Slovenia

Thanks to the high mountains surrounding Slovenia on all sides, its weather is greatly influenced by seasonal and local factors. Over the summer, a mild wind from the NW blows along the coastline with a force of up to 4 on the Beaufort scale (BFT). Daytime thermals work well here—that is, a regular and strong northwesterly wind (a daytime breeze or the Mistral), starts blowing at around 10:00 in the morning and continues through the day before abating at sunset. A katabatic wind (a cold, nocturnal wind that descends from the mountains into the valley) is typical for harbours in the northeastern part of the Adriatic Sea. During stable weather, this happens every day between 21:00 in the evening and 02:00 in the morning, and from 05:00 in the morning to 07:00 in the morning.

In the summer, a Sirocco (southeasterly wind) or a Bora may also occur. However, they do not normally last for more than 2-3 days. The Sirocco, unlike the Bora, will almost never exceed 7 BFT. The Sirocco is mostly cyclonic in nature and easy to predict (signs of an approaching Sirocco include a calm sea, light and variable wind, darkness on the horizon towards the south, increased temperature and humidity, and a gradual drop in pressure). The Tramontane (N) and Libeccio (SW, W) winds are extremely dangerous and unpredictable. They often occur when temperatures are high in summer and temperatures above the mountains at around 1 km above sea level are around zero. They bring with them very bad weather, zero visibility, and a wind of about 45 KN. In summer there are also thunderstorms, but they are usually over very quickly.

Average temperatures during summer are 22°C–25°C, though temperatures sometimes rise as high as 31°C. Despite that, Slovenia is in the northern part of the Adriatic, the sea is lovely and warm in the summer. The bay is not very deep, so the water in the sea is able to warm up.

In spring and especially in autumn, the wind is very unstable and often accompanied by strong thunderstorms. The dangerous Bora mainly blows here in winter. It is associated with stormy weather and can blow for up to 14 days. It blows from the NE (the direction is influenced greatly by the shape of the coastline) and can reach speeds of up to 100 KN. The Bora blows strongest in the Gulf of Trieste. Just as the Bora is frequent in the summer, the Sirocco (a strong south to southeasterly wind) is frequent in winter, blowing from North Africa. From October to May, this wind blows frequently, longer and with a greater force, up to 9 BFT. Because the Sirocco blows a long distance over the sea, it can create large 3–4 m waves. Dangerous locations are thus created off the Northern Italian coastline. 

Piran is a picturesque Medieval town built in the Venetian style. The town is not too big. A walk through the historical centre will take you about two hours. It is an enchanting tangle of winding streets and numerous cafés. Peace and tranquility radiate from the walls of the ancient houses. You cannot get lost, because all of the little streets lead to the sea. Sooner or later, the maze will take you to the waterfront where there is a nice promenade. There are also several lively squares and pubs where you can have a delicious lunch and a pleasantly bitter Laško beer (tastes like Pilsner). The dominant feature of the town is the Church of St George with a bell tower reminiscent of St Mark’s Square in Venice. A beautiful view can be enjoyed after climbing up the wooden staircase of the bell tower. The price of admission is a nominal EUR 1.

Not far from the harbour is the main square, Tartini Square (Tartinijev trg), named after Giuseppe Tartini, its most famous local native. He is renowned the world over as the composer and violin virtuoso who composed the 'Devil's Trill'. Inland, massive walls encircle the town, built in the 7th century to protect the city from enemies. The climb to the top of the walls is well worth it! You will be rewarded with a gorgeous view of the city and the entire Gulf of Trieste. If visibility is good, you will also see the facades of the Dolomites or the peak of Triglav in the Julian Alps. Olive groves and grapevines are spread out across the adjacent hills. Do not look for beaches in Piran, you can only sunbathe on big rocks. Not far from the harbour is an aquarium and naval museum. The museum has an interesting exhibition of sailing with models of various ships and navigational devices, nautical uniforms, paintings by sea-painters, various ship facilities, photographs taken on board ships, fishing tackle, and so on. Even your camera is sure to fall in love with this most Italianate of Slovenian cities.

Triglav National Park in the Julian Alps

Piran Harbour

Piran is a year-round customs port. There is relatively little room here and in high season, it is already full by the early afternoon. The inner harbour is reserved for fishing boats. Several mooring berths are here, but not all have a water and electricity connection. There are no showers in the harbour, only toilets. Docking at the fenced-off pier is only permitted for the purposes of customs formalities. The harbour is well sheltered. The only unpleasant factor is the wind from the SW, which causes rough waves. In the town are supermarkets, a butcher shop, and markets with fruit and vegetables.

