The thin and windy thread connecting Trieste and Poreč significantly contributed to the economic progress of Istria more than one hundred years ago. During its 33 years of operation, the 123 kilometres long railway left an indelible trace on the entire region. Belvedere Resort is an excellent starting point for discovering Slovenian Istria on a bicycle, which is more environmentally friendly and less stressful for the local community.

Electric bicycles can be rented at the reception desk of Cliff Hotel & Spa****.

Belvedere Mini Golf  hides in the shadows of the trees and boasts an unforgettable vista of the Adriatic Sea. With its 16 holes and a dynamic landscape, you can experience the calmness of your hand and sharpness of your sight in addition to prove your friends that you are not overly competitive! It allows for pleasant socialising, an excellent combination of sports and nature. It can be used by both children and adults.

Price: EUR 5 per person (golf club and balls included)

The increasingly popular recreational trail, the coastal trail between Izola and Koper which forms an integral part of the Trail of Health and Friendship (Parenzana), offers an easy cycling trip with a wonderful vista of the open sea. This is where the largest Italian ocean liner, Rex, sank in WWII.

Turn onto Pristaniška ulica (Harbour Street) at the Ruda exit (close to Merkur) and join the cycling trail from Izola. Look for the red rock and observe the sea, this is why the magnificent ship sank.

The SUP is an excellent choice for silently discovering our sea. Fish, fan mussels, cormorant and other marine creatures are going to ignore you so you can observe them easily. On a SUP, you can visit all eight beaches in Izola. If you are more hardcore, you can even visit the neighbouring Koper or Piran.

A SUP can be rented at the Izola TIC, during the summer season, daily, between 8 AM and 8 PM.

History lovers are going to get their money’s worth at the Izolana - The House of the Sea. The house displays the history of Izola and, through documentary photographs, pays attention to fishing as the main economic activity in particular. Until the mid-20th century, fishermen worker on wooden boats built and repaired in local shipyards and boatyards. The boat models on display have been made by various model builders, including Marcel Blažina from Izola, who has created a large number of world-class masterpieces.

In winter, the Izolana is open during the weekends, and, in summer, every day.

Ulica Alme Vivode 3, 6310 Izola

Traditional events in Izola are closely intertwined with the tastes of the sea and its inland. The hospitable locals love to put the customs of their Istrian ancestors on display and show them how seafood dishes taste like. You are thus accompanied by the remnants of Izola’s cultural heritage every step of the way. In the summer months, you’ll never be bored, since small parks and squares transform into venues of various events.

For more information about events in Izola and its surroundings, please refer to VISIT IZOLA.

Cultural heritage lovers can also visit Ancient Roman remains in Izola under the sea. Remains of an Ancient Roman harbour can be visited at the Gulf of Simon Archaeological Park.

You can dive in summer. Prior bookings required: mateja.ravnik@zrs.upr.si or tel. +386 (0)5 617 70 90