ISTRIA
Istria is a place full of traditions, indigenous experiences, seductive gastronomy, a well-developed tourist coast and a green hinterland rich of history. The influences of the Venetian presence blend with the Central European echoes and the particularity of the landscape enhances this union, giving Istria a unique imprint.
Istria merges with three nations, on the coast of Slovenian Istria there are picturesque towns such as Piran, Koper, Portorož; Italian Istria is represented with the ancient town of Muggia, which is really near to the beautiful Trieste, while the Croatian part is represented above all with the cities of Umag, Novigrad, Poreč, Rovinj and Pula. The Istrian hinterland is no less famous for its hills with fairy tale locations and the olive groves and vineyards at their feet preserve the warmth and smells of the sea, not far away.
Istria has been able to preserve its historical and cultural roots in an international way, offering a glimpse into the future.
We are delighted to share this beauty. Hospitality is one of our most ingrained values. Come to visit us! Villa Fiore welcomes you.
Piran
Piran is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and best-preserved Mediterranean cities. It does not go unnoticed that in the Middle Ages it was under the influence of the mighty Venice. This pearl of the upper Adriatic offers in addition to a wonderful and unspoiled nature, and a sea that surrounds the town, also the pleasure of taking walks in the historic center, passing through Tartini square, Prvi Maj square, Cathedral of San Giorgio, from where you can admire a panorama that extends over three states, and much more….
Expressing its antiquity and culture in every corner, Piran is worth visiting! Welcome to Piran, welcome to the city where the sea writes a story of infinite beauty, every day!
Portorož
In Portorož, the sea is in a glamorous version, since on its entire promenade there are only beaches, deck chairs and umbrellas ...... Lively, cosmopolitan, full of opportunities to have fun, relax and feel good. Both day and night, when the waterfront clubs come to life and you can choose to treat yourself to a candlelit dinner, dance on the beach or have a great cocktail served on the beach.
GASTRONOMY
In the typical Istrian gastronomy, the marine flavours could certainly not be missing, all blend with the typical flavours of the Istrian hinterland fruits, such as truffles, olives and grapes.
You can start a good Istrian meal with cod, creamed with Istrian olive oil. For an appetizer we recommend the typical bobiči soup with corn, beans and potatoes. The gastronomic journey will never be completed without the Istrian parade horse - the very famous Istrian pasta so called Fuži; together with truffles. As a main course you obviously must choose sea bass in salt. With salt that comes directly from the Sečovlje Salt Pans. And to finish this Istrian feast you can opt for pancake made with Refošk vine.
All accompanied with the typical Istrian Malvazija.
What to do, where to go
After visiting Piran, having a glamorous experience on the beaches of Portorož, we recommend you to:
Discover the beauties and delicacies of Strunjan
The Strunjan Nature Park, in addition to be a green oasis with breath-taking natural beauty, also offers delicious gifts of nature, such as khaki and artichokes. Surely you must take an excursion along the coastal paths of Strunjan, take a romantic walk in the Bay of the Moon and then you cannot fail to cross the Strunjan salt pans, and take a dip in the sea in the only Slovenian lagoon - Stjuža.
Visit the Fountain of Wine
It is located in the Istrian hinterland, in Marezige, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Slovenian Istria, where you can admire a splendid view of the Istrian hinterland and the bay of Koper. In addition to the breath-taking view, the first and for now only Fountain of Wine awaits you. At the fountain you can taste the best wines of Slovenian Istria and buy local products in a nearby shop.
Stroll through the olive groves in the hinterland of Piran
You can not say that you have seen Slovenian Istria if you do not also go to see the towns in the hinterland such as Nova vas, Padna, Sant Peter, Krkavče, ... All typically Istrian. And then, going down the winding road from the town of Sant peter, you can take long walks in the Dragonja river valley.
Visit the Mediterranean Park in Ankaran
On the Ankaran peninsula, walking in the Mediterranean park you can admire the flora from all continents. The park covers about seven hectares. More than 4,500 plants thrive in it, belonging to more than 230 species from all continents. Conifers prevail, especially Mediterranean cypresses, black pine and cedar. Among the park, mostly grow largest oleanders, laurels and pittospores. Most of the plants live for approximately 50 years, some oak and downy oak specimens reach 120-150 years.
Experience the sea from another perspective
If you want to spend a wild day in complete freedom you can go to the beach of the "White Rocks" (Bele skale). The beach is accessible from the path that leads along the coast towards Cape Ronek. You can find some protection from the sun's rays under the bushes, or build a shelter with beached wood and a beach towel.
The closest parking is the car park under Belvedere. The beach is located in the protected area of the Strunjan Nature Park.