Izola is a fishing town with a modern marina and fishing which continues to play an important role in the present day. There is a shipyard there, and a fish processing factory. The fishing tradition is also reflected in the superb local cuisine. The restaurants offer exquisitely prepared fish and seafood. Every year in August, a large fishing festival takes place. If you take part, you will be able to try a lot of different types of fish specialities, soups, and other delicious seafood dishes.

In town, you can buy homemade wine and very high quality olive oil directly from the makers (be on the lookout for Markočič Danilo and Moljk Dušan) or at the olive farms (Olive oil Ronkaldo—producers of an award-winning olive oil with a quality seal). The greatest number of monuments are found around the old harbour on the Big Square (Veliki trg). The town hall dates back to the 16th century and behind it in the lanes are the Manzioli Palace and Renaissance Lovisato Palace. A little further on is the Church of St Maura with a collection of rare paintings by Italian masters. If you have children, take them to the railway museum with the largest collection of railway memorabilia in Europe—there is a railway with miniature locomotives and wagons, railway stations and stops. In the northwestern part of the peninsula there is a wonderful park with a pine forest leading to the town beach, which is open to the public. Those who love parties and music can relax in one of the local clubs or discotheques.

Restaurant tips

• Hisa Torkla—inland, superb food, service, and a pleasant atmosphere
• Gostilnica Pizzeria Gust—Slovenian cuisine as well as pizza, pasta, seafood, superb food and service
• Moby Dick Restaurant & Bar—Mediterranean cuisine, higher prices but superb food and a lovely atmosphere
• Bujol—seafood, a lovely and unique atmosphere in a smaller and more intimate restaurant, with good service and reasonable prices
• Bar Bariera—Mediterranean cuisine, drinks throughout the day and evening, good food, service and prices
• Gostilna Doro—a steak restaurant, seafood and grilled dishes, superb food and good service
• Marina Restaurant—Mediterranean cuisine, superb food, high quality service, a view of the marina, a larger restaurant

Izola Marina

A well sheltered marina with a long tradition of fishing. The marina is located on the western edge of town. It offers 650 mooring berths on the water for large and small boats (boat length 8–30 m, depth of up to 4.5 m). Connections to water and electricity are at every berth and there are also several showers and toilets here. WiFi is available, a supermarket, laundry, car park, and a well-stocked shop with yachting equipment. The marina offers high quality technical services—boat repairs and maintenance, outboard motor repairs, sail making, repairs to awnings, installation of and repairs to electronic and hydraulic equipment. There is a fuel station here (Monday–Sunday, 08:00–20:00). About 300 m from the harbour is a doctor, pharmacy and post office. The fee for a 12 m boat is EUR 63 and EUR 82 for a 15 m boat. A more detailed marina price list is here. The marina is eco-friendly and has been awarded the Blue Flag. Not far from the marina is a shop, fittingly called Levante, offering fresh fish—a wide selection of fresh fish from the local fishermen, mussels, olives, local wine, and salt from the local salt plants. VHF channel: 17 (assistance while landing is available).

In terms of food, there are countless restaurants along the coastline. Although most of them could not be described in absolutely superlative terms, they offer variety and the food is both tasty and affordable. The true symbol of Slovenia is the unique Parma ham (prosciutto), which comes from the Karst area. Its tenderness and delicious flavour will be appreciated by every connoisseur of good food. Behind this success of this delicacy is a long tradition of well-fed pigs and their meat being dried in the cold Bora. It tastes best with freshly baked homemade bread and sheep’s cheese. To achieve the perfect harmony of flavours, only a glass of Teran or Ranina is missing.

Also worth trying are the traditional Istrian dishes such as trout in buckwheat flour, žlikrofi (stuffed ravioli with various sauces and meat), Carniolan sausages, ribe v šavorju (small marinated fish), potica (a typical Slovenian cake), and Bledský krémeš or the superb dessert štruklji (every good cook in the Soča valley can prepare this wonderful dessert).

The basic ingredients used are organically farmed and reared  fish, olive oil, garlic, herbs, fruit, vegetables, and various types of cheese. All of the highest quality. You can buy first-class olive oil directly from the producers at their farms or homes. Homemade wine is also of a very high quality and you can buy it directly from the producers (tip: Vina Božič). If you like meat, we recommend the Doro restaurant (Izola), where they have a "mixed meat platter" for EUR 20 providing enough food for two people. The fish is excellent at the Sidro restaurant and the prices are very reasonable.