Slovenia

Slovenians are very hard-working and meticulous, but even here it doesn't hurt to know the right people. The most modern marinas are in Portorož, Izola and Koper. There is also a nice marina in Piran (Venice, Slovenia). All of these towns also serve as customs ports. Izola operates as a customs port only from spring to autumn. This location is suitable for experienced sailors, beginners and families with children. In summer there is usually a steady, gentle wind, the marinas are equipped with moorings and often offer assistance with landing. The sea here is beautifully heated in summer due to the shallow depth .

In terms of water clarity, Slovenia ranks among the top countries.

Beaches and marinas are often awarded the blue flag and eco label. When it comes to water purity (both in the sea and inland), Slovenia ranks among the top countries! All this is complemented by a very tasty cuisine.

You can make your boat holiday more interesting with other activities such as. Sea kayaking, fishing (it is possible to pay for a trip from a specialized agency), diving (the sea between Piran and the port of Piran), and other activities.Strunjan Nature Park is full of life and rare fish species), rafting or kayaking on a wild river

, cruisinghorse riding, a trip to the karst caves (Škocjan Caves, Postojnska Cave), walking or cycling (there are many markedThere are many marked walking and cycling trails, some of them along the coast) or a hike in Triglav National Park.

Take a look at the offer of boats in Slovenia

With high mountains surrounding Slovenia on all sides, the weather is heavily influenced by seasonal and local influences. During the summer, there is usually a moderate NW wind of up to 4 Bf along the coast. Daytime thermals work well here - i.e. A regular strong NW wind (daily breeze or also maestral)

, which blows up around 10 o'clock and stops at sunset. The harbours in the north-eastern Adriatic are characterised by katabatic winds (cold winds that fall from the mountains down into the valleys mostly at night). In stable weather this happens every day between 9pm and 2am and 5am and 7am.

In summer, a jugo (south-easterly wind) or a bora can

also occur. However, it does not last more than 2-3 days. Jugo, unlike the bora, almost never exceeds 7 Bf. Jugo is usually cyclonic in nature, so it is well predictable (signs of an approaching juga: calm seas, light variable winds, gloom on the horizon to the south, increasing temperature and humidity, and gradually decreasing pressure). The winds Lebic (N) and Tramontana (SW, W) are very dangerous and unpredictable. They often occur when temperatures are high in summer and the temperature over the mountains around 1 000 m above sea level is around zero. They bring very bad weather, zero visibility and winds around 45 knots. Thunderstorms also occur in the summer, but they are usually short-lived.

Average summer temperatures are 22-25 °C

. Temperatures can sometimes reach 31 °C. Despite the fact that Slovenia is located in the northern part of the Adriatic, the sea is beautifully warm in summer. The bay is not very deep, so the water in the sea has time to warm up.

In spring and especially in autumn, the wind is very erratic, accompanied by strong storms. The dangerous bora blows here especially in winter. It is associated with stormy weather and can blow for up to a fortnight. It blows from a NE direction (the direction is greatly influenced by the shape of the coastline) and can reach speeds of up to 100 knots. The strongest winds are in the Gulf of Ter. Just as the bora is common in summer, the jugo (strong south to southeast wind) is common in winter, blowing from North Africa. From October to May this wind blows quite frequently, longer and with greater force up to 9 Bf. Because the jugo blows a long distance across the sea, it can raise large 3-4 metre waves. This creates dangerous spots off the northern Italian coast.

CitiesSlovenia

, as a seaside destination, stands in the deep shadow of the famous Croatia. Yet on the Slovenian coast, ancient towns with a stunning atmosphere

await you. For sea sun and sea air, head to coastal towns like Piran, Koper, Izola or Portorož.

PiranPiran

is a picturesque medieval town built in Venetian style. The town is not very big. It takes about two hours to walk through the historic centre. However, you will be captivated by the tangle of winding streets with numerous cafes

. The walls of the ancient houses radiate peace and tranquillity. You can't get lost, as all the streets lead to the sea. Sooner or later, the maze will lead you to the coast, where a pretty promenade leads. There are also several lively squares and taverns where you can have a tasty lunch and a pleasantly bitter Laško beer (tastes similar to Pilsner). The dominant feature of the town is the church of St. George with a bell tower reminiscent of the tower in St. Mark's Square in Venice. The bell tower is reached by wooden stairs and offers a beautiful view. Entrance costs only a symbolic 1 euro.

