Piran, the pearl of the Slovenian coast, one of our most recognizable locations among international tourists and a popular spot for a short trip to the coast among domestic visitors, stole my heart a long long time ago and we happily return several times a year, in all seasons. My favorite months though are May, September and over the winter, when the atmosphere is calmer and the climate is mild. Fresh sea air, blooming oleanders, the sound of sailboats rocking at sunset, morning seagulls, the labyrinth of narrow streets, the sparkles in the eyes of our kids as they jump into the waves, beautiful views, the best calamari and unlimited amounts of ice cream are just a few of the things that keep us coming back. We come to Piran to disconnect and we always truly relax here. We are never in a hurry and the time passes more slowly than at home. And even though I am not originally from here, Piran is our third home and I know it really well. In this post, I share ideas for a trip to Piran and introduce you to all the famous and lesser-known corners and our favorite spots in this beautiful Slovenian seaside town.
PARKING IN PIRAN | garage houses and public parking lots
I’m starting with a slightly less romantic chapter, but I believe that PARKING IN PIRAN is the biggest challenge for many (first time) visitors. If you don’t have a parking permit and are only coming for a one-day visit, or your accommodation does not have a private parking lot within the old town center, you have to choose one of the following options. GARAGE AMFORA (FORNAČE) offers an excellent starting point, but it is also the most expensive option. Daily parking (over 10 hours) costs 32 euros. Parking in GARAGE ARZE is slightly cheaper, where daily parking is 18 euros, but it is much more difficult to get a free spot here, as there are many yearly parking subscribers. We also used to have a subscription for the garage in Fornače, but with the current tariffs and conditions it is no longer worth it. So we park in other PUBLIC PAID PARKING LOTS – for example at Mercator on BELI KRIŽ (15 euros per day), or in FIESA (10 euros per day). You can also park behind the gates, in the old town of Piran, but the parking fee will cost you 4-6 euros per hour, depending on the season. If you enter the old town with your vehicle you do have a 15min free, which is perfect for deliveries or unloading your baggage.
FORNAČE | lively area beetween Bernardinom and Piran
I’m not entirely sure if this is geographically correct, but for me the border between Portorož and Piran has always been right here, at the hotel that is now called GRAND HOTEL BERNARDIN. Bernardin is actually a pretty nice area, a bit quieter than the center of Portorož and right in the middle between Piran and Portorož. We often come here to swim, we like to cycle in that direction, and the hotel also has great massages and a beauty salon.
The part of the coast between Bernardin and Piran, called FORNAČE, has been beautifully landscaped in recent years, with a PROMENADE, a FORNAČE BEACH with easier access to the sea and wooden platforms for resting, and paved platforms with RESTAURANTS POLPO and PRI POLONCI. There is also a minibus stop here, which connects Fornače with the center of Piran (it used to be gratis, now a single ride costs 1 euro).
It is especially beautiful here at summer sunset, the path is also great for a WALK WITH CHILDREN, also if they are still in the buggy or on balance bikes etc. If you are thirsty, I recommend stopping at the PIRANČEK BEACH BAR. Otherwise, the large OUTDOOR PARKING LOT IN FORNAČE is only for subscribers, so do not even try to park there.
RIVIERA BEACH | smaller pebble beach near the main bus station
On the way to Piran from Fornače, just before the MAIN BUS STATION and a small parking lot, you will find the first TOWN BEACH, called RIVIERA. It is not very large, but when it is not too crowded it is very pleasant. There is a pebble part and an asphalt part of the beach, but you can also put your towel in the shade of the pine trees along the walking path on the left side. There is also a shower on the beach, access to the sea is possible from the pier, via concrete steps or directly from the pebble beach.
Regardless of the season, we spend most of our time here when we are in Piran, especially since we have children. It is ideal outside the main season, as we are mostly alone in the mornings, but in the summer months I am one of those mothers who rushes the kids to the beach at six in the morning, when it is still quiet and empty. Luckily our little ones are not big fans of sleeping just yet.
