On the Slovenian coastline, also known as the Slovene Istria, you’ll get a feeling you were transported into 15th-century Italy or Venice.
This small part of Slovenia is definitely worth your time – it’s so different from the rest of this beautiful country.
We’ve come up with a plan for how you can explore the Slovenian coastline by bus.
Here’s our itinerary:
- Ljubljana to Piran
- Piran to Koper
- Koper to Portoroz
- Portoroz to Ljubljana
Naturally, this is simply a suggestion – you can follow our schedule or make up your own.
For example, if you’re starting your way from Serbia, check out the bus schedule from Belgrade to Koper on balkanviator.com.
If you’re heading out from Bosnia and Herzegovina, take a look at the bus timetable from Banja Luka to Koper. (Important note: the bus departs only on Wednesdays and Sundays.)
We’ll start our trip in Piran.
Piran
If you’re starting the tour of the Slovenian coastline from its capital, have a look at the bus schedule from Ljubljana to Piran. You’ll need about 3 hours to reach this beautiful resort city.
Piran is the epitome of a city rich in history. Piran was under the rule of the Byzantine Empire, Francia, Italy, the Republic of Venice, Austria, Yugoslavia, and lastly, the Republic of Slovenia.
These versatile influences left a mark on the city’s charming architecture. One of the most prized is the Venetian influence.
You can admire this influence in the St George’s Cathedral, built in the style of the Venetian Renaissance.
The narrow streets of the medieval old town, the mesmerizing architecture, the welcoming locals… On top of all this, the Piran beach is the icing on the cake.
Although the beach in Piran is small and made out of stone, it’s never crowded, and the water is transparent and clean. The views of the city and the sea bring a feeling of peace and quiet.
Things to do in Piran:
- sunbathe and swim at the Piran beach
- enjoy the views from the St. George’s Cathedral clock tower
- grab a coffee at the Tartini Square
- learn about the sealife of the Istrian coastline at the Piran Aquarium
You can find apartments and hotels in Piran on booking.com.
Next up, Koper!
Koper
According to the bus schedule from Piran to Koper, it takes only about 25 minutes to get to one of the largest cities in Slovenian coastline.
In Koper, you’ll also get to experience a melting pot of Venetian, Habsburg, and Italian traditions.
Without a doubt, Kopar is one of the most popular summer destinations in Slovenian coastline. There are 2 main beaches.
The City beach is located near the city center. There are a few showers and changing rooms. If you’re not a fan of pebbles, you can lay your towel on the grass.
On the Zusterna beach, you can rent an umbrella or a sun lounge. There are showers and changing rooms, too.
Things to do in Koper, Slovenia:
- explore the medieval Old town, known for its charming Venetian architecture
- watch the sunset from the Praetorian Palace, a 15th-century Venetian Gothic palace
- climb the Bell Tower for amazing views
- go for a swim
A great idea for a day trip from Koper is Trieste, Italy. You can buy your tickets online, and it takes less than half an hour to jump into another country.
Portoroz
Where is Portoroz?
Portorož, Slovenia, lies on the Adriatic coastline, 115km from Ljubljana. Its name comes from the Italian Portorose.
Have you ever been to a fish farm? In Portoroz, you can go on a guided tour to one of these, or participate in a cooking workshop to become a master chef when it comes to preparing seabass, mussels, and seafood pasta.
In Portoroz, you can go tandem skydiving, or book a panoramic flight for three passengers.
Here are some restaurants in Portoroz we’d recommend:
- Pizzeria Figarola – the most delicious pizza
- Istrian Bistro and Tapas Bar – finger-licking good tapas
- Santa Lucia – the best fish and seafood
- Cacao Portoroz – the best patisserie on the beach
You can find the best hotel in Portoroz for you on booking.com.
When it comes time to say goodbye to the Slovene Istria, get your bus ticket from Portoroz to Ljubljana.
You’re bound to fall in love with the Adriatic coastline – you’ll be planning your next trip in no time!
If you opt for the Croatian coastline, read our guides on Makarska Riviera, Split, and Dubrovnik. Another awesome way to enjoy the sea is to visit Montenegro – Tivat, Kotor, and Herceg Novi, to be precise.
