Why visit Piran? Well, if you want to see one place on Slovenia’s tiny coast, Piran is definitely the best choice – it’s the most picturesque one! The town’s rich history and its many charms will keep your spirit full of joy.
At the same time Piran has that magical Mediterranean feel that allow you to slow down and enjoy life with a nice glass of local wine in your hand. Yes, with the sounds of the sea waves in the background …
Lonely Planet describes Piran as »a small slice of Venice« in Slovenia. Not surprisingly, since it used to be part of the Venetian Republic, and then in the 20th century for some time part of Italy.
There fore, prepare yourself for some beautiful Venetian Gothic architecture, narrow alleyways with lazy cats stretching in the shades, piazzas with cafeterias and seafood restaurants.
The unique mixture of Slovenian and Italian culture (this part of Slovenia is also known as Istrian Slovenia), will definitely add flavour to your trip to Slovenia.
The heart of the city is a famous Tartini Square. The main square got its name after the violin virtuoso and composer of international reputation, Giuseppe Tartini (1692 – 1770), who was born in Piran.
Tartini Square is the central point of Piran.
In the house in which Tartini was born (just few steps from off the square), a memorial room has been set up in which some of his personal possessions, portraits and manuscripts are now exhibited.
This year 250 years of Tartini’s death is marked.
The views and the narrow, little streets …
In Piran, there is a sense of careless living, that invites you to stay. The clear blue sea, the Romanesque architecture, the walk through the narrow streets of the old town … Regardless of the season, it feels as if the time here had stopped.
If you take a cobbled street behind the famous Venetian house at the edge of the Tartini Square, all the way to the top – you get to St. George’s Church.
The Venetian Palace in Piran
Built in the 12th century, this baroque church with its bell tower and baptistery dominates the hill above the town.
From there the views are just spectacular!
Piran is a mind-drifting place.
Looking across the blue sea the eye can catch the glimpse of Italian port town of Trieste in the distance. On the other side the red brick roofs of the city are creating the most picturesque, postcard like image.
Piran roofs – but can you spot a cat?
The fishing boats in the Piran Harbour add to this perfect scenery.
Everybody loves the seaside!
If you want to experience Slovenian coast, Piran is a great base for exploring other Slovenia’s coastal places. Koper, Izola, Sečovlje Pans, Portorož are calling to be visited.
Furthermore, from Piran bus station there are buses frequently going to other Slovenia’s coastal destinations.
Piran’s bus station is located right by the sea and it has many great photo opportunities!
Additionally, right from the Tartini Square free shuttle service will take you to the beach of Fornače near Piran.
At the Tourist Information Centre (also on Tartini Square) you can get all the information of the what to see and do while in Piran. Renting a bike or hopping on a boat ride can be a really great idea!
Suppers (stand up water paddlers) are most welcome, too!
From Ljubljana, there are buses roughly hourly, taking 1.45-2.5 hours for the journey to Piran, depending on route. Schedules are available online. There is no train service to Piran.
The nearest railway station is in the port town of Koper.
A day in paradise
You can enjoy great local Malvazija wine almost everywhere, while on the Piran beach! The bar with a great view on the photo is called “At the World’s End” (Na koncu sveta).
We also enjoyed bar “Spužva” (The Sponge) very much, just a bit further down towards the Piran Punta (next to the diving centre).
“At the World’s End” beach bar
We loved dining at the Tartini Restaurant (Gostilna Tartini) on Župančieva ulica street 6.
Their home-made gnocchi with salmon, spinach tortellini, but also Adriatic fresh grilled calamari are a must try here while visiting the Slovenian coastal pearl! A very hospitable service and a warm & kind Mediterranean atmosphere is to be expected, as well! ??
Below, our photo from the outdoor seating at the Tartini Restaurant (Gostilna Tartini).
Even more fine diners will be happy to hear that there is also a Michelin Plate awarded restaurant in Piran – Stara Gostilna Vecchia Osteria! It can be found on Savudrijska ulica 2.
Traditionally, when spending time on the Adriatic coast, going for a banana split dessert is mandatory. The best one we had in Piran was at Mestna Kavarna, right on the Tartini Square.
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