Directly on the beach is the RIVIERA ADRIATIC RESTAURANT, on the other side of the road not far away is the excellent MARA RESTAURANT (they make the best octopus in podpeka!), and by the bus station is the NEPTUN CAFE and the KARAMELA ICE CREAM.
PIRAN MARINA | the main city marina
If we walk a little further from the above-mentioned beach towards the BUS STATION (there is also a PUBLIC TOILET nearby) in the direction of the center, we come to PIRAN MARINA. It is not that small at all, sailboats, fishing boats and other vessels wind along the main road all the way to the main Tartini Square and in a semicircular arc back towards the RED LIGHTHOUSE on the other side of the marina bay.
TO TARTINIJEV TRG SQUARE we can take the coastal path along the road (Cankarjevo nabrežje) or walk parallel, along Župančičeva Street or Ulica Svobode street. In any case, there are quite a few boutiques and souvenir shops on the way, and there is also a small MERCATOR STORE on Trg bratsva.
Right at the beginning of the marina, you can enjoy a typical Balkan specialty in RESTAURANT SARAJEVO 84, for a quick snack or fresh pastry, there is also a BAKERY, and a little further on, RESTAVRACJA PARK and RESTAVRACIJA PIRAT. On Župančičeva street there is also an excellent RESTAVRACIJA NEPTUN, one of the best in Piran. I must not forget our favorite canteen, RIBJA KANTIN’CA PORTO, where we always get delicious fried calamari.
A WALK AROUND THE MARINA is most beautiful very early in the morning, when the sea is often completely calm and Piran is still asleep, or towards evening, at sunset, when the colors are truly spectacular. The view towards Tartini square is still, to my eyes, the most beautiful from this place below.
The Marina is one of our favorite spots in Piran, and because our house is not far away, we often come here with the kids in the evening for a scoop of ice cream in the setting sun.
PARK ON GRUDNOVA ULICA | small park near the marina
If you walk from the bus station by the sea towards Tartini Square, you will soon notice lush pink oleanders blooming between June and September on your right. Behind them lies one of the few lush parks in Piran, where you can enjoy a short break in the shade on one of the benches. If you are visiting with small children, there is a small stone SLIDE in addition to the bubbling FOUNTAIN, and right next to the park is the aforementioned RESTAURANT PARK, a good choice when the kids cannot stay at the table for long.
PIRAN MUESEUMS | Museum of Underwater Activities, Museum of Shells, Maritime Museum, Piran Aquarium
There are also several MUSEUMS and GALLERIES near the marina. For example, you can visit the MUSEUM OF UNDERWATER ACTIVITIES (especially interesting for diving and diving history enthusiasts), the MARITIME MUSEUM (with ethnological, fishing and historical collections of maritime heritage and four dislocated units on our coast), the MUSEUM OF SHELLS (with over 4,000 specimens of various mollusks), and on the other hand, the PIRAN AQUARIUM (in Villa Piranesi, where all aquarium enthusiasts can see various underwater animal species). The aquarium also organizes interesting temporary exhibitions on several occasions.
TARTINI SQUARE | iconic sqare with important buildings
THE MOST FAMOUS SQUARE IN PIRAN, named after the internationally renowned composer and violinist GIUSEPPE TARTINI, has been a symbol of the city for decades and an important point, both in a cultural, architectural and social sense. Numerous EVENTS and CONCERTS take place here, as well as occasional MARKETS, and it is also an nice stop for people watching, and the area around the STATUE OF G. TARTINI also acts as a “meeting point”.
One of the most BEAUTIFUL VIEWS OF TARTINIJEV TRG is from Adamičeva Street or the walking path next to the Church of St. George, and even better if you climb to the top of the church’s bell tower. From here you can really see the architectural design of the entire platform, and the contrast of the red brick roofs of the houses and the sparkling blue sea further enlivens the view.
