Piran town in Slovenia, is like Dubrovnik in Croatia – a small Adriatic gem. But the town is most called as Mini Venice. Since the whole architecture of the old town is accomplished in the Venetian style and Italian is the second official language.
Piran belonged to the Venetian Republic earlier, so there’s nothing weird you feel here like in Italy.
Piran is located on the edge of Slovenian land in Adriatic Sea. Just in 7 km from the border with Croatia and 23 km from Italy. And it’s 120 km, or 1.5 hour, travel from its capital Ljubljana on autobahn.
The most popular destination in Piranha is Giuseppe Tartini Square, named after the famous Italian composer. Concerts are held here quite often.
You’d rather ascend the hill rising above Piran to explore the town spreading before the eyes. There’s St. George church with bell and clock tower.
Great views open from the church area in all directions: in one – on Piran and in the other on blue waters of the Adriatic Sea.
However, you should climb up the tower. Moreover, the ticket price is minimal – 1 € euro and the money is given for restoration. A friendly lady who speaks several languages and can tell a lot about the town, almost like the Information Center, sits at the entrance )
Also you can get a free town map there. By the way, this map is one of the most beautiful among those of tourist cities in different countries.
Piran streets are reminiscent of the Italian ones, similarly narrow, with shutters and parked scooters.
In front of the main square yachts, crafts, and boats are parked. And houses are marvelously mirrored in the smooth water.
Another place to view Piran from above is defensive wall located a little further from the center. You should go there due to the splendid view opening from there. The price is also 1 € but you need to have coins since you pay through slot machine. Sometimes it’s out of operation and the entrance is free)
And the third, not less beautiful place offering marvelous views of Piran is the wall beginning from the port and entry to the town. Grudnova Street.
Another interesting place is the rooftop terrace of Tartini Hotel offering probably the best view of Tartini Square and bell tower of St. George church on the hill. Although this added structure isn’t so well-suited on the town background from other angles, you can treat yourself with cappuccino and a croissant in the morning. As for prices, the same as in other Piran facilities. Italian breakfast for two costs 5-6 €.
Piran is a historical town resembling Venice without channels. There’re no sand beaches, only concrete quays. However, it’s quite cozy and worth coming here if not for recreation, at least for a day or two. How splendid it’s here at sunset!
You can sail to real Venice in three hours on a ship from Piran, about for 70 €/ person. One day is not enough for Venice but someone will find this information useful.
Венеція
Piran is surrounded by the sea on three sides. It’s pretty nice and cozy here, so terraces near the water are the best places to eat or enjoy a cup of coffee.
One of the best restaurants is Piran Hotel restaurant. It’s very beautiful here and the sunbeams will illuminate and warm till the last at sunset.
There’s a lighthouse on the town outskirts and a small bell tower of another church – so gentle and lovely architecture. Too bad you can’t get closer.
Accommodation in Piran.
Basically just hotels are located in the center of Piran but you can search for apartments through airbnb service. Or settle in one of the villas just outside the town but there you can drive by your car and leave it for free.
Parking in Piran.
Piran center is pedestrian or only for the locals. Everyone parks the cars in parking sites or garages out of the town and arrives at Tartini Square by special free buses.
So it’s better to stay in special large car parking sites out of the town and not to pay attention to another small ones, for example near the defense tower as they may be just for the locals. Checks for proper parking are conducted continuously, even on Sunday morning. You can find an orange envelope on the windshield with a fine of at least 50 €.
How to get discounts on accommodation via Airbnb (coupons 10 euros)
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