Piran – Slovenia’s Coastal Gem

Coastal Slovenia, also known as Slovenian Istria, used to be part of Italy and the Austrian Empire, among a few other nations, and their influence is still visible. Slovenian Istria, just like Croatian Istria, is definitely still the most Italian part of both countries—some time ago, it was, in fact, the most Slovenian and Croatian region in Italy. As is the case in many part of Europe, regions don’t conform to present-day borders. Borders change over time, regions and their people stay put.

Anyway… Home to beaches, resorts and pretty coastal towns, Slovenian Istria is where Slovenia goes on holiday.

Piran Slovenia, Perfect Stop on the Adriatic Sea Coast

A particularly visit-worthy seaside town in Slovenian Istria is Piran. Perched on a long and narrow peninsula on the Adriatic Sea coast, the town of Piran can’t be described otherwise than “pretty.” It is an incredibly picturesque town and has managed to keep its relaxed historic charm.

Piran can be visited in just one day or you can use it as a base to explore the rest of Istria or inland Slovenia. It doesn’t feature monumental buildings or overwhelming museums, though, although there are a couple of nice ones if you have more time to spend. Instead, the town’s main drawcards are its inviting and worry-free atmosphere and colorful squares and streets. This is the place to simply stroll around aimlessly—it doesn’t take more than a couple of hours to wander through the entire old town—and when you’re done, take a seat at a seaside café or restaurant and do some people-watching.

The whole old town center of Piran is pedestrianized. So, if you happen to be traveling with a rental car, you can leave it at the parking lot that you will pass when driving toward the town and catch the free shuttle bus.

A quiet seaside fishing town, Piran makes for a wonderful, strongly recommended stop on any itinerary along the Adriatic Sea coast.