Many people do not know that in the area of today’s market there was once an INNER PORT FOR FISHING BOATS around which a lively commercial life took place. This is where salt miners unloaded Piran salt, and fishermen unloaded their catch from the sea. In 1894, due to fears of cholera, the marina was covered with the remains or ruins of the Piran walls for hygienic reasons, and thus the Tartini square was created. At the same time, they began to build a larger outer part of the marina. Later, there was also a parking lot here in the market, but it has now been closed to traffic for many years.
The square is surrounded by important buildings such as the MUNICIPAL HALL and COURT PALACE, and in addition to other charming colorful bourgeois houses, there is also the famous and beautiful Gothic VENICE HOUSE.
Here you will find several RESTAURANTS, CAFES and SHOPS, and the square is also the meeting point of several paths leading to different parts of Piran. We usually stop at the MESTNA KAVARNA PIRAN, where among other delicacies they serve their delicious Š’TORTA CAKE. With the flavors of Piran (olive oil and Piran salt), this is definitely a “must try” dessert. If you happen to be in the mood for pizza, then you must visit PIZZERIA BATANA.
Although it is not fenced, Tartini Square is still one of the best locations in Piran if you come here with energetic children who need to “run around”. Since it is closed to traffic, it is a great place for running, cycling, passing the ball, riding scooters and the like. We also go there at least once a day.
HOUSE BENEČANKA – CASA VENEZIANA | the most beautiful house in Piran
Although there are many beautiful buildings on TARTINI SQUARE, I simply have to highlight the oldest preserved and, for many, the most beautiful of them all, the so-called BENEČANKA – CASA VENEZIANA. It was named after the recognizable VENICE – GOTHIC ARCHITECTURAL STYLE, the details of which adorn its exterior. In addition to the famous CORNER BALCONY, on the facade we can also see a stone slab with an inscription between lion paws and other details. Its FACADE was repainted from wine red to creamy white in 2016, similar to the original design from the 15th century.
The GROUND FLOOR of the house today houses the charming PIRANSKE SOLINE SHOP, where you can buy cosmetic and food products with salt from the nearby Piran salt pans. The ELEVATED FLOOR (Piano nobile) is dedicated to KRISTAL ROGAŠKA and top-quality Slovenian sparkling wines. The SECOND AND THIRD FLOORS feature two luxurious rooms where you can sleep, the Del Bello room and the Margareta room.
ZELENJAVNI TRG SQUARE | a lively market with fresh fruits & veggies
Not far from Tartini Square there is a small market where you can buy FRESH VEGETABLES AND FRUITS every day, in addition to this there is a FISH MARKET, and occasionally a butcher shop. At the stalls, which are more abundantly lined during weekends and the main season, you can also find various HOMEMADE PRODUCTS, jams, olive oil, sauces and the like. There is also a FRTALJA BAKERY on the corner.
We also usually go for a walk to the market every morning after coffee and breakfast and buy something delicious. I can’t pass up the best pistachios, fragrant tomatoes, olives, seasonal fruits. From the Zelenjavni trg market, you can head towards Piran punta through the labyrinth of narrow streets in the direction of Trg 1. Maja, or you can turn directly towards Hotel Piran along Partizanska Street and walk along the sea.
A MODEL OF PIRAN | check it out for better orientation
If we walk from Tartini Square by the marina to the pier, we will find a small PIRAN MODEL on the breakwater near the CAFFE TEATER bar by the pier in the direction of the red lighthouse, which, I admit, I didn’t even notice for a long time until Lukas noticed it.
Make sure to search for it, especially if you are with children, they are usually interested in such things. And another top tip for lunch or dinner – there is the PODLANICA BOAT anchored on the pier nearby, where you can enjoy a delicious seafood feast (call and book in advance!).
