Piran
Piran is a picturesque Venetian town with a history that goes back to Roman times and beyond, in fact it was an ancient Greek outpost around the 7th century BC. The medieval gothic gem we see today was part of the Republic of Venice and comprises of winding streets, a beautiful cathedral, gorgeous sunsets, and waterfront restaurants.
The main focus is the pastel-toned Tartinijev trg (Tartini square), named after the violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini who was born here in 1692. You will find his birth place next to Church of St Peter, Tartini’s home is now a museum, cultural centre and small concert venue. Other notable buildings in the square are the red Venetian House, the Municipal Hall, and the Court House. And don’t forget to check out Tartini’s statue in the middle of the square. There are many cafes dotted around the square and is a pleasant place to relax with a coffee.
Other sites worth visiting include the Cathedral of St George, and it’s 46.5m Bell Tower, to the east you will find a 200m section of the town walls dating back to the 7th century, which will give you the best views of Piran especially at sunset.
We stayed at the lovely beach front Hotel Piran, our room was small but comfortable, with a lovely breakfast room facing the water, and close to everything. It’s possible to swim off the pontoon directly from the hotel. There are plenty of restaurants nearby, just follow the promenade towards the lighthouse, the atmosphere is abuzz in the evening.
If you have time you can take the bus along the coast to Koper and Izola which offer the same lovely buildings and architecture, and maybe fewer people.
Our favourite restaurant was Cantina Klet (0386 5 673 32 75), set in the gorgeous little square, Trg 1 Maja. You may have to wait a while for a table, then you take a look at the menu which is on a blackboard and order at the self-service window, they will give you a shell with your number on. The waiters are there solely to take and serve orders for drinks, definitely order the local wine or beer. Don’t be put off by the idea of self-service etc, this is just the way they do it, you won’t be disappointed, the seafood is delicious, the setting romantic, and the price is good.
Because of the tight winding streets traffic is limited to the odd delivery vehicle and two wheeled transport. This means you will have to leave your car at one of the garages on the outskirts and then take the shuttle, this is easy and convenient and doesn’t cost much (we used Garage Fornače).
You can reach Piran using public transport from Ljubljana, either by bus or train. The train goes as far as Koper connecting with the short bus ride to Piran, or take the direct bus from the central bus station. With a little planning you could even go via Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle, in the height of the summer there is a shuttle between the two sites.
If you are limited by time you can easily book a day tour to Piran, taking in Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle, or even Škocjan Caves which we didn’t go to but are worth visiting. For the best range go to getyourguide.com/piran-l1233/, they also offer active, cultural and foodie options if you have more time.
Then just wander around the winding streets that lead off Trg 1 Maja, here you are in the middle of the medieval heart of the town, the beautiful baroque buildings continue westward until you reach the Punta Lighthouse and the adjoining Church of St Clement. From here you can follow the promenade which faces southwest along the coast and enjoy the views, cafes and restaurants. There are swimming spots all around the Piran Peninsula and even a small beach to the east of the lighthouse.
