PiranSlovenia · Ferry Destinations

All About Piran

For a small town on the north-eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, Piran has had several influences over the centuries. The city started to develop under the Roman Empire but was fortified first by the Byzantines in the 7th century. From 1283 till 1779, Piran was an autonomous region ruled by Venice. As a result, most locals speak Italian, and Venetian Gothic architecture is prominent across the town. Piran then changed hands from the Austrians to the French and once again back to the Italians. It then became a part of Yugoslavia in 1954 and stayed as such until Slovenia gained independence in 1991.

Unlike typical seaside resorts, Piran has a discreetly charming aura that makes it perfect for a family or a romantic holiday. As one of the three main coastal towns in the Slovenian Istria, Piran promises a blend of history, culture, and gastronomic satisfaction amidst unparalleled littoral beauty.
 

Routes and Ferries to Piran

Ferry tickets to Piran from Venice are available only during the summer months. Boats operated by Venezia Lines sail from April to October, covering the distance between the two cities in roughly three hours. Although an unmissable way to arrive in Piran, there is only one boat a week sailing on this course. So, plan and book your ferry via Ferryscanner well in advance. Additionally, the boat schedule allows you to purchase same-day return ferry tickets to Piran from Venice. The ticket price for a trip to Piran and back is €76.

A favorite day trip option, several tourists already in Slovenia or nearby arrive in Piran by road. The drive from Ljubljana to Piran is roughly 90 minutes long. A bus on the same route takes up to 2 hours and 30 minutes. Koper is only 20 minutes by car, whereas one can also visit from Trieste, situated an hour away.

There is no train station in Piran. The nearest option is Koper, from where tourists can take a taxi or a bus. However, rail travel is slow, and the journey from Ljubljana to Koper takes 2 hours 40 minutes. Travelers wishing to arrive by air will have to land at Trieste Airport, situated 82 km away in Italy. Portorož Airport is an international airstrip but has no scheduled flights. The runway here is for charter planes and local flight school use only.
 

Port of Piran

The Port of Piran is a tiny harbor in the south-eastern corner of the Gulf of Trieste. Having an inner and outer wharf, this summertime port can only accommodate ferries and small boats. Incoming cruise ships typically anchor out in the sea. On the other hand, ferries moor comfortably alongside the main pier, located near the city center. Due to the town’s small size, cars are not allowed on vessels arriving at Piran. Ferry tickets to Piran are thus for passengers only. However, some boats have limited spaces for bicycles.
 

Best Beaches

Piran continues to grow popular as a seaside destination even with a rocky coastline that allows minimal direct access into the Adriatic Sea. Piran’s atmosphere is such that everyone heads to the waterfront, irrespective of its natural disposition or size, whenever the sun is out.

Plaža Piran

The closest beach to the center is Plaža Piran, at the western tip of the town, near the lighthouse. Bordered by large rocks, locals are more than happy to lay their towels and sunbathe over the boulders. There is a small platform with a ladder dropping down into the clear water. This beach is perfectly safe for children and an ideal place for a bit of snorkeling. Next to the promenade, one can indulge in delicious seafood at several cafes and restaurants.

Moon Bay

A stunning shoreline that curves like a half-moon, reaching this pebble beach requires a tiny bit of effort. After a 15-minute drive to Strunjan National Reserve, one has to walk 15 minutes up the cliffs before taking the stairs down to the strip. Ideal for families, do bring along water shoes, snacks, and drinking water since there are no amenities on the beach. Also, plan on hiking a little because the sea vistas from the cliffs of Moon Bay are spellbinding.

Strunjan Beach

A quick 15-minute drive from Piran city center will take you to the famous Strunjan Beach. Boasting a lively ambiance, the beach offers concrete, pebble, and manicured grassy areas for sunseekers to soak in the warmth of the season. Trees providing shade, showers, toilets, chairs on rent, and paid parking help make your beach day comfortable. Kids can jump in the playground or enjoy the inflatable aquapark that pops up during the holidays.

