Piran, Slovenia: A Complete Travel Guide

Piran is a picturesque town on Slovenia’s Adriatic coast. Often overlooked by travellers heading to Lake Bled, this little coastal town doesn’t always make it onto Slovenia itineraries — but it absolutely should.

Where Is Piran?

Piran is located on Slovenia’s short but lovely 47km coastline, nestled between Italy and Croatia. It’s an easy 1.5-hour bus ride from Ljubljana, making it a perfect seaside escape from the capital.

Is It Worth Visiting Piran?

If you loved Venice but found it too crowded, you’ll adore Piran.

We visited Piran in September. Originally, it wasn’t on our Slovenia travel itinerary, but unexpected storms in the north forced us to change plans. Instead of kayaking in the Soča Valley, we headed south in search of better weather, as Piran is known for having the warmest and sunniest climate in Slovenia.

While September temperatures hovered around 20°C, the real-feel was closer to 15°C due to the coastal breeze. Still, it was a welcome escape from the 10°C rain and fog we had experienced in Lake Bled. It’s worth noting that Piran is a hotspot during the summer season, but out of season things wind down and many restaurants and shops close up for the cooler winter months.

As travellers who usually seek out mountains and lakes rather than beach destinations, we were unsure what to expect from Piran. But we were pleasantly surprised — its charm, history, and the rolling green hills of nearby Istria made it one of the highlights of our Slovenia trip.

Best Things To Do in Piran

1. Wander the Old Town & Climb the City Walls

Piran’s Old Town is a maze of narrow, winding streets reminiscent of Venice (without the canals). As you wander, you’ll spot fresh pasta being crafted in tiny kitchens, cats lazily basking in the sun by the waterfront, and locals going about their day. Climb up to the old city walls for wonderful views over the terracotta rooftops and the shimmering blue Adriatic Sea.

2. Visit Tartini Square

Named after the famous violinist Giuseppe Tartini, this lively square is the heart of Piran. Lined with cafes and colourful Venetian-style buildings, it’s the perfect spot to relax with a coffee and soak in the atmosphere. While we usually avoid dining in central squares due to their tourist-trap reputations, Tartini Square was a delightful exception and we enjoyed breakfast here daily. Piran’s small size means it lacks the typical tourist traps found in larger European city squares.

3. Explore St. George’s Parish Church

Sitting atop a hill, St. George’s Church offers panoramic views over Piran and the coastline. Inside, you’ll find beautiful frescoes and an impressive organ.

4. Swim in the Adriatic

While Piran doesn’t have sandy beaches, there are plenty of places to swim. The best spots are near Punta Lighthouse and the concrete platforms along the coastline, where locals sunbathe and swim. When we visited in September, we noticed some small jellyfish, but they didn’t seem to bother any of the swimmers.

5. Enjoy Fresh Pasta at Rosetlin

Hands down the best food we ate in Slovenia was at Rosetlin, a local Italian restaurant in Piran. By day, you can see them rolling out fresh pasta dough in the window adjacent to their restaurant. As the afternoon rolls in, tables fill up quickly to savour the best pasta in town. The spinach and cheese ravioli is particularly delicious.

6. Vespa Tour to Istria

Piran is only a small town and after a day spent relaxing and exploring the castle, city walls and criss-crossing quaint streets, we were ready for an adventure. We saw a sign for Vespa tours with Rolling Istria whilst walking along the harbour. Initially we thought the price was a little high for a half-day Vespa trip but it had been a long-time dream of Luke’s to ride a Vespa and so we took a punt. This half-day Vespa drive through Istria fast became one of our highlights of visiting Slovenia!

Rolling Istria is run by Dejan, a passionate local who has curated a scenic route through quiet backroads. The tour winds through olive groves, vineyards, and charming villages, with stops for an olive oil tasting, photo spots, and a delicious fresh truffle pasta meal on a terrace.

Important: You need a valid driver’s license and some experience with scooters to drive a Vespa. If you’re not comfortable riding, you can join as a passenger with an experienced driver, though this comes at an extra cost. Trust us, it’s worth it!

7. Visit the Salt Pans at Sečovlje Salina Nature Park

Just a short drive from Piran, the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park. These historic salt pans have been in operation for over 700 years and are still used to produce salt using traditional methods. You can take a guided tour or simply drive by like we did as part of our Vespa tour.

8. Relax at Lepa Vida Thalasso Spa

For a unique wellness experience, head to the Lepa Vida Thalasso Spa, located within the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park. This open-air spa offers treatments that make use of the salt and mineral-rich mud harvested directly from the salt pans.

The spa is mostly outside, so visit during the summer season when the days are hot enough and winds are low. Book your treatments in advance, as space is limited.

Should I Stay in Piran, Portorož or Izola?

Choosing where to stay depends on your travel style:

Piran: Best for Charm & History

Piran’s main draw is its charm. It’s a small town with good restaurants, cafes, and historic sights, but no sandy beaches. Accommodation tends to be in older buildings with narrow streets characteristic of the town, meaning few places offer sea views. If you love old-world ambiance and don’t mind a short trip to the beach, Piran is the best choice.

Portorož: Best for Resorts & Beaches

Just a short drive from Piran, Portorož is Slovenia’s main beach resort area. It has a more commercial feel, with large hotels, casinos and a long beachfront. It caters to travellers looking for a more traditional beach holiday and older holidaymakers, but many of the hotels are outdated. If you prefer modern amenities and resort-style areas over old-town charm, Portorož is a better fit.

Izola: Best for a Quiet Stay

Izola is another small coastal town with Venetian-style architecture. It’s quieter than Piran and has fewer tourists, but also fewer dining options and attractions. Like Piran, it lacks sandy beaches but has concrete sunbathing areas along the waterfront. If you want a peaceful stay away from the crowds and don’t mind there not being much to do, Izola is a good alternative.

How To Get To Piran

Piran is easily accessible from Ljubljana. It’s 1.5-hour drive bus ride from Ljubljana bus station. Buses are frequent and affordable, and drop you right near the harbour in Piran.

Alternatively, Piran is just a 40-minute drive from Trieste, Italy.

Important Note on Parking: Piran’s Old Town is car-free, which adds to its charm but makes parking tricky. Visitors must park outside the town in designated parking lots, such as the Fornače Garage or Arze Garage, and either walk or take the free shuttle into the town. Parking can be expensive, with daily rates adding up quickly.

Where To Stay in Piran

Piran has a variety of charming boutique hotels and guesthouses. Here are some great options:

Second Life in Piran at Hotel Zala — A stylish boutique hotel with a cosy atmosphere, perfect for couples looking for a quiet retreat. There’s a small terrace, good coffee and an impressive breakfast spread.

Memento B&B — A stylish and modern boutique guesthouse located in the heart of the Old Town. A good budget-friendly option.

Bay Breeze Holiday House — A spacious and well-equipped holiday home with stunning sea views, ideal for families wanting a private stay.

Piran was an unexpectedly enjoyable addition to our Slovenia trip. Whether you’re drawn to its Venetian charm, stunning sea views or the rolling hills of Istria just beyond, it’s well worth adding to your itinerary. If you’re looking for a laid-back coastal escape, Piran won’t disappoint.