The Venetian-style houses, the dazzling panorama and the bluish sea, captivate those who come to Piran for the first time. However, this city knows much more among the Slovenian Istria municipalities. In terms of cultural values, it stands out as well in terms of gastronomy, as well as its spas.
Piran, located at the tip of the peninsula, will be a pleasant surprise, all the more so as most travellers do not even hope that the Slovenian coast can offer unforgettable experiences. This tiny little gem of Slovenia has a real Mediterranean charm for visitors.
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Map - Where is Piran located?
Piran is located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea in the western part of Slovenia. It is on a peninsula, facing towards Venice (Italy). Piran is one of the 4 famous towns on the Slovenian coast (Koper, Izola, Piran, Portoroz). Going south you will stumble into the city of Portoroz, then into the Croatian boarder.
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All Koper, Izola and Portoroz can be reached in 30 minutes by car.
- Distance from Ljubljana: 1.5 hours / 120 km
- Distance from Bled: 2 hours / 170 km
- Distance from Trieste: 45 mins / 40 km
- Distance from Pula, Croatia: 1.5 hours / 100 km
More about Piran
Piran got its fame because of its olives and salt. La fleur de sel salt, the value of which was like gold at the time, was mined in its vicinity.
The fine wines grown here, the white truffles and the freshly caught seafood supply the restaurants all year round and make a significant contribution to the boom in tourism in Piran.
It is like a postcard had come to life: narrow streets, medieval city walls, fishermen standing on the pier, market stalls full of fresh vegetables, locals sitting on the shore, listening to the roar of the sea and nodding to tourists make Piran what many tourists come to visit.
It is a buzzing resort in the summer, yet a basically restrained, quiet little town where its places are not secluded from tourists.
The gastronomy in Piran is also decisive for the locals, so much so that one of the largest fast food chains in the city could not survive for even a year, as the locals preferred local restaurants offering authentic flavours.
Beach and coastline
There are many wonderful places to swim and sunbathe in and around Piran. The small beaches of the town are mostly rocky and concrete beaches with ladders leading to the sea.
Many says that Piran and Portoroz have the best beaches on the coast. From Portoroz you can take a pleasant walk to Piran on the seafront promenade with fantastic views.
Attractions
#1 Main Square
Piran's main square is Tartinijev Trg, named after the famous violinist Giuseppe Tartini. The beauty of the square is given by the surrounding buildings, including the Venetian House, built in the 15th century, which is sure to be recognised by its bright red colour and characteristic corner balcony.
The whole square is lined with shiny marble, which reflects the evening light and dresses the city center in an even brighter dress.
#2 Church of St. George
The main attraction of the town is the church of St. George, the tower of which can be entered for a symbolic fee. Let's do this just because of the panorama!
#3 City wall
Some of the old city walls are behind the hill, and in the neighborhood is the old cemetery of Piran, which is also worth a visit, as it is full of tombstones decorated with authentic floral motifs.
Active recreation
Those who want to relax actively will not be disappointed either, as there is more to it than just swimming. Diving, sailing, cycling and hiking are also excellent activities in the area.
The 3 km long hiking trail is also easy for those who are not experienced hikers. For families, it is a great opportunity outdoor program.
Spas
Piran hotels are home to some of the best spas in the country. To enjoy these benefits, it is not necessary to book a room in that certain hotel. You can try out the treatment even if you are not a guest of the hotel. The main focus are on salt and mud, all of which have therapeutic effects.
Gastronomy
You have to taste the local salt and not only in the food, but also in a pinch! The locals are very proud of their salt and salty products. Excursions to the city’s salt pans can be fun, and you can learn about the local history of salt mining.
Try the dishes made from locally caught fish. It is also worth to mention, that the local dark chocolate is also quite unique!
In terms of its cuisine, Piran is closer to Croatia than to Slovenia, due to the fact that the borders between the two countries are actually blurred due to its location in Istria.