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Tourism in Slovenia has really picked up in the last five years – it increased by 9% alone in the last year! And in an effort to preserve the beautiful landscapes and culture of the country, the Slovenian government enacted the Slovenia Green initiative – a nationwide effort for the sustainable development of the tourism industry. How cool is that?

When you think of traveling to Slovenia, what destinations come to mind? Lake Bled? The capital city of Ljubljana?

Stopping to take in the gorgeous views of Slovenia
Stopping to take in the gorgeous views of Slovenia

Even as tourism in Slovenia grows, most visitors don’t venture out beyond Ljubljana and Lake Bled. Which is a shame, seeing as the country has some incredible hidden gems to offer!

One of these hidden gems is Piran, Slovenia.

Why Piran, Slovenia?

Nestled along the “Slovene Riveria”the 46km (29 miles) coastline of the country along the Adriatic Sea – Piran is a treasure of the Mediterranean.  

If you love the winding cobblestone streets of Venice, the relaxed coastal towns in Croatia and the cleanliness and sustainability of Slovenia as a whole – you’re going to love Piran!

Coast side views in Piran, Slovenia
Sea meets the city in Piran

We recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons – March to May and August to October. Weather in Piran will still be nice during this time of the year, but there will be hardly anyone else there.

Things to do in Piran, Slovenia

Visit the Church of St. George

This is the most popular sight to see in all of Piran – and with good reason! It’s located right in the main square. And if you choose to climb the stairs to the top of the bell tower (well worth the 1€ it’ll cost you), you’ll have a view of the whole town!

Church of St. George, Piran, Slovenia
Church of St. George, Piran Slovenia

Learn About Salt Mining at the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park

This nature park is both an educational and entertaining experience for anyone that visits. You’ll have the chance to tour the largest salt evaporation site in all of Slovenia, and see salt traditionally harvested.

With your ticket to the nature park, you’ll also have access to a guided tour of the saltpan museum and if you are lucky, you might even go home with a bag of salt you harvest yourself!

 
Sečovlje Salina Nature Park in Piran Slovenia
Sečovlje Salina Nature Park

Relax at the Lepa Vida Thalasso Spa

The Lepa Vida -Thalasso Spa offers a unique experience. This outdoor spa experience allows guests to take in the beauty of Sečovlje Salina Nature Park while relaxing and unwinding at the same time.

Lepe Vida Spa, Piran, Slovenia
Lepe Vida Spa, Piran, Slovenia

Thalassotherapy incorporates natural minerals and salt to help refresh your body, restore balance and give it energy.  

You can also walk from Piran to the neighbouring town of Strunjan along a paved path that starts in Sečovlje Salina. It’s a super easy walk that takes just over an hour to complete, and every moment of that will be filled with incredible views of the peninsula!

You can also visit the nearby town of Portoroz, a more modern Slovenian town full of casinos and resort hotels. They have a walkable boardwalk along the coast and thermal baths that are a popular stop for travelers!

Piran, Adriatic Coast Slovenia
Piran, Adriatic Coast

Note: though Piran Beach is not sandy, it’s still worth a visit. You can walk along the coast and enjoy an immaculate sunset, or swim in the Adriatic!

Enjoy the Beauty of Piran, Slovenia Through Unique Walks

Whether you want to learn about the rich cultural history, religion or salt industry in Piran, there’s a trail for you!

Check out this awesome list of hiking experiences in the region.

Live Out Your Foodie Dreams

If you’re a foodie like us, this region of Slovenia is perfect for you! We went on an olive tour of Gramona Farms that included an olive oil tasting and a tour of the grounds.

Slovenia Holiday: Slovenia Stanjel Gramona farm
Organic Olive Oil sampling at Gramona Farm

There are also a bunch of wine tasting tours including this sunset walking tour that includes local food and wine. You can even go truffle hunting with a local expert!

Explore the Slovenian Coast on a Boat Tour

Since the coastline is so short, you’ll be able to cover most of it on a panoramic tour like this one.

If you’d like to add a bit of adventure to your boating excursion, there are an array of diving trips available from Piran – all levels of experience welcome!

Waterfront of Piran Slovenia filled with boats
Waterfront of Piran filled with boats

And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even take a day trip to Venice, Italy by boat!

Explore the Ancient City Walls of Piran, Slovenia

The construction of these city walls span from the seventh to the fifteenth century, and they’re all very well preserved! It won’t take you long to explore the ruins, but getting to the highest vantage point will grant you incredible views of the city and sea.

Panorama of Piran, Slovenia
Panorama of Piran, Slovenia

Where to Stay

In Town: Pachamama Guest Houses and Apartments

PachaMama, which means Mother Earth in the Incan language, is a small Slovenian chain of accommodations geared towards sustainability. They have a lovely selection of guesthouses and apartments in Piran that are located in the heart of town.

Room at Pachamama. Courtesy of PachaMama Piran
Room at PachaMama. Courtesy of PachaMama Piran

Most of their rooms cost less than 100€ a night. There are few hotels in Piran, Slovenia that is considered eco-friendly, but PachaMama is doing everything they can to make your stay not only comfortable and fun but low-impact and sustainable.

Out of Town: Slovenian Istria Houses (Hiške Slovenske Istre)

This eco-hotel acts as the perfect base for people wanting to explore the Slovenian coast. Located among the beautiful vineyards and sprawling hills of the Istria region, Hiske Slovenske Istre keeps local culture alive and thriving in every room they’ve got to offer.

Milk Lady cabin at Hiške Slovenske Istre
Milk Lady cabin at Hiške Slovenske Istre

For more information about sustainable accommodation options, check out our post all about the best eco-hotels in Slovenia.

Airbnb

We love staying in an Airbnb whenever possible, and there are some really incredible properties available on Airbnb in Piran.

Hotels in Piran, Slovenia

If you are new to Airbnb, sign up today and get $50 off your first stay!

Piran Camping

There are a handful of campsites (like Campsite Lucija) in Piran that are incredibly affordable and allow you to sleep under the stars right next to Piran Beach. How dreamy!

Aerial view of Camp Lucija in Piran Slovenia
Aerial view of Camp Lucija. Courtesy of Hotel Bernardin

Interesting note: If you’re visiting Piran with a rental car, keep in mind that all parking within city limits of Piran is reserved for residents of the town with special parking passes.

We recommend parking outside of the Piran city centre and exploring on foot or by bike – like with this awesome electric bike tour.

Need more inspiration for your trip to Slovenia – Piran and beyond? Check out our article with our top recommendations!

Have you already been to Piran? Tell us what your favourite part was!

Disclaimer:This post contains affiliate links which means that we receive a small commission on your bookings at no additional cost to you.

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