1. 2. 2024
The reasons for visiting Slovenian Istria through Anna's eyes
Anna Kožuh first came to Slovenia and then to Slovenian Istria because of love. Swapping the historically rich university city of Krakow in Poland for life by the Slovenian seaside wasn’t a difficult choice for her, as she adores the Mediterranean climate. So, she and her husband decided to continue their life together particularly in this part of Slovenia.
Besides the favourable climate, what attracted Anna to Slovenian Istria was the people who live here. "The greatest treasure of this place is its people: they are joyful, cheerful, friendly, and always ready to help," Anna says. At the same time, this corner of the world, in Anna's words, is literally sprinkled with wonders—both beautiful architecture and stunning nature. "Here, there's an interesting mix of southern phlegm and northern orderliness that I feel very close to," she remarks.
In Istria, she finds many spots she particularly loves, so selecting the top 3 was very challenging for Anna. However, we reached a compromise and included four in the following list. We are confident that you will add each of them to your list when visiting Slovenian Istria.
TOP 3 places worth visiting in Slovenian Istria
1. The old town centre of Koper
Koper, also known as the main town of Slovenian Istria, boasts a rich history intertwined with a modern pulse. The city's heart is its old town centre, proudly preserving traces of the past and inviting visitors on a journey through history. The narrow stone streets, colourful houses, and ornate balconies evoke an authentic mediaeval feel, transporting you back to the time of the Venetian Republic, which left an indelible mark here.
"As I stroll through the streets of Koper, in my mind, I can almost envision its past when it was still an island surrounded by saltpans. At every turn, you can feel the authenticity and influences of various cultures. Personally, my favourite is the Venetian influence.”
During your walk through the town, make sure to stop at Tito Square, which represents the central point of the old town. It's surrounded by historic buildings, among which the
Praetorian Palace stands out, bearing witness to this place's historical ties to the Venetian Republic. Climb the
bell tower and visit the
Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Take a stroll through the city streets, and don't miss
Čevljarska Ulica (Cobblers’ Street) — the main promenade — where, as the name suggests, cobblers once lived and worked. Discover charming spots, shops with local products, cosy cafes, and restaurants where you can try authentic Mediterranean dishes. You can also spice up your visit with the experience of
The Hunt for Justice.
The Mediterranean spirit can also be strongly felt in other Istrian towns. Explore the old town centres of Izola and Piran as well!
2. Vantage point in Marezige
Koper boasts a rich countryside, and one of the must-visit villages in Slovenian Istria is Marezige. This picturesque village will charm you with its history, tradition, and especially its stunning views of the Bay of Koper. In this village, you'll find the first Slovenian
wine fountain, where you can enjoy tasting local wines surrounded by the authentic atmosphere of the Istrian countryside. Several interesting
hiking trails lead to Marezige, including one from Vanganel that passes by the lakes. Marezige beckons all nature, wine, and view enthusiasts.
The unique combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage also awaits you in other villages of Slovenian Istria. Discover the Istrian countryside!
3. Socerb Castle
The third location that Anna insisted on keeping in her list is Socerb Castle, the very place where she and her husband exchanged their vows years ago.
Strmec Castle (Socerb) is the only significant fortification on the Karst Edge, offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Trieste and the Bay of Koper. The area of the castle is registered as a monument of national significance. Beneath the castle lies the “Sveta jama” Cave, while beneath the rocky edge stands a densely built mediaeval village. Socerb is not just a historical treasure but also an excellent starting point for exploring nearby natural landmarks.
4. Debeli Rtič Landscape Park near Ankaran
Anna says that
Debeli Rtič Landscape Park holds a special place in her heart. She adores everything about it: the views, the delightful scents, the glimmering sea, and the beauty of the cliffs. She particularly loves the strategic location of this park, situated near the Italian border.
Debeli Rtič is a true gem of natural beauty that connects the sea and the lush Istrian landscape. The nature park invites you to stroll along picturesque paths, observing an array of colours that change with the seasons. There, you can enjoy the fragrant Mediterranean flora and the sounds of birds. The heart of the park features a cape with a flysch cliff, natural coastal edges, and the layers of an underwater reef. If you're a fan of active relaxation amid untouched nature, Debeli Rtič is the perfect choice for you.
3 interesting facts about Anna Kožuh
- Anna is employed at the University of Primorska as a full professor of didactics. She gives lectures at the Faculty of Education and two other faculties.
- She appreciates good weather, and this is one of the reasons why she loves Slovenian Istria: the Mediterranean climate perfectly suits both her spirit and body. Even though there are ski resorts just a two-hour drive away, you definitely won't find her on the snow. Instead, you'll find her on one of the beaches, where she gladly basks in the sun's rays every summer.
- Anna also dedicates part of her life to centres on Borneo—an island in the middle of the Malay Archipelago in Southeast Asia. She works with orangutans, for whom she creates didactic toys. With only 40,000 orangutans left in the world, she is passionate about contributing to their well-being. In her free time, she likes to read literature about hominids.
Are you interested in tips from Federica from Italy?