PIRAN PUNTA | strolling on Prešernovo nabrežje promenade towards Cape Madona
Besides Tartini Square, PIRAN PUNTA, whose extreme point is the stone lighthouse or CAPE MADONA, is the most lively and popular part of Piran these days. The end of the peninsula on which the city is located delimits Koper and Piran bays, and the area is also an important NATURAL MONUMENT due to its extraordinary biodiversity. Near the cape is also the DEEPEST POINT OF THE TRIESTE GULF, the surroundings of which are home to numerous animal and plant species.
Otherwise, due to the colorful facades of typical Piran houses, the entire area of punta is one of the more picturesque in Piran. You can come here for a morning or evening walk, refresh yourself with a jump into the sea or sunbathe on one of the concrete piers or platforms, treat yourself to a delicious meal with the sounds of the waves, admire the interesting lighthouse and more. In bad weather, the sea can also flood the Prešeren embankment walking path, so be careful while walking during a storm.
POINTS OF INTEREST ON PIRAN PUNTA | beaches, restaurants, architectural heritage and more
Slovenian coast may not be famous for its most beautiful beaches, but there are still some lovely locations, including in Piran. The city beach at HOTEL PIRAN is TYPICALLY CONCRETE, access to the sea is possible from piers, which also have steps, and a little further on there are several accesses through a rocky breakwater. Be careful, due to the tides, this part of the coast can look quite different at different times of the day.
Right at the beginning, at the above-mentioned model near Caffe Teater, behind the breakwater there is a SMALLER PEBBLE BEACH, which we also like quite a bit. It depends on the crowds, but especially out of season it is quieter, and the view is gorgeous.
Further along PREŠERNOVO NABREŽJE QUAY, in front of the CAFFE TEATER and HOTEL PIRAN, there is the aforementioned main TOWN CONCRETE BEACH. It is public and anyone can swim here, access to the sea is arranged with piers and stairs. The only downside is that there is no shade. But it is a beautiful view and a great option for a quick jump into the clear sea and cool off while exploring Piran on summer days.
Just before the promenade on the point, at the last concrete pier on the beach in front of the Piran hotel, there is another really MINI PEBBLE BEACH, where access to the sea is convenient even for small children. The view of the point is really nice here, as we are already very close to the lighthouse and other colorful houses at the end of the peninsula.
Along the way towards the end of the punta, there are several ACCESSES TO THE SEA WITH STAIRS on the rocky breakwater. This is ideal for a quick refreshing dip in the sea and not for a long rest, although there are a couple of rocks that are large and flat enough for sunbathing.
Towards the tip of PIRAN PUNTA, near the lighthouse, we can see numerous interesting RELIEFS and STONE STATUES, carved from existing rocks, which protect against strong waves and the intrusion of water into the streets of the city. The most famous and noticeable is probably the MERMAID, but there are also fish, shells, snails, the sun and other images. The stone carving works of art have been created in recent years under the auspices of the Strunjan KUD Korenina, also as part of international workshops.
The most important point of MADONA CAPE at the end of the punta and at the same time one of the most recognizable SYMBOLS OF PIRAN is the beautiful STONE LIGHTHOUSE from 1617, with the accompanying CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF HEALTH. This striking lighthouse, over 10m high, is also the ONLY STONE LIGHTHOUSE ON THE SLOVENIAN COAST. Although the interior has not yet been completely renovated, the lighthouse can be visited and you can learn about the life of the lighthouse keeper and the architectural heritage of Piran Cape.
On the other side, the NORTH SIDE OF PUNTA, it is increasingly windy, but there are also opportunities for swimming. Access to the water is arranged with stairs on the CONCRETE BEACH in the immediate vicinity of numerous cafes near the lighthouse. This is also where you find a DIVE CENTER and IPPA (Institute for Diving and Underwater Activities).
