OVER THE WEEKEND TO OUR COAST

Slovenians like to drive over the weekend to the coast. This habit usually cases several traffic jams hence it is recommended to get off the shore during the week. Otherwise, the fragmented coastline is only some 40 km long but in spite of all that several smaller towns and settlements have been established during the past centuries, which were marked with the mighty Venetian Republic and they complement beaches, parks and romantic salt-pens.

Piran is situated at the end of the Piran peninsula on the Gulf of Piran. The town has a lot of medieval architecture, with narrow streets and compact houses. It is the birthplace of composer and violinist Giuseppe Tartini, who played an important role in shaping its cultural heritage. The town’s main square, Tartini Square, is named after him.

MAIN URBAN CITY

Koper is the main urban centre of the Slovenian Istria. It’s port connects mainly markets of Central and Southeast Europe with the Mediterranean Sea and Far East. Last but not least several Mediterranean cruising lines stop in Koper for the tourist to visit it.

Pleasant town invites people to walk around and visit the town’s market and old square.

FROM KOPER TO TRIESTE

The official name in Italian is Capodistria as being part of Primorska as bilingual mixed area. From Koper to beautiful Italian Trst (Trieste in Italian) are only 20 km. Trieste was for centuries part of important Habsburgs empire. The lively shopping and harbor city is characterized by beautiful palaces, markets and churches of various religions. The Synagogue of Trieste is recognized as one of the largest in Europe. Several shops and boutiques offer latest fashion clothes as basic of Italian Bella Figura philosophy. Not to forget the famous Trieste cafes where people taste various coffee sorts.

What is perfect complementing Slovenian coast is its Mediterranean and Karst hinterland. Vineyards grow on graceful hills, interrupted by several plantations of olive trees and fruit gardens. Olive oil has been present in the Slovenian Istria since ancient History. It is recognizable for its distinctive aroma and appreciated because of the favourable fatty acid composition.

The old stone villages with small squares and churches that have been there ever since make this region even more picturesque and photogenic. Many hiking and cycling trails invite to recreation and fresh air through intact nature of the valley of the river Dragonja and the Karst Edge.

Several wine shops and rural tourist farms offer goodies in their arched wineries such as prosciutto, mature cheese, olive oil as well as dried codfish and homemade crispy bread. Here is the King of wines Refošk, strong dark red with its divine taste.

However traditional Istrian dishes are usually cocked, “Bobiči” (casserole of beans) are the favourite ones. Frequent dish is also “Fuži” (type of pasta) and Gnocchi with various sausages. Not to forget various desserts, to mention Refosco pancakes as one of them !

Of course, a stop in such a vineyard is mandatory.