the Roman period can be explored around the Simonov Zaliv Archaeological Park, which includes the remains of a Roman villa and a port.

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Retracing the Former Railroads by Bike

Retracing the Former Railroads by Bike

Ride your bike over a route that was once reserved for hissing steam-driven trains. The Porečanka (or Parenzana), which is the name of the now-defunct railway line between Trieste and Poreč, runs past many landmarks, and dazzles with a wonderful coastal landscape, friendly people and creative culinary offerings. Of course, there are also other cycling and hiking trails that extend from the shore further inland, and are great for exploring Izola and the surrounding area.

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Horseback Riding in Medljan

Horseback Riding in Medljan

Have a timeout and find serenity amidst unspoilt nature. This agritourism farm is the right place: listen to the birds, watch the animals roaming the farmyard, stroll among the vineyards or venture out and giddy up on the riding trail in Izola’s hinterland. Try your hand at archery or any other old-school rural pastime, such as pitching slate roof shingles and horseshoes or firing a taut slingshot.

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Surfing and Kiting at the Lighthouse

Surfing and Kiting at the Lighthouse

Cape Ronek on the Lighthouse Beach is (kite-)surfing central. Once the wind picks up the iconic beach turns into the place to be for wind- and kite-surfers. The beach is easily accessible by car so you don't have to carry your gear too far.

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Wine tasting on a Boat

Are you up for a wine tasting session with a twist? Savour the flavours of local wines and admire the vineyards from a whole new perspective – from the great blue sea. Embark on a boat trip with the 12-metre-long Negraterana and get ready for an unforgettable culinary experience. Take in the view of the hilly, vineyard-laced landscape while sipping on the delicious Zaro wines produced in the hinterland of Izola.

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Wine tasting on a Boat

Wine tasting on a Boat

Are you up for a wine tasting session with a twist? Savour the flavours of local wines and admire the vineyards from a whole new perspective – from the great blue sea. Embark on a boat trip with the 12-metre-long Negraterana and get ready for an unforgettable culinary experience. Take in the view of the hilly, vineyard-laced landscape while sipping on the delicious Zaro wines produced in the hinterland of Izola.

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The Flavours of Izola

The Flavours of Izola

Savour the culinary delights of Izola and Istria in a string of flavourful events. Every summer is kicked off with the Days of Local Mussels, and followed by the Olive, Wine and Fish Festival. Next is an event celebrating tomatoes – then another celebrating basil! Meanwhile, fish and seafood delicacies reign supreme at the Fishing Festival – a typical Izola fiesta. In autumn, when it gets chillier, Izola becomes the hotspot for all lovers of hot and spicy flavours.

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Getting to Know Adriatic Fish in Izolana

Getting to Know Adriatic Fish in Izolana

Try your hand at fishing and get to know the fauna of the Adriatic Sea in the process. Catch your fish with a virtual hook and store them in a bucket locals refer to as "bujol". As you play, you will learn what each of these fish looks like, about the depths at which they live, the group of fish they belong to, and find out more about their swimming skills. The interactive game is sure to be a whole lot of fun to visitors of all ages.

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Bathing in Sea Water 365 Days of the Year

Make sure you'll get a good dose of vitamin sea – even in winter. Enjoy the beneficial effects of seawater in colder months in the nearby indoor pools and spa centres. In the summer, you can wade into the clear sea for some carefree fun in the water, with water temperatures of 22–25°C.

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Bathing in Sea Water 365 Days of the Year

Bathing in Sea Water 365 Days of the Year

Make sure you'll get a good dose of vitamin sea – even in winter. Enjoy the beneficial effects of seawater in colder months in the nearby indoor pools and spa centres. In the summer, you can wade into the clear sea for some carefree fun in the water, with water temperatures of 22–25°C.

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Strolling Through the Town Parks

Strolling Through the Town Parks

Get to know the true colours of Izola through the various nuances of its evergreen parks. The diverse plant life makes for an eye-catching feature any time, any season. In addition to the natural beauty of all of the 15 lovely parks, a stroll on the waterfront and along the quaint alleys of the old town also reveals a number of cultural and historic landmarks of this seaside town.

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Catching some Fresh Air out on the Cliff

Catching some Fresh Air out on the Cliff

Climb the Strunjan Cliff, which rises 80 metres up into the air and enjoy a fantastic view of the Slovenian coastline. The cliff is the highlight of the Strunjan Landscape Park, which is adjacent to Izola. With the rich vegetation along its edge and the belt of sea that stretches 200 metres, the cliff was declared a nature reserve. This is the longest stretch of untouched shore along the entire 130-kilometre coastline that runs from Grado in Italy to Savudrija in Croatia.

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Green facts

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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Izola – the Istrian Town where Fish Reign Supreme

Get to know Izola through the eyes of a boy and a girl who have a blast experiencing the natural, cultural and culinary features of this area.

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

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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Hostel Alieti

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Guesthouse Centrum Izola

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Hotel Marina

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Stara šola Korte

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Turistična kmetija Medljan

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Hotel Keltika

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B&B Vongola

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DeGrassi Boutique Garni Hotel

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Apartments Kolorček

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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 414,00 €

Take a break from your fast-paced lifestyle and treat yourself to a two-day holiday with an award-winning long tasting menu with six glasses of select...

Take a break

From 474,00 €

Take some time for yourself and forget the bustle of life that surrounds us. Enjoy an award-winning long tasting menu with six glasses of the best wines....

Take some time for yourself

From 858,00 €

Just enjoy yourself on a three-day holiday in the Karst. On the first day, we will spoil you with a tasting menu accompanied by five glasses of select...

Just enjoy yourself

From 113,00 €

A lovely Mediterranean hotel, just a few hundred metres from the sea, which will enchant you with warm woods, Mediterranean colours and lush vegetation....

A getaway in Laguna, Strunjan

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.

Portorož - Piran

The very centre of social events on the coast and one of the most beautiful historical Mediterranean towns, connected by the story of salt.

Portorož - Piran

Portorož - Piran

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Koper

This picturesque historical town with its own green surroundings is a bridge between the Karst and the Sub-Mediterranean world.

Koper

Koper

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Karst

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

Karst

Karst

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Brda

Sun-Kissed Wine Country between the Alps and the Mediterranean

Brda

Brda

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Izola in detail

For more information please visit Izola's website.

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