"Sea, hills, wine and olive trees - Istria is a paradise on earth"

Jana and Uwe, who relocated from the bustling European metropolis of Berlin to Slovenian Istria, have no regrets about their decision. Jana says, "We always dreamed of moving south when my husband retired." Uwe adds, "Actually, our retirement plan was to move to Italy, where we got married. But fate had it differently: we met incredibly kind friends who introduced us to Slovenia, particularly Piran. We instantly fell in love with the surroundings, captivated by the unique opportunities it offered. It felt unlike anywhere else in the world!" Their chosen home is Portorož, a popular tourist destination on the Slovenian coast.

The friendly and talkative Jana and Uwe can't praise Istria enough. Uwe emphasizes, "The entire Istrian peninsula is beautiful. There is an incredible amount of culture here. We have the opportunity to engage in various sports activities. We can go on a hiking trail that starts in Slovenia and ends in Italy. We've truly fallen in love with this area." They also appreciate the welcoming locals, their neighbours and the excellent cuisine. They mention that this small part of the world has welcomed them with open arms, and they reciprocate the warmth. They enjoy connecting with nature, the tranquillity and the sense of security. Most of all, they like walking with their four-legged friend. Istria, with its hidden and well-known paths, offers endless opportunities for exploration.

The German couple chose the scenic view of Portorož as the first sight worth seeing. They adore the view of the Adriatic Sea from their home terrace - a daily delight savoured with their morning coffee. They found their apartment with an idyllic terrace overlooking the sea quite spontaneously, but they say they were fortunate to have found a place with such a spectacular view. Uwe says, "We’re just five minutes from the sea. We can go for a walk or a bicycle ride along the Parenzana. It's a route that every cyclist should do at least once in their life!"

And it's along the Parenzana that you can also admire the breathtaking views of Portorož. Since you can't visit their home during your visit to Slovenian Istria, here are three great spots for watching sunsets and the Bay of Portorož:

- Veleta vantage point - Šentjane above Portorož - Seča and Forma Viva

The second favourite spot on their list is the Portorož promenade. Jana and Uwe stroll along the seafront daily to unwind and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. Here, they soak up the first rays of spring sunshine, take refreshing summer dips, engage in autumnal sports activities, or enjoy romantic winter walks. Amidst blooming oleanders, the soothing sound of waves, and the invigorating sea air, they find reassurance that moving to Slovenian Istria was the right choice.

The Portorož promenade runs along an extended sandy beach, past bars, cafés, restaurants and shops. Offering a diverse array of hotels, leisure activities, and wellness services infused with a local touch, Portorož has charmed the hearts of numerous visitors. Its origins trace back to the 13th century when monks from the Monastery of St. Lawrence began utilising seawater and brine for healing. This laid the foundation for the gradual development of spa and wellness complexes, which still benefit from the healing effects of salt and the sea. The expansion of aviation in the last century has also contributed to the town's popularity, further enhancing its tourism offerings. Presently, Portorož is a valued destination for private aviation tourism.

Sečovlje Salina Nature Park and Seča stand out as must-visit places according to Jana and Uwe. They are fascinated by the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage found there. Jana says, "The most attractive point nearby is the salt pans. There are still active salt pans here, where salt is harvested using traditional methods. The landscape is stunning and offers opportunities for delightful walks. My favourite area is where the Dragonja River meets the sea. This park is a habitat for many bird species as well. Sometimes, you can even see flamingos. It's an extraordinary landscape for a walk." Birdwatchers can discover a wide variety of species, numbering over 300.