A visit to the nearby countryside, can colour your day. The coastal
towns of Piran,
Izola and Koper are intertwined with narrow streets, leading to picturesque squares, encircled with mighty palaces. From the
villages in hinterland, magnificent views of Istria open up, during spells of nice weather even Alps can be admired. Close by
Karst offers different possibilities: visit to subterranean
caves or to stud
farm Lipica, home of famous
Lipizzaner horses, the horses of the former Austrian Imperial Court.
Miore about excursions...
Piran
The lovely Mediterranean town with a rich cultural heritage, lies at the tip of the Piran peninsula, near Portorož. Salt pans, nice climate, maritime trade and commerce with the hinterland made Piran powerful and wealthy. The old town center, which is still perfectly preserved, is characterized by the stony narrow streets, compact houses, historical and religious buildings, beautiful Venetian palaces, lively squares, numerous museums and galleries, ancient town walls, recently reopened aquarium and delicious restaurants.
Furthermore, Piran is indeed a place of culture, as there are various musical, cultural and theatre performances scheduled all year round. Events like Piran Musical Evenings, International artist`s Ex-tempore, Primorska Summer Festival and the exhibition of Christmas cribs in Piran churches give the town a special charm. Those curious and desirous to learn something new could visit different museums and galleries or just wonder around lovely shops, Fruit and vegetables market or the Antiquities fair at the renovated Tartini square, which is named after the renowned violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini, who was born in Piran.
More about Piran...
Hinterland
The main locations in Slovenian Istria are situated directly by the sea. Yet the old villages, which have to be discovered by the traveller himself, hold in their bosom a magic of their own. They are modernised, but they still carry in them the residue of the ages, of a history at times so turbulent in these parts. St. Peter above the Sečovlje valley exhibits its ancient olive oil press. Nearby, Padna has been entirely preserved in its cultural heritage. Besides its interesting, preserved, compact layout, there is also a gallery of paintings by Božidar Jakac.
Again not far away, there is Krkavče with its famous church. The road from Krkavče then leads us to the village of Koštabona and its three churches. Another pleasant part of Istria can be explored if you jump over to Hrastovlje and take in the church there with its famous frescoes from the year 1490. Head on further and you will find Črni Kal with its leaning church bell tower, a kind of Slovenian Pisa in miniature.
