Piran: the Best Things to Do in Slovenia’s Adriatic Gem

Visions of Slovenia often conjure snow capped mountain peaks and crisp Alpine lakes. Lesser known is Piran, a sunny, terracotta-roofed jewel on the Adriatic coast that could easily be mistaken for seaside Italy. Located just a 90-minute drive from Ljubljana or a 2-hour drive from Venice, it makes an easy day trip that transports you to a world apart.

Jump to:

• Overview of Piran
• History of Piran
• Languages Spoken
• How Much Time to Spend in Piran?
• Getting to Piran
  • By Car
  • By Bus
• Getting Around Piran
• Things to Do:
  • Soak Up Tartini Square
  • Climb the Walls of Piran
  • Marvel at the Church of St. George
  • Explore the Winding Cobblestone Streets of the Old Town
  • Stroll the Waterfront Promenade
  • Dip in the Adriatic Sea

Overview of Piran

History

Located on the Istrian peninsula, this region was part of the Venetian empire for over 500 years, which explains the very Italianate influences on everything from the architecture, to cuisine, to language.

Piran has fallen under numerous rulers in its long history, including the Romans, Byzantines, Franks, Venetians, and Austro-Hungarians. Piran was part of Italy for the decades between WWI and WWII, before it was ceded to Yugoslavia and finally became part of Slovenia in the 1990s.

The centuries of changing governance makes for a unique history and blend of cultures, rarely found outside of Istria. 

Languages Spoken

Piran is officially dual-language, with both Slovenian and Italian spoken. However, with tourism playing a large role in Piran’s livelihood, today you’ll find that most people speak English as well.

How Much Time to Spend in Piran?

Piran is compact, and while you can certainly extend your time to idle on the piazza, the town is easily seen in one long day trip.

Getting to Piran

Piran is centrally located, about a 90-minute drive from Ljubljana, 2-hour drive from Venice, and 2.5-hour drive from Zagreb.

By Car

Piran is easily accessible by car. The Slovenian highway system is well-maintained and well-marked, and modern parking lots have been constructed just outside of town (directions here), where it’s a quick 10-minute walk to the town center.

By Bus

If you don’t have a vehicle, the bus is your best option. Piran has one bus station, located just off the main square, with service by GoOpti. Connections include domestic (Ljubljana, Koper) and international (Venice, Trieste) destinations.

Getting Around Piran

It’s best to explore Piran on foot. The old town is compact, but over the centuries has expanded up into the hillsides above the waterfront. Vehicles and bicycles don’t get very far up the narrow, winding medieval alleyways and cobblestoned streets.

Things to Do

Soak Up Tartini Square

Named after violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini, one of Piran’s most famous native sons, this circular plaza boasts 270-degrees of colorful facades, with a classical government hall anchoring the north corner (you can also pop in here to find the tourism office).

Grab a seat at one of the numerous outdoor cafes and enjoy watching the world stroll by. Tartini Square often hosts local markets, with an array of regional produce, honey, olive oil, and lavender products for sale.

Climb the Walls of Piran

Follow the maze-like streets that lead vertically out of Tartini Square, up to the medieval Walls of Piran above town. For the fee of €3, you can climb the ramparts that were built between the 7^th – 16^th centuries to keep out Turkish invaders. Nowadays, the walls provide some of the best views along the coast, stretching from Croatia in the south to Italy in the north. The bird’s eye view of Piran will also give you a fuller appreciation of just how strong the town’s Venetian heritage is — the postcard-perfect views look straight out of Italy.

Marvel at the Church of St. George

Just down the hill from the Walls of Piran, your path will naturally take you to the Church of St. George, with its own freestanding bell tower (a 1608 replica of the San Marco Campanile in Venice). If, after exploring the town ramparts, you’re still looking for more exercise and phenomenal views, the bell tower is also available for climbing, for a small fee.

Explore the Winding Cobblestone Streets of the Old Town

Piran’s medieval streets are more like quaint alleyways, with narrow paths endlessly snaking up and down the hillsides among centuries-old dwellings. Embrace getting lost — Piran is so compact, you’ll inevitably be deposited onto a recognizable thoroughfare. But in the process, you’ll enjoy the added provincial charm that feels like a step back in time.

Stroll the Waterfront Promenade

Once your exploring has you ready to rest your feet, head back down to the harbor for a seaside espresso or gelato. We like Caffe Neptun, with a coastal terrace so authentic, you might even get a little sea spray at high tide. Leisurely watching the afternoon pass by from your bistro chair is the perfect cap to a day in this delightful Slovenian gem.     

Dip in the Adriatic Sea

In the summer months, Piran’s public beaches tempt with the sparkling waters just off shore. There are a few public access points, including a beach along the waterfront just south of the old town (directions here), and Plaža Piran on the north side (directions here).