visit koper slovenia

One Port Day in Koper: The Perfect Itinerary

The breakup of the former Yugoslavia in the early 1990's was geographically and culturally confusing. Several new countries were formed, and one of these is Slovenia, which has about 2 million citizens and only 29 miles of shoreline on the Adriatic Sea. It borders Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia.

Koper (also spelled Kopar) is Slovenia's main cruise ship port and is located just a few miles from the city of Trieste, Italy. Slovenia has always had close ties with Italy, even when it was part of Communist Yugoslavia. Slovenes were allowed to go to Trieste to shop for "personal" items during those 50 years of Communist control, but smuggling was very common and often ignored by border agents. For example, Slovenes would go to Trieste and buy 20 pairs of blue jeans. Reaching the border on their trip home, they certified the jeans were for "personal" use when really they planned to resell them on the black market. 

Slovenia has become better known to those in the USA since it is the birthplace of Melania Trump. Mrs. Trump grew up in southeastern Slovenia near the Croatian border.

Coastal City

Since the coastline is so small, Italy can be seen from the town. Koper has been settled since the sixth century, which adds to its fascination. A day in Koper can include a leisurely walking tour of the old town in the morning and an afternoon at the flea market, shopping on Shoemaker Street, climbing the Bell Tower at Tito Square, and a visit inside the Koper Regional Museum. Cruise ships usually sail in the late afternoon, but those not on cruise ships can spend a delightful evening having drinks and dinner in the old town or along the harbor.

Cruise Ships

Many travelers arrive in Koper on a cruise ship. Over a dozen different cruise lines schedule Koper as a port of call on their Mediterranean cruises including Viking, Holland America Line, Azamara, Oceania, Silversea, MSC, Celebrity, Norwegian, Princess, Crystal, Seabourn, and Regent. Koper had 70 cruise ship visits in 2016, a significant increase over the 49 the year before. More are expected in the future as cruise lines add more ships and ports to their itineraries.

Morning on Foot

Cruise ships  dock very near the old town area of Koper, which sits at the tip of a narrow peninsula that sticks out into the Adriatic. It's less than a 15-minute walk from the pier to the old town's central square, which is called Tito Square, and only about a 30-minute walk to the far side of the peninsula. So, you are never far from your ship or any of the old town highlights.

10 AM:  The best place to start the walking tour is at Tito Square. Those who arrive by cruise ship only need to walk across the pier towards the cliff. Your cruise ship reception or shore excursion desk will probably have maps to make your walking tour easier, but since Koper sits on a small peninsula, you can't get lost if you walk downhill towards the water. (Or, ask a local. They are thrilled to have cruise travelers.)

To reach Tito Square, you can either walk up the hill or take the convenient elevator up to a viewpoint overlooking the harbor. Beyond the harbor, you can see the suburbs of Trieste, Italy in the distance. This is a good place to take a few photos and catch your breath if you walked up the hill..

Leaving the panoramic viewpoint, walk along the summit of the hill and look left. You'll see the  Koper Regional Museum  on the other side of a parking lot, at the dead end of a small street. 

10:30 AM . Facing the Museum, turn left. It's just a few minutes walk to the central hub of old town Koper, the Tito Square.The central hub of Koper is its main square, which is called Tito Square after the old Yugoslavian despot. This square, which was once called Platea Comunis, is surrounded by a large cathedral, clock tower, and the Praetorian Palace and other government buildings. The style is a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque, and the structures date back to the 12th to 19th centuries.

The Praetorian Palace is the seat of Koper's government and covers one side of the square. It's done in the Gothic/Renaissance styles and like much of the city looks very Italian but is remarkably clean with almost no graffiti or trash. 

The bell tower next to the Cathedral is the highest structure in the old town, with 204 steps up to the roof. If you decide to climb the stairs, you'll get great views of the town. However, locals recommend you take ear plugs along since they ring the very loud bells quite frequently. Visitors don't have to stand very long in Tito Square to hear the bells!

The other buildings on the Tito Square once housed other government offices, the city's pawnshop, and the armory.

