Piran is a small peninsula town on the Slovenian coast. It is very popular among the tourists with its narrow streets and enchanting architecture. The center of the old town is not accessible by car, so you will have to leave your car in the parking garage at the entrance to the town, and from there walk for about 10 minutes to get to the main square.
What To See and Do in Piran?
Piran offers many interesting sights from amazing architecture to views over the Adriatic sea and fresh seafood. The best sights are on a walking distance although you will have to climb for amazing views.
1. Start your Journey on a Tartini Square
Tartini Square is the main square in Piran. Unlike the narrow streets it is large with the statue of an Italian Baroque composer and violinist Giuseppe Tartini. You can sit on a bench and observe people passing by or drink a coffee in one of the bars with a sea view.
2. Visit Aquarium Piran
Aquarium Piran is quite small but nevertheless interesting for kids. Aquarium with ‘local’ fish swimming around in the tanks is a great opportunity to learn about Adriatic sealife.
3. Get Lost in the Narrow Streets of Piran
One can’t help but feel a romance in the narrow streets of Piran surrounded with old venetian houses. It gets even more romantic when the sunset is peaking at the end of the street opening a breathtaking view on the harbor.
4. Walk through the Harbor
The Harbor is probably one of the first things you will see when entering the old town of Piran. With the oldest part of the town Punta in the background it is a great spot for the ‘postcard picture’ from Piran.
5. Visit Magical World of Shells Museum
The Piran’s Magical World of Shells Museum is an exceptional and unique museum that holds more than 3000 different specimens of shellfish and snails from all the seas and continents of the world, special place having Slovenian specimens.
6. Eat Fresh Fish
While on the seaside you have to at least once have a seafood meal. A popular places to eat are a restaurant Pirat and even cheaper restaurant Fritolin pri Cantini, both having delicious fresh food.
7. Walk to the Church of St George
On the hill above the city is a Church of St George built at the beginning of 17th century. It was built in the Venetian Renaissance architectural style and it was a work of the stonemason Bonfante Torre from Venice.
8. Climb the Bell Tower
Next to the church is a venetian style bell tower opened for visits. On the top is a great view on the Tartini Square on one side and over the Adriatic sea on the other.
9. Go on a Boat Ride
The boat trips are something everyone should do on the seaside. You can book a private tour to take you wherever you want to go or join an existing tour. It is even better if tour provider offers fish picnics so make sure to check for that.
10. View Prian from the Wall
Walls of Piran are the city walls and are the best viewpoint over Piran. Make sure to bring your good camera since the view is amazing! You can walk through the wall and climb the tower.
11. Visit a Punta on a Windy Day
Of course there isn’t much you can do about the weather when you are visiting Piran and to be hones Punta looks amazing in any weather. Punta is the oldest part of the town on the peak of Piran’s Peninsula. On top of the peninsula is a fort from 10th century and this is where it gets very windy during the strong wind known as Burja.
12. Go Scuba Diving
The reef along Piran’s Punta is one of the most popular diving spots on the Slovenian coast. Among fish and other sea creatures living in Northern Adriatic seek out the mysteriously sunk boats. If you are looking for a completely new and intriguing experience check out the diving courses that are available.
13. Do some Sightseeing
Piran has many amazing sights and as such is a great destination for history lovers. Either fish market, Bell Tower or important houses, each landmark has a lot to offer.