Along the Istrian coast: travel tips
The Istrian coast is a territory of over 500 km along the Istria peninsula, a territory of great naturalistic charm and great historical and cultural heritage. Border land between Italy, Slovenia and Croatia that share its borders, even if most of the territory is currently part of the Republic of Croatia. Easily reachable from nearby Trieste (read my travel tips here if you happen to be in the capital of Friuli Venezia Giulia) a road trip along the coast is an unmissable experience both for a summer holiday in search of the most beautiful beaches of the Adriatic or to enjoy unforgettable views and stroll through villages and towns of great charm. Here are some tips on what to visit on the Istrian Coast and in particular 4 towns not to be missed.
Koper
The first city to stop in when leaving Italy is Koper, the capital of the Slovenian coastal region, home to the country’s main port. This charming town is characterized by its Venetian style, Mediterranean atmosphere and lively seaside life that makes it one of the most popular holiday destinations in the area. The city center is a whirlwind of historic buildings and churches and narrow streets where you can get lost among craft workshops and souvenir shops. The starting point is Tito Square with its Venetian Gothic-style Palazzo Pretorio, the Civic Tower, the Cathedral and the Palazzo della Loggia. One of the most characteristic streets, Via dei Calzolai (Cevljarska Ulica), starts from Piazza Tito. Going down towards the seafront you will come across many local taverns where you can taste typical Istrian cuisine until you reach Piazza Carpaccio and the Da Ponte fountain. A walk along the marina to admire the surrounding gulf and the large ships that can be seen from afar until you get back in the car and head south!
Piran
One of the most famous tourist destinations on the Slovenian coast is Piran, a delightful town perched on a mountain promontory with an unmistakable Venetian style. The center of the city is Tartini Square, the city’s living room dedicated to the violinist Giuseppe Tartini who was born here in Piran. This elegant square is home to beautiful buildings such as the Venetian House, the Town Hall, Apollonio Palace and the Baroque House. The center of the town is a whirlwind of narrow streets that climb up to the Cathedral of St. George. From here you can admire an incredible view of the entire city and take a tour of the old city walls. A visit to the old Convent of St. Francis and the nearby Piazza I Maggio is a must. From the promenade you can admire the beautiful sea of the area and even swim and sunbathe in one of the solariums near the city. Leaving Piran in a southerly direction towards Croatia you will also come across the renowned tourist destination of Portorož, known for its beaches and spa center.
Poreč
Once you cross the border between Slovenia and Croatia, you enter the region of Istria, one of the best known and richest in the Republic of Croatia. This large territory combines sea and mountains and a historical and artistic heritage of great value that finds its culmination in its capital Pula. Without going any further and staying about an hour and a half by car from Trieste, our starting point, a stop in the town of Poreč is a must. Poreč is a very famous seaside tourist destination that combines relaxation with culture at the same time. A city of Roman origin, as evidenced by the old Forum of the city today the central Marafor Square, Poreč is fascinated by the surrounding blue sea overlooking the small island of San Nicola (a very popular excursion destination). There are numerous beaches in the area that are stormed by tourists during the summer, such as the beach of Porec, Brulo and Maro, just to name a few. In the centre of the town, a visit to the Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO heritage site, the remains of the Temple of Neptune and the towers of Venetian origin is a must.
Rovinj
Considered the most picturesque village in Istria, Rovinj is a real gem not to be missed! Leave your car in one of the paid parking lots in the city (I recommend the one at the tourist port), you will immediately notice the beauty and strategic importance of this town with Venetian architecture, surrounded by walls that stands on a promontory (an island until 1700) overlooking the blue sea. The old town winds through a whirlwind of narrow streets to open up into unmissable glimpses and views of the coast. Here you will find the imposing Church of Sant’Eufemia. The ancient city walls open into three gates that are still preserved today, the gate of San Benedetto, La Portica and Porta di Santa Croce. Wandering around the center you will come across the Arco di Balbi, from 1679 dedicated to the then governor of the city Daniele Balbi. Stroll along Ulica Grisia, the street of local artists, who sell portraits and paintings to tourists. There is no shortage of historic buildings, such as the Town Hall, the Clock Tower and the Andrea Ganduso theatre. The seafront is an elegant lounge where you can stop for an aperitif in front of the colourful buildings that rise up over the sea.
If you have the desire and time to explore beyond Istria, you will be spoiled for choice, starting from its splendid beaches to the national parks of the Istrian hinterland, until you reach the city of Pula.
Enjoy your trip!
