1. 2. 2024
Reasons to visit Slovenian Istria through the eyes of Astrid and Folke
Astrid and Folke, who come from neighbouring Austria, have wholeheartedly adopted the identity of being 'Piranese,' having resided in Slovenian Istria for over 16 years. Their longing to live by the sea has remained a constant throughout their lives, and their love of seaside places continues to bind them together today. As their four children gradually left the nest, the couple eagerly seized the opportunity to move south. Living by the sea has also proven to be a wellspring of inspiration for Folke, a professional writer. So, why Piran? It was the nearest seaside town to their home in Austria, where they still frequent, particularly for business.
They fell in love with Piran for several reasons, and, in fact, it tops the list of the three places they recommend visiting in Slovenian Istria. What are the other two? Keep reading to find out!
TOP 3 places to visit in Slovenian Istria
1. Piran and the parish house
Piran, a true gem of Mediterranean charm, is often described as a city built upon salt. Today, it stands out as one of the most picturesque and photogenic towns along the Adriatic coast. Its narrow streets descend to the central square towards the seafront, showcasing its authentic Mediterranean character. The town was also the home of the renowned violinist
Giuseppe Tartini, to whom the main square and the
music festival are dedicated. Piran, with its old harbour and the remnants of its mediaeval walls, has been declared a cultural and historical monument. The genuine Mediterranean atmosphere envelops you at every corner.
Astrid and Folke live in an idyllic parish house with beautiful views. Folke: "We live in a small commune with the Piranese parish priest, and we are fully integrated into the daily life in Piran. The integration might be more difficult for other people who come to live here. We never wanted to live as foreigners or tourists. We love to get together with the locals and attend all the events. We also like that this town has remained authentic and that locals still live their daily lives here. And that not everything has been adapted for tourism."
Astrid says, "We love Piran for its tranquillity and comfort. The moment we step out of the car, time seems to slow down. Everything moves at a more leisurely pace compared to Austria. We enjoy going to the market because the quality of the fruit and vegetables here is top-notch." Folke adds, "The fish is also of an extremely high quality. We are pescatarians, but we eat fish only in Piran. The quality here is so high that we don't want to eat it elsewhere."
In Piran, you can buy freshly caught fish from local fishermen, and the town also boasts a deep-rooted tradition of
salt harvesting, intertwined with countless stories of narrow streets and picturesque views of the Slovenian Mediterranean. And the story of the salt is the next stop Astrid and Folke have chosen to share.
In addition to Piran, Slovenian Istria is enriched by two other captivating seaside towns: Izola and Koper.
2. Sečovlje Salina Nature Park
The Sečovlje Salina Nature Park is located not far from Piran. It is a natural gem that will enchant you in all seasons. In the park, you can explore the traditional salt processing at Lera, where this precious natural resource continues to be harvested using a 700-year-old method. Additionally, you can visit the
Fontanigge Salt Museum to learn about salt workers and their families' past lives. Folke shares,
"Yes, it's a remarkable place: the old salt pans, where the stone houses of the salters stand abandoned. It has an incredible atmosphere. We always go for a walk there when we have time. A place like something out of one of my fairy tales!"
Birdwatchers will be delighted by the diverse habitats of the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park, which is home to over 300 registered bird species. Astrid expresses her enthusiasm, "I'm a bird lover, and in winter, I'm most excited about the white flamingos you can see in the park."
In addition to its natural beauty and cultural heritage, the Sečovlje Salina also offers unique wellness experiences. Enjoy the healing properties of brine and salt mud at the outdoor SPA
Lepa Vida for ultimate relaxation in summer.
Slovenian Istria is home to three other remarkable nature parks. Explore Istria's natural wonders, each offering experiences that are truly worth discovering!
3. Natural bridges and rock-shelters
The third point of interest that Astrid and Folke are passionate about lies less than an hour's drive from Piran, at the southernmost tip of the Karst Edge, near the village of Sočerga. Here, you'll find a unique natural treasure known as
'spodmoli' or rock-shelters, also known as the "ears of Istria". These impressive overhanging cliffs offer a unique experience in nature. Folke says,
"This is an extraordinary place where nature remains completely untouched. Nature creates such an amazing scene that is hard to find anywhere else." Astrid adds,
"We like the rock-shelters because I love herbs, and you can find many of them there. This area reminds me of Provence, with its various herbs and the striking red hue of the smoke trees in autumn. The entire landscape turns into a stunning display of vibrant red."A trip to the rock-shelters is best in autumn, although you can visit them any time of the year. There, you can also admire a natural bridge with a six-metre-high rock arch and rock-shelters beneath. This is also an opportunity to observe karst phenomena, such as curtains and ribs resembling those found in karst caves. This area is a visual delight, marking a transition from the karst to the Mediterranean landscape.
Folke: "The great thing about Slovenia is that you can find beautiful, varied landscapes only an hour's drive away. There are few places like this. We’ve travelled the world a lot. But you really don't find such diversity in such a small space very often. Especially such pristine nature." During a visit to the rock-shelters, it is important to bear in mind that endangered birds nest on the rocks, so it is crucial to stick to the designated trails and heed the warnings on descriptive signs. This way, you can fully experience this magical environment, enchanted by its natural wonders and biodiversity.
Astrid and Folke also have a deep affection for the Istrian countryside, particularly villages such as Padna, Sveti Anton, and Krkavče, which they describe as retaining their original charm and beauty.
3 interesting facts about Astrid and Folke
- Astrid and Folke have four adult children and five grandchildren scattered across Europe. Despite the geographical distance, Piran feels like a second home to all of them. One of their daughters shares the same love for the town; last year, she bought an apartment to spend as much time as possible in Slovenian Istria.
- Folke is a writer of modern fairy tales, a storyteller, and a conceptualist by profession. Most of his creative works, especially his books, have been created exclusively in Piran for several years. Additionally, he devised a storytelling tourism concept for the Portorož Tourist Board a few years ago.
- Astrid is a sea lover and enjoys swimming. And as a native Dutch, she finds joy in swimming in the sea even during the colder months. Would you dare to take a plunge into the winter sea? 😊