Visit the Archaeological Park
To rediscover the Roman era, you can visit the Archaeological Park in the bay of San Simone in Isola, where you can visit the villa and the Roman mosaics, while life in the Roman era and other attractions are presented in the interpretation center of the park. In June, the park is open from Friday to Sunday from 4pm to 7pm, while in July and August you can visit it from Tuesday to Sunday between 5pm and 8pm. When you are in San Simon, we recommend that you visit also Isola, another town with a small port typical of the Istrian coast.
SPA Lepa Vida
If you want to spend a day in complete relaxation, the right choice for you is the unique outdoor wellness center Thalasso Spa Lepa Vida, in the landscaped park of the Sečovlje salt pans. Here the mud of the salt flats and brine reign, the most important factors of traditional thalassotherapy, which exploits the beneficial effects of products from the sea, the sea coast and the maritime climate, to strengthen the natural immune system and improve one's general well-being.
Go through Parenzana
For bicycle lovers we recommend "Parenzana - way of health and friendship". Which winds along the ancient narrow-gauge railway line that from 1902 to 1935 connected Trieste and Poreč to the inland areas of the Istrian peninsula along a route of 23 km. The route offers numerous opportunities for physical activity and is ideal for hikers, cyclists and runners. Walking along the sea several times it winds its way through valleys and hills, passing through towns and villages, touching vineyards, olive groves and some tunnels. Valeta Gallery, 550 m long and located between Strunjan and Portorož, is the best known and near to Villa Fiore.
Discover Forma Viva Portorož
Various stone sculptures located outdoors began to be formed in 1961 on the initiative of Slovenian artists Jakob Savinšek and Janez Lenassi. In over 50 years of activity, sculptors from over 30 countries have carved and left more than 130 stone statues, placed in an area planted with olive groves of the variety of native olives of the Piran area. From the park you can admire the wonderful panorama that extends over the Gulf of Portoroz and its surroundings.
Visit the Church of Sant Bernardin
A rich cultural heritage, positive energy together with the beneficial Mediterranean climate, the sea and the breath-taking view are valid reasons to visit Sant Bernardino, between Portorož and Piran. The ancient monastery still creates the destiny of this place that was once the refuge of the Franciscan monks. The bell tower, the presbytery of the church and the retaining walls with arches have been preserved from the ancient monastery. The monastery and the church date back to the 15th century and are consecrated to San Bernardino da Siena. The church is located on top of a hill overlooking the sea, near the church of the Mother of the Rosary and above the homonymous port, surrounded by green olive groves.
Istria is a place full of traditions, indigenous experiences, seductive gastronomy, a well-developed tourist coast and a green hinterland rich of history. The influences of the Venetian presence blend with the Central European echoes and the particularity of the landscape enhances this union, giving Istria a unique imprint.
Istria merges with three nations, on the coast of Slovenian Istria there are picturesque towns such as Piran, Koper, Portorož; Italian Istria is represented with the ancient town of Muggia, which is really near to the beautiful Trieste, while the Croatian part is represented above all with the cities of Umag, Novigrad, Poreč, Rovinj and Pula. The Istrian hinterland is no less famous for its hills with fairy tale locations and the olive groves and vineyards at their feet preserve the warmth and smells of the sea, not far away.
Istria has been able to preserve its historical and cultural roots in an international way, offering a glimpse into the future.
We are delighted to share this beauty. Hospitality is one of our most ingrained values. Come to visit us! Villa Fiore welcomes you.
Piran
Piran is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and best-preserved Mediterranean cities. It does not go unnoticed that in the Middle Ages it was under the influence of the mighty Venice. This pearl of the upper Adriatic offers in addition to a wonderful and unspoiled nature, and a sea that surrounds the town, also the pleasure of taking walks in the historic center, passing through Tartini square, Prvi Maj square, Cathedral of San Giorgio, from where you can admire a panorama that extends over three states, and much more….
Expressing its antiquity and culture in every corner, Piran is worth visiting! Welcome to Piran, welcome to the city where the sea writes a story of infinite beauty, every day!
Portorož
In Portorož, the sea is in a glamorous version, since on its entire promenade there are only beaches, deck chairs and umbrellas ...... Lively, cosmopolitan, full of opportunities to have fun, relax and feel good. Both day and night, when the waterfront clubs come to life and you can choose to treat yourself to a candlelit dinner, dance on the beach or have a great cocktail served on the beach.
GASTRONOMY
In the typical Istrian gastronomy, the marine flavours could certainly not be missing, all blend with the typical flavours of the Istrian hinterland fruits, such as truffles, olives and grapes.
You can start a good Istrian meal with cod, creamed with Istrian olive oil. For an appetizer we recommend the typical bobiči soup with corn, beans and potatoes. The gastronomic journey will never be completed without the Istrian parade horse - the very famous Istrian pasta so called Fuži; together with truffles. As a main course you obviously must choose sea bass in salt. With salt that comes directly from the Sečovlje Salt Pans. And to finish this Istrian feast you can opt for pancake made with Refošk vine.