A short walk from the harbour is the main square, Tartini Square, named after the most famous local native, Giuseppe Tartini. He was a world-famous composer and violin virtuoso. Inland, the city is surrounded by massive walls that have protected the city from enemies since the 7th century. The climb up the walls is worth it! You'll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the city and the entire Gulf of Trieste. If the visibility is good, you can also see the peaks of the Dolomites or Mount Triglav in the Julian Alps. Olive groves and vines spread out on the adjacent hills. Don't look for beaches in Piran, you can only sunbathe on the large rocks. There is an aquarium and maritime museum

near the harbour. In the museum there is an interesting exhibition of sailing - models of different types of ships and navigational instruments, sailor's uniforms, paintings by thepainters, various ship equipment, photographs taken on board ships, fishing gear, etc. You and your camera will surely fall in love with Slovenia's most Italian city :-).

The

port of PiranPiran

is a year-round customs port. There is relatively little space here and in high season it is already crowded in the early afternoon. The inner harbour is reserved for fishing boats. There are several mooring berths, but not all of them have water and electricity connections. There are no showers in the harbour, only toilets. The pier, which is enclosed by a fence, can only be approached for customs formalities. The harbour is well protected. The only unpleasant thing is the wind from the SW, which creates unpleasant waves. The town has supermarkets, butchers and fresh fruit and vegetable markets.

Dill

Koper is a busy and large city with an industrial zone. There is a large commercial port where large cargo and cruise ships dock. The old town is very nice and well preserved, with beautiful Venetian squares and interesting historical monuments.

Marina KoperThe smaller

marina is located south of the industrial port. It offers 75 mooring berths for yachts up to 18 metres and with a draft of up to 3.5 metres. There are water and electricity connections, showers and toilets, WIFI connection and a reception. There is a petrol station nearby. All technical services are available (boat repairs and maintenance, outboard engine repairs, sail sewing, electronic and hydraulic repairs). VHF channel: 17.

IzolaIzola

is a fishing town with a modern marina and fishing still plays a big role here today. There is a shipyard and a fish processing factory. The fishing tradition is also reflected in the excellent cuisine. The local restaurants offer deliciously prepared fish and seafood. Every year in August a big fishing festival is held. If you take part, you can taste a wide variety of fish specialities, soups and other tasty seafood dishes.

In the town you can buy homemade wine and very good quality olive oil directly from the producers at home (tips on the vendors: Markočič Danilo, Moljk Dušan) or at olive farms (Olive oil Ronkaldo

- production of specific olive oil with the seal of quality). Most of the sights are around the old harbour near the Great Square (Veliki trg). The 16th-century Town Hall stands here, and behind it in the alleys you'll find the Manzioli Palace and the Renaissance Lovisato Palace. A little further on is the Church of St. Maurus with a collection of rare paintings by Italian masters. If you have children, take them to the Railway Museum with the largest collection in Europe - there's a railway with miniature locomotives and carriages, stations and stops. On the north-western part of the peninsula there is a nice park with a pine forest, which is connected to the free-access city beach. Party and music lovers can let off steam at a local club or disco.

Restaurant tipsHisa

• Torkla - inland, excellent food, service and pleasant atmosphereGostilnica
• Pizzeria Gust - cuisine:
• Slovenian; pizza, pasta, seafood, excellent food and serviceMoby
• Dick Restaurant & Bar - cuisine:
• Mediterranean; higher prices, excellent food, nice ambiance
• Bujol -
seafood, nice
• and original ambience, smaller intimate restaurant, good service, reasonable pricesBar
• Bariera - cuisine:
• Mediterranean; drinks during the day and evening, good food, service and pricesGostilna
• Doro - steak restaurant, seafood and grilled dishes, excellent food, good serviceMarina
• Restaurant - cuisine:
• Mediterranean; excellent food, good service, view of the marina, larger restaurantMarina

