You have to discover the beauty of this coastal city of Slovenia, which lies one of the most compact medieval helmets and best preserved in Europe. Nearby, Portoroz is the most exclusive marina in this small country.
At first glance, Piran Venetian influence is undeniable. There is evidence that is emerging from the slender tower of the church of St. George, patron of the city, but still walking and secluded by its compact old town with colorful surprises Gothic facades and gates. The Baroque is also mixed in its medieval, almost as naturally as gulls stalk the unsuspecting tourist.
Piran retains its Mediterranean spirit and seaworthy. And to feel anything like dining in one of the terraces of its restaurants by the sea or watch the sunset hangs off leisurely on the horizon, such that clear day can see from here the coast of Italy and Croatia.
Border crossroads and meeting point of empires, Piran is a monument of art, with the elegant and sober Tartini Square as the center. Named after the great violinist Giuseppe Tartini, the country’s favorite son, and she balconies overlook the beautiful fifteenth-century houses that surround it, as some of the most emblematic buildings of the city.
You have to climb the hill where stands the church of St. George, with its bell tower inspired by the Campanile of the Church of San Marco in Venice, to get the best views of the old town of Piran, surrounded by medieval walls, built between VII and XVI centuries, served as a brake on successive attacking the city.
Seven gates still stand today and among those the city keeps its greatest treasure: a lovely set of narrow streets are crowded interesting monuments, including the Venetian House, the Courthouse, City Hall, the Maritime Museum, but also taverns wood, maritime shops, restaurants overlooking the sea … and a promenade, along the bay, leading to Portoroz, the lively marina of Slovenia.
Modern, worldly, famous for its casinos, Portoroz history however goes back to the thirteenth century, when monks of the monastery of San Bernardino then discovered the healing power of hot springs. Later in the nineteenth century, spas took over and became the main attraction of the place. Today, all that tradition combines perfectly with its seafaring tradition and cosmopolitan, with an abundance of celebrities and where the sea continues to cast a spell to anyone who dares to enjoy it up close.
PRACTICAL GUIDE
Directions
Piran is located 125 kilometers from Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia. Adria Airways opens new season, May to October, with two weekly direct flights from Madrid and Barcelona to Ljubljana.
Getting around
Piran is a delightful town to explore on foot, by taxi or bus. In five minutes you get to Portoroz. However, if you want to extend the travel and discover more of this small country, it is best to rent a car.
When to Go
Spring and autumn are the best times to enjoy a warm and a special light. In summer the main attraction are water sports, although August is abuzz with Italian tourists.
Where to sleep
In Portoroz, the Kempinski Palace Hotel is one of the most luxurious and refined in Slovenia. It goes back to 1910 and beautifully renovated, yet retains all the charm of the classics, where he found a complete thermal spa. Offers trips by speedboat to nearby points outstanding, including Venice. Also in Portoroz, the elegant Bernardin. The secluded hotel Piran, in the historic center of this coastal city, you have a wonderful terrace overlooking the sea, a good choice for exploring all corners of the city.
Where to eat
Altana Restaurant, Hotel Tartini is an interesting option to try the Mediterranean cuisine and, especially in good weather and sit in a quiet terraces its pasta, salads and, of course, seafood. Clearly influenced by Italian and beautiful views, the sea is the main protagonist of Riva Restaurant (Tel 00 386 56,732,225), which offers dishes throughout the Mediterranean essence. In Portoroz, Barka Restaurant, Hotel Bernardin, has a select and varied menu of seafood cooked in a thousand ways.
Do not miss
Slovenia is a great Gruyere cheese, dream more than 9,000 caves. One of the most spectacular is the Postojna cave. About fifty kilometers from Ljubljana, lies five miles of corridors, halls and galleries excavated by the river Pivka that are a haven underground. Nearby is the medieval castle of Predjama, built on a vertiginous cliff, not far Škocjan caves, near the town of Divaca, declared Patrimony of Humanity.