“Sea, views, and countless recreational possibilities”

Petra Radovanović, who moved from Vojvodina to Slovenian Istria during her childhood, now considers it her genuine and cherished home. Born into a bilingual environment, with her father of Serbian descent and her mother having Hungarian roots, Petra has been fluent in both Serbian and Hungarian from a young age. She has lived in almost all the municipalities in Istria: first in Izola, then in Portorož, and now in Koper. Her entire family resettled to our region because of her father’s work opportunity. “My father seized an opportunity to work at one of the local hospitals, and after a few years of him being here alone while we made occasional visits, we decided to join him in Slovenia and embark on a fresh start.” 

“Honestly, even if I wanted to, I couldn't choose a better place to live. I adore Istria. The proximity to the sea, the warmth of the locals, safety, and the overall vibe here cannot be compared to life in any other place in Slovenia.” What does Petra advise you? What are the top three spots you absolutely mustn't miss when visiting Slovenian Istria? Keep reading to find out.

“I like to spend my free time actively. I enjoy walking, cycling, rollerblading, and running.” And what place in Slovenian Istria is more ideal for recreation than the area of the former coastal road? Hardly any! The coastal area that connects the towns of Koper and Izola calls for active leisure activities in all seasons. This area was open to traffic until 2017 but is now a green oasis that, besides offering opportunities for recreation with a view of the sea, also provides glimpses of history, as nearby, during World War II, the Rex, the most prominent Italian passenger ship of that time, sunk. The route is 6.5 km long, and the walk between the two towns takes about an hour. The path is suitable for athletes, recreation enthusiasts, as well as families with strollers or kids on balance bikes.

“Another spot that I hold dear and always love returning to is Strunjan, especially the walking trails above the cliffs of the Nature Park.” Strunjan, with its picturesque surroundings and unique natural heritage, is undoubtedly a place worth visiting. It is situated in the heart of the Strunjan Nature Park, boasting unforgettable views of the Adriatic Sea. This area captivates visitors with its biodiversity, preserved natural beauty, and salt pans, which are part of its cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the park along well-maintained walking paths leading to vantage points or opt for an interactive discovery using the free Nexto app.

For a longer trip, you can head to Strunjan from Koper: first along the coastal road, passing through the town of Izola, always by the sea, and then ascending to Belvedere - yet another splendid vantage point. Continue through the Strunjan Nature Park and conclude your journey at Strunjan Beach. Beaches are precisely the next spot that Petra highlights among her recommendations.

Petra loves spending her summers by or in the water. The sea is one of the key reasons she finds Istria so delightful. “I like that the bathing season here is really long, sometimes starting as early as May and lasting until October.” Petra's favourite beach is a relatively new one in Koper, just a stone's throw from the main promenade. It consists of three beautiful coves with white pebbles, inviting visitors to relax to the sounds of the sea. Alongside the beach, there are cafes and bars, and in the immediate vicinity, there are water sports activities offered by Active Koper, appealing to adventurous souls.

Piran is the Istrian tourist centre – a destination where history, culture, and love intertwine, attracting romance enthusiasts from around the world. This historic town, with its narrow, cobbled streets, colourful houses, and stunning sea views, stands as a true romantic gem. The old town offers numerous historical landmarks, such as Tartini Square, named after the famous violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini. You can explore the city and its rich history through the interactive game The Disappearance of Tartini's Violin. Piran's city walls, St. George's cathedral, the Venetian House, the aquarium, and the Maritime Museum “Sergej Mašera” are truly worth visiting. Piran boasts an excellent culinary offer focused primarily on fish and seafood.

Equally rich in culinary delights and romantic charm are Izola and Koper. Izola exudes a fishing charm, while Koper, as the largest Istrian town, represents the urban centre of Slovenian Istria. You can discover Izola's history at the Izolana – House of the Sea or through the interactive game The Forgotten Secret of Izola. A similar experience is offered in Koper, where you can join the Hunt for Justice. You can also explore the region's rich history at the Koper Regional Museum. Both cities boast marinas and seaside promenades. Throughout the year, they also host culinary events – Altroke Istra, Sweet Istria, and Pier of Tastes are just a few that will surely entice all food enthusiasts.