The Cathedral of St. Mary's Assumption was built in the 15th century in the Gothic and Renaissance styles. It sits on the site of an ancient Roman basilica. Be sure to step inside the cathedral to see the interior and learn more about Slovenian religions. 

The Cathedral's interior is white and baroque due to an 18th-century renovation. Most people in Slovenia are Catholic, but they don't attend church services regularly. The baptistery of the church is the oldest part, dating back to the 15th century.

11:30 AM.  Across from the Praetorian Palace on Tito Square is the Loggia, which looks like it was moved right off of St. Mark's Square in  Venice , which is only about 65 miles away. The ground floor of the Loggia has a coffee house that has been there since the mid-19th century. After exploring Tito Square, it's a great place for a coffee break and time for some people watching at the busiest place in town for tourists.

Noon . Leaving Tito Square, walk under the Portico of the Praetorian Palace and onto the main shopping street of the pedestrian zone. At one time, many cobblers and shoemakers had shops on this street, so it was called Shoemaker's Street. However, only one shoemaker shop remains in Koper, but it's on that street. The narrow street had many retail shops and cafes and led to another square with the Baroque Carli Palace and the remains of an old fountain where citizens who lived in Koper hundreds of years ago got their water.

12:15 PM . Continuing on down the hill towards the water, visitors reach the Prešern Square (also spelled Prešeren), which is another square reminiscent of Venice. The square even has a fountain that looks much like a miniature version of Venice's Rialto Bridge. This fountain, called the Da Ponte Fountain, dates back to the 15th century, but its current look is from the 17th century. 

Koper's Prešeren Square is lined with colorful buildings and definitely looks Italian. At the opposite end of the Prešeren Square from the Da Ponte Fountain, you'll reach the Muda Gate. 

The Muda Gate built in 1516 sits at the end of this square and features the city's coat of arms with a radiating sun. This was once the main gate of the old city wall, and visitors had to pay a toll to enter. 

12:30 PM . Walking through the gate, you'll turn right and leave the old town area of Koper. Be sure and notice that many of the buildings outside the old city gates looked very utilitarian since they were constructed during the Communist years of the last half of the 20th century. Stroll down the street a few blocks and you will reach the open air market on both sides of the street. 

Afternoon Exploring

1:00 PM . After exploring the old town, it's time for lunch. The  Carpaccio Square  area of Koper is on the harbor. This part of the city often features a farmer's market, flea market, and/or food fair when cruise ships are in port. This open air market features all sorts of Slovene antiques and flea market junk (just like the flea markets in the USA).

An outdoor food fair is often held in the Carpaccio Square, which is next to the old St. Mark's salt drying warehouse. Locals and visitors eat at tables in the old open-air salt drying warehouse next to on the harbor. All kinds of tempting foods are available in the booths such as international delicacies from around the world--falafels, burritos, barbecue pork, Asian noodles, and Turkish dishes.  

For those who want something other than street food, several restaurants are found along the waterfront or in old town. Most streets lead from the waterfront up the hill to Tito Square, so it's almost impossible to get lost.

Budget-minded cruise ship passengers can follow the harbor and walk 15-20 minutes to get back to their ship for lunch. All you need to do is follow the sidewalk past the flea market and Carpaccio Square. Keep the harbor on your left and you will soon reach the cruise ship pier.

2:30 PM . Return to the Koper Regional Museum by retracing your steps or following the harbor and then walking back up the hill. Since 1954, this museum has been housed in the early 17th century Belgramoni Tacco Palace, and its mission is responsibility for the movable artistic and cultural heritage in the Primorska region. However, the Koper Regional Museum also has exhibits on the archaeological, historical, and ethnological heritage of the coastal and karst areas of the region.

Much of the artwork is from the Renaissance and Venetian periods of Koper, and the old palace, which was last renovated in 2015, has a lovely garden. 

If the weather is bad or you love museums, it's an interesting place to visit for an hour or more.

4:00 PM.  After finishing your visit to the Koper Regional Museum, there's still time