Bernardin Plaža

Only 10 minutes to the south of Piran is another lovely beach worth a visit. Set alongside a hotel, Bernardin Plaža has mostly concrete sections for people to lie and get their tan. The beach has a playground and a small sandy spot by the water, much-loved by little children. A bar nearby keeps beach-goers replenished. Parking costs €2 per hour, and one can also rent umbrellas and loungers here.

Portorož Central Beach

Free shuttle service from Piran to Portorož makes the town’s central beach easily reachable. Do expect it to be busy in July and August. The environment, though, is infectiously cheerful. Bars, restaurants, ice-cream parlors, playgrounds, and volleyball courts are some of the attractions that keep visitors occupied. Spread over a vast area, access to the sea is through four bathing piers, thin sandy strips, and the concrete walkway. Plenty of loungers are available for rent at this Blue Flag beach. Visitors can also rent boats and partake in several water sports between their sunbathing sessions.
 

Things to Do

Backstreets full of character that lead to quaint corners overlooking the mesmerizing sea, the real magic of Piran is in its old-world charm, friendly people, and laid-back appeal. Visit the city not expecting much, and its surprising attractions will leave you wide-eyed in a state of amazement.

Enjoy a Coffee at Tartini Square

Tartini Square is the central plaza of Piran located alongside the harbor. Beautiful pastel-colored buildings surround the square, named after the famous Italian composer Guiseppe Tartini, born in the city. Besides an 1896 sculpture of Tartini that acts as a focal point, the courtyard has cafes, a souvenir shop, and the architecturally pretty Benečanka – a 15th-century building known as the Gothic House. Occasionally used for events and flea markets, evenings here are full of activity, especially children who love to run around shouting and playing.

Climb up the Bell Tower

Alongside St. George’s Parish Church is the equally iconic Bell Tower of Piran that resembles San Mark’s Campanile in Venice. A €1 entry ticket allows travelers to climb the 146 uneven steps to the top for panoramic vistas that stretch from the coast of Slovenia, all the way to Italy on one side and Croatia on the other. Built in 1609, the tower rises up 46.5 meters and has four bells. The church in the same complex is another masterpiece of Venetian Renaissance architecture and worth a look around.

Walk the Walls of Piran

There are three historic walls in Piran. The first was built in the 7th-century, followed by a second and third wall during the 13th and 14th centuries. Visitors can now walk on specific sections of the walls, which make for an exciting vantage point to survey the city. Sunsets from the Walls of Piran are spectacular. The walkable area is narrow with intermittent watchtowers. Entry costs €2, and you’ll need about 10-15 minutes to cover the entire length.

Eat at Ladja Podlanica

Seafood available in Piran is among the best in the country. For a truly authentic experience, though, book a table at Ladja Podlanica. A family-run restaurant, Ladja Podlanica, is on a boat that moors by the main pier. Seating is limited to six tables, and there is no set menu in place. Instead, diners get to savor the catch of the day, cooked fresh with much love and care. The experience at the restaurant is very down-to-earth, so don’t expect anything fancy. Pocket-friendly and popular, remember that the restaurant doesn’t take any walk-ins.

Take a Panoramic Flight over Piran

If you arrived at the city, holding ferry tickets to Piran, think about taking a scenic flight that promises a bird’s eye glimpse of the Slovenian Istria. The aerodrome in Portorož offers ‘panoramic flights’ to tourists, lasting from 8 minutes up to 1 hour and 40 minutes. The plane in use is a Cessna 172 that accommodates three passengers and the pilot. A quick fly over Piran will cost you €75, whereas a trip over Izola, Koper, Piran, and Črni Kal is for €165. The prices are for the entire flight and not individual passengers.
 

Transportation Around Piran

Piran covers an area of only 0.7 square kilometers. Tourists arriving with ferry tickets to Piran can get off the boat and easily walk around the town within an hour. Cars are not allowed in the city throughout summer. Even during the winter season, driving on its narrow streets can be problematic.

Renting a vehicle is advisable only when planning to explore the rest of the Slovenian Istria. If arriving by car, park at one of the garages outside the town. Garage Fornače is a short 15-minute walk from the center. A full-day parking ticket costs around €20. The city provides a free shuttle service between the garages and the town during peak tourist season.