A little further on we reach the end of the Prešernovo nabrežje embankment walking path, which ends at the PEBBLE CITY BEACH UNDER THE WALLS. It is located under the cliff on top of which is the Church of St. George and is perhaps a little wilder, so it can also be a little less crowded here.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS ON PUNTA | where to eat and drink in Piran
On the punta you will find a whole range of larger RESTAURANTS, literally, as they are really next to each other. Since I simply cannot mention them all here, I will only highlight our favorites. We often go to CAFFE TEATER for a coffee or a refreshing drink, where there is also an annual Jazz festival, and in the evenings there are occasional live concerts throughout the year. Our absolute winner for a “sundowner drink”, brunch, (non-alcoholic) cocktails or a quick coffee is CAFINHO PIRAN.
For seafood delicacies, we sit on the terrace of the RIBIČ BAJA restaurant, and occasionally in GOSTILNA IVO. For delicious cuts of cured meats, cheese and olives with a glass of wine, we must go to ČAKOLA. The best ice cream in this part of Piran (or in Piran in general) can be found in MERSII GELATO.
TRG 1. MAJA SQUARE | architecturaly interesting former main square
If we turn into one of the narrow streets during our punta promenade walk, we will soon find ourselves in the architecturally very interesting TRG 1. MAJA or PRVOMAJSKI TRG SQUARE. When today’s Tartini Square was still a marina, this very place was the main square of Piran, adorned with a STONE STAIRCASE and a RAINWATER COLLECTOR with a beautifully preserved hand pump.
The square is surrounded by typical Piran townhouses, and in recent years it has become especially lovely on summer evenings when the atmosphere cools down a bit – also thanks to the popular fish restaurant FRITOLIN PRI CANTINI and RESTAURANT ROSTELIN, where you can try excellent homemade pasta. I can also highlight another shop on the square, namely MARKET 1.MAJ, where, despite the small space, you can find an abundance of local and Italian culinary delights that you won’t find in many other shops.
ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH | the main Piran church complex
The main Piran CHURCH COMPLEX stands in an exceptional location on the crest of the peninsula, from where one of the most beautiful views of the brick roofs of Piran, Tartini Square and other sights opens. The complex, whose construction began, according to research, in the 6th century, consists of a CHURCH, a free-standing BELVEDERE and a BAPTISTRICT. The complex acquired its current, VENICE – RENAISSANCE FORM in the 17th century.
The BAROQUE INTERIOR of the rectangular church nave with numerous altars, organs, sculptures, paintings and more is still undergoing restoration in collaboration with the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Piran, but is open to the public most of the time.
It is also worth paying attention to the beautiful, over 46m high FREESTANDING BELL TOWER with a clock, built in the 17th century, at the top of which we are rewarded with a wonderful view. The bell tower is modeled after the bell tower of St. Mark’s in Venice, and is adorned with a ROTATING STATUE OF THE ARCHANGEL ST. MICHAEL.
The view of Piran from the sea is particularly beautiful at sunset, when the striking dark backdrop of the Church of St. George provides an unforgettable scene.
FIESA WALKWAY | take a walk from Piran to Fiesa
If we continue from the Adamičevo nabrežje embankment from the Church of St. George in the direction of Ulica IX. Korpusa, after about 100 meters we will see a beautiful FOOTPATH TO FIESA branching off to the left. The latter first descends slightly down the slope, and then leads along the sea all the way to the CAMPSITE or FIESA LAKE. In both directions, the path offers wonderful views of the mighty Piran church, the open sea towards the Italian side and, with good visibility, the Alps in the background. This part of the coast is also a WILD BEACH, where, especially at low tide, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the sea.
PIRAN CITY WALLS | ruins and remains of 3 different city walls
PIRAN CITY WALLS, which once surrounded Piran, have only been partially preserved to this day, but they still represent an important part of the cultural heritage. Due to the gradual expansion of the city, the walls also changed over time, the latter had to be rebuilt with each expansion of the city, and so today we can see the remains of THREE DIFFERENT WALLS, on which we can also find 7 CITY GATES. According to research, the beginnings of the construction of the walls date back to the 7th century, while the largest part of the medieval walls preserved to this day dates from the 15th and 16th centuries.