All accompanied with the typical Istrian Malvazija.
What to do, where to go
After visiting Piran, having a glamorous experience on the beaches of Portorož, we recommend you to:
Discover the beauties and delicacies of Strunjan
The Strunjan Nature Park, in addition to be a green oasis with breath-taking natural beauty, also offers delicious gifts of nature, such as khaki and artichokes. Surely you must take an excursion along the coastal paths of Strunjan, take a romantic walk in the Bay of the Moon and then you cannot fail to cross the Strunjan salt pans, and take a dip in the sea in the only Slovenian lagoon - Stjuža.
Visit the Fountain of Wine
It is located in the Istrian hinterland, in Marezige, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Slovenian Istria, where you can admire a splendid view of the Istrian hinterland and the bay of Koper. In addition to the breath-taking view, the first and for now only Fountain of Wine awaits you. At the fountain you can taste the best wines of Slovenian Istria and buy local products in a nearby shop.
Stroll through the olive groves in the hinterland of Piran
You can not say that you have seen Slovenian Istria if you do not also go to see the towns in the hinterland such as Nova vas, Padna, Sant Peter, Krkavče, ... All typically Istrian. And then, going down the winding road from the town of Sant peter, you can take long walks in the Dragonja river valley.
Visit the Mediterranean Park in Ankaran
On the Ankaran peninsula, walking in the Mediterranean park you can admire the flora from all continents. The park covers about seven hectares. More than 4,500 plants thrive in it, belonging to more than 230 species from all continents. Conifers prevail, especially Mediterranean cypresses, black pine and cedar. Among the park, mostly grow largest oleanders, laurels and pittospores. Most of the plants live for approximately 50 years, some oak and downy oak specimens reach 120-150 years.
Experience the sea from another perspective
If you want to spend a wild day in complete freedom you can go to the beach of the "White Rocks" (Bele skale). The beach is accessible from the path that leads along the coast towards Cape Ronek. You can find some protection from the sun's rays under the bushes, or build a shelter with beached wood and a beach towel.
The closest parking is the car park under Belvedere. The beach is located in the protected area of the Strunjan Nature Park.
Visit the Archaeological Park
To rediscover the Roman era, you can visit the Archaeological Park in the bay of San Simone in Isola, where you can visit the villa and the Roman mosaics, while life in the Roman era and other attractions are presented in the interpretation center of the park. In June, the park is open from Friday to Sunday from 4pm to 7pm, while in July and August you can visit it from Tuesday to Sunday between 5pm and 8pm. When you are in San Simon, we recommend that you visit also Isola, another town with a small port typical of the Istrian coast.
SPA Lepa Vida
If you want to spend a day in complete relaxation, the right choice for you is the unique outdoor wellness center Thalasso Spa Lepa Vida, in the landscaped park of the Sečovlje salt pans. Here the mud of the salt flats and brine reign, the most important factors of traditional thalassotherapy, which exploits the beneficial effects of products from the sea, the sea coast and the maritime climate, to strengthen the natural immune system and improve one's general well-being.
Go through Parenzana
For bicycle lovers we recommend "Parenzana - way of health and friendship". Which winds along the ancient narrow-gauge railway line that from 1902 to 1935 connected Trieste and Poreč to the inland areas of the Istrian peninsula along a route of 23 km. The route offers numerous opportunities for physical activity and is ideal for hikers, cyclists and runners. Walking along the sea several times it winds its way through valleys and hills, passing through towns and villages, touching vineyards, olive groves and some tunnels. Valeta Gallery, 550 m long and located between Strunjan and Portorož, is the best known and near to Villa Fiore.
Discover Forma Viva Portorož
Various stone sculptures located outdoors began to be formed in 1961 on the initiative of Slovenian artists Jakob Savinšek and Janez Lenassi. In over 50 years of activity, sculptors from over 30 countries have carved and left more than 130 stone statues, placed in an area planted with olive groves of the variety of native olives of the Piran area. From the park you can admire the wonderful panorama that extends over the Gulf of Portoroz and its surroundings.
Visit the Church of Sant Bernardin
A rich cultural heritage, positive energy together with the beneficial Mediterranean climate, the sea and the breath-taking view are valid reasons to visit Sant Bernardino, between Portorož and Piran. The ancient monastery still creates the destiny of this place that was once the refuge of the Franciscan monks. The bell tower, the presbytery of the church and the retaining walls with arches have been preserved from the ancient monastery. The monastery and the church date back to the 15th century and are consecrated to San Bernardino da Siena. The church is located on top of a hill overlooking the sea, near the church of the Mother of the Rosary and above the homonymous port, surrounded by green olive groves.