IzolaWell

protected marina with a long fishing tradition. The marina is located on the western outskirts of the town. It offers 650 mooring berths on the water for large and smaller boats (boat length 8 - 30 metres, depth up to 4.5 metres). Each berth is connected to water and electricity, there are several showers and toilets. They have a WIFI network, supermarket, laundry, parking and a well-stocked shop with yachting equipment. The marina offers quality technical service - boat repairs and maintenance, outboard engine repairs, sailmaking, awning repairs, installation and repair of electronic and hydraulic equipment. There is a petrol station (Monday - Sunday, 8 am - 8 pm). About 300 meters from the marina there is a doctor, a pharmacy and a post office. The fee for a 12 metre boat is €63, for a 15 metre boat €82. Detailed price list of the marina here. The marina is eco friendly and awarded the blue flag. A short walk from the marina is the Levante

fresh fish shop - a wide range of freshfresh fish from local fishermen, mussels, olives, local wine and salt from local salinas. VHF channel 17 (possible assistance on landing).

PortorožThe city of

Portorož, called Portorose in Italian, is Slovenia's most important seaside and spa resort. There are many hotels, wellness & spa resorts, discos, restaurants, bars, cafes and several casinos. South of the town are the famous salt plantations - Sečoveljske Soline. Some of the salinas are still in operation today. Yachtsmen can take a trip here on foot or by bike and try the ancient method of extracting salt from sea water.

Marina PortorožPortorož

is a fairly large marina, offering over 650 mooring berths. At each berth there is a water and electricity stand. The marina has a WIFI network, laundry, showers and toilets, a shop with sailing equipment, technical service, petrol station, sail repair, supermarket, swimming pool and car rental. Customs formalities can only be handled in Piran.

A short walk from the marina is a large sports complex (tennis, mini golf, basketball) and a minicar track. Children can also try horse riding. To the north of the marina is a kilometre long sandy beach with white sand, where you have to pay an entrance fee.

This part of the coast was declared a nature reserve in 1990. It is 4 km of coastline between Piran and Isola. Moon bay has beautifully clear water and a blue flag sandy beach . Above the sandy beach tower 80 m high flysch cliffs (Strunjanski Klif), the highest cliffs of their kind on the entire Adriatic coast. At the highest point stands a sacred cross that protects sailors.

In the park there is a pilgrimage church of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary, three luxury hotels with open pools and excellent restaurants that will satisfy even demanding guests. There is a ban on anchoring in the entire area of the natural park (see the Atlas of 888 Marinas, Bays and Anchorages for more details). This natural park is characterised by its great biodiversity, crystal clear water, many species of rare fish and corals, thermal springs and unspoilt nature. Definitely worth a visit!

As for food, there are countless restaurants along the coast. Most of them are not in the extra class, but the menu is varied and the food is tasty and affordable. The real symbol of Slovenia is the unique Parma ham ( prosciutto), which comes from the Karst region. Its delicacy and delicious taste will be appreciated by every gourmet. Its success is due to a long tradition of cold borax drying and well-fed pigs. It tastes best with freshly baked homemade bread and Karst sheep's cheese

. All that is needed is a glass of Teran or Ranina to achieve the perfect harmony of flavours.

Traditional Istrian dishes such as trout in buckwheat flour

, žlikrofi (stuffed ravioli with various sauces and meats), Carniolan sausages, ribe in shavorju (marinated smaller fish), potica (a typical Slovenian cake) and Bled cream cheese or the delicious dessert štruklji (every good housewife in the Soca Valley can make this delicious dessert).

The basic ingredients are fish, olive oil, garlic, herbs, fruit and vegetables and various types of cheese. All of this in organic quality. You can buy premium olive oil directly from the producers on the farm or at home. You can also buy homemade wine of very high quality directly from the producer (tip: Vina Božič). If you like meat, we recommend the restaurant DORO (Izola), they have a "mix meat plate" for 20 EUR (enough for two people). The SIDRO restaurant does fish well for a reasonable price.

If you want to fish at sea, you have two options - fishing from the shore or from a boat. You don't need a permit to fish from the shore, but to fish from a boat you need to buy a daily, weekly or monthly permit (you can buy a permit online

). A daily permit costs EUR 7. There are also very rich fishing grounds in freshwater, especially in the area around Koper (the Rizan River and Lake Vanganel). There is a family in Koper that arranges fishing trips.

Check out the coastal map with icons for detailed information about ports, marinas, bays and other attractions in Slovenia. For detailed information you need to click on the relevant icon. You can enlarge or reduce the map as you wish (if you click on the square on the top right of the map frame, it will enlarge the map to full screen).

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