You can also walk along part of the walls and enjoy one of the most beautiful and iconic views of Piran, especially towards Cape Madona. The entrance fee is currently (2026) 3 euros per adult.
If you visit Piran with children, you will also find a CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, BASKETBALL COURT and FOOTBALL COURT near the walls on IX. KORPUSA STREET.
PIRAN CITY GATES | former entranced into the city
As mentioned, 7 CITY GATES have survived in Piran to this day, which at different times represented the main entry points into the city. All gates have names, namely the First and Second Rašpor Gate, Marčan Gate, Miljska Gate, Dolphin Gate, Polja Gate and St. George’s Gate.
ST. FRANCIS MONASTERY | interesting Minorite monastery
In addition to the all other historical and architectural landmarks of Piran, there is another extremely interesting building here, namely the MINORITE MONASTERY OF ST. FRANCIS with its associated monastery church, library, art gallery and beautiful courtyard. The monastery, where the Minorite brothers still live today, was originally built in the 14th century in the Gothic style, but its appearance has often changed over time. In the CROSS HALLWAY of the monastery, which is considered one of the acoustically more interesting locations in Slovenia, musical events are occasionally held, including the famous TARTINI FESTIVAL.
PIRAN STREETS | strolling Piran’s narrow streets and alleys
If you have enough time, just treat yourself to a long, aimless walk through the NARROW PIRAN STREETS and devote yourself to admiring the facades of the houses and their details. Although it sometimes seems like you are wandering in a labyrinth, there is no reason to worry, it is impossible to get lost and you will definitely discover something interesting. And, of course, look up and not just under your feet.
WALKWAY BETWEEN PORTOROŽ AND PIRAN | walk or cycle between Sečovlje salt pans and Fiesa
Another great WALKING CYCLING ROUTE for all those who like to walk or cycle, and even our youngest can join in with pushchairs and scooters. It is possible to walk along the coast all the way from SEČOVELJSKE SOLINE salt pans, past LUCIJA and PORTOROŽ to PIRAN, and then on to FIESA along the above-mentioned route. Cyclists will have to ride part of the way on the road for now, but part of it is a special cycling path. So if you are staying in Piran or Portorož, definitely take a walk between the two places, the views are beautiful, and there is no shortage of interesting stops along the way.
BOAT TOURS | panoramic scenic rides in Piran bay and around
You should definitely treat yourself to a BOAT TRIP around the PIRAN BAY. There are different packages available, from morning and evening couple of hour sailings, which usually also include a delicious snack and a glass of wine, to a full-day cruise with a picnic feast. For closed groups, it is possible to rent the entire vessel, otherwise just join the others. Especially at sunset, there are beautiful views of Piran from the sea, which you can experience from a completely new perspective.
For departures from Piran, check out the VINTAGE BOAT TOURS offer, some may also be tempted by a ride on the SUBAQUATIC boat from which you can see the UNDERWATER SEA WORLD and at the same time enjoy a PANORAMIC RIDE on the route Fiesa – Piran – Strunjan. Piran is connected to Venice by the CATAMARAN PRINCE OF VENICE and to Trieste by the CATAMARAN LIBERTY LINES. Check timetables in advance as the connections are seasonable.
SLOVENIAN COAST | things to see and do in this part of Slovenia
There are a whole host of pleasant corners on the SLOVENIAN COAST, and for those of you who may be a little less familiar with it and are looking for ideas on what to see and do between Ankaran and Sečovlje, I published a longer, more comprehensive article some time ago, which you can read by clicking on the button below the photo.
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Comments 2
Odlični blog. Uporaben tudi za Slovence. Berem res z veseljem. Nika
Author
o najlepsa hvala Nika, me veseli, da kdo z veseljem bere in zraven dobi se kaksno idejo 🙂
lp,
Katja