The Strunjan Salt Pans form an integral part of the Strunjan - Stjuža - Nature Reserve and are the smallest and the northernmost salt pans in the Mediterranean. In the past, the Piran Salt Pans were regarded as the second most important ones.
The Gulf of Strunjan shallow waters were transformed by man into salt pans by erecting dykes, channels and shallow basins, thus creating an important ecosystem: a salt wetland.
The Strunjan Salt Pans are located less than 2 kilometres away from the Belvedere Resort.
The most distinctive part of the Strunjan Nature Reserve is the 80 meters high Strunjan Cliff declared a nature reserve including its vegetated contour and 200 meters of sea below. This is the longest section of intact coast on the entire 130-kilometre coastal line between Grado in Italy and Savudrija in Croatia that constitute the borders of the Gulf of Trieste. Precipices and a gravel coast at the foothill of the cliff are at the complete mercy of elements, while the sea, rain and wind ceaselessly transform friable rock layers and paint new lines.
The Gulf of Simon Archaeological Park in Izola is a monument of national cultural importance where you can visit restored walls of a housing unit discovered during excavations in the 20th century. In the northern part, there is a part of a reconstructed ground mosaic in the housing unit, whereas in the southern part, there is a corridor connecting the villa and harbour. Inside the villa, archaeologists also found remnants of a water supply system providing water to the villa complex.
The Besenghi degli Ughi Palace is one of the best preserved late-Baroque architectural monuments in Slovenia and most beautiful buildings in Istria. The three-storey palace was erected in a rather short period of time (compared to others at the time), between 1775 and 1781. The rock lion in the corner dates to the 13th century. It was found below the remains of the building previously located there. The family also boasted a rich library. To this day, about 3,000 books and manuscripts dating to the 16th and 17th century have been preserved.
Gregorčičeva ulica 76, T: +386 40 631 034
The Church of Saint Maurus is the most visible church in Izola, located on the highest point of the former medieval island and providing the town with a distinct silhouette. Initially, a smaller church was built at the same location in 1356. The current was erected in 1547 but has been significantly altered throughout the centuries.
Next to the church, there is a 30-metre high bell tower built from ordinary Istrian rock on a Gothic base in 1585. There are 99 steps to the top. The church will grant you access to the Izola vista. In summer, there are organised tours of the church and its frescoes in foreign languages.
Trg svetega Mavra 4, T: +386 (0)5 641 55 45
Platea Comunis is one of the highest quality urban area and the Praetorian Palace the most impressive palace in the main square of Koper. After years of a comprehensive restoration (which began in 1991), the mayor’s office was moved to the palace whose façade and numerous inscribed stones and other stonework details share the story of the history and fate of the city.
Titov trg 3, T: +386 (0)5 664 64 03
Until the beginning of the 19th century, today’s Tartini Square contained a small harbour for fishermen’s boats which was later covered by sand by the Venetians who created a spacious market platform around which all the main municipal buildings were constructed. The square was named after the famed local violin virtuoso and composer Giuseppe Tartini (1692-1770).
Meet the diverse beings living in the Slovenian sea. Have a look at a European spider crab, a large grouper, colourful wrasses and other underwater species. Who knows, perhaps you get to pet one of the fishes, too.
Kidričevo nabrežje 4, T: +386 (0)5 673 25 72
Learn about the maritime past and industries dependant on seamanship. You will be enchanted by the famous Gruber ship models from galleys to large sailboats, ship instruments and various seaman uniforms. The museum puts on display the life of salt pan workers and the development of salt making as the most important industry in the history of the town of Piran.
Cankarjevo nabrežje 3, T: +386 (0)5 671 00 40
See for yourself how salt on Lera continues to be made according to a 700-year-old method, visit the Salt-Making Museum in Fontanigge and discover how salt-making families used to live there or try for yourself the healing benefits of brine and salt mud in the unique “Lepa Vida” outdoor spa. Bird lovers can discover several (of over 300 registered bird species) which can be observed in the diverse combination of various salt pan habitats. Sečovlje Salt Pans are interesting in all seasons.
Seča 115, T: +386 (0)5 672 13 30
The Salt-Making Museum displays a small segment of the lives of salt-makers where you can also visit the restored salt-making house and an old salt-making method.
Guided tours in Slovenian, Italian and English available. Tours are approximately 1h long.
Sečovlje 115, T: +386 (0)5 671 00 40
The Škocjan Caves constitute a unique natural phenomenon created by the Reka River, which springs from the foothills of Snežnik Mountain and runs approximately 55 kilometres on the surface. When it reaches the Karst region, composed of limestone, its riverbed is deepened not only mechanically (through erosion), but also through corrosion by dissolving limestone.
The Škocjan Caves continue to constitute the only monument in Slovenia and the traditional Karst region entered in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. As such, they have been awarded a special and honourable place among natural monuments of the world.
Škocjan 2, 6215 Divača, T: +386 (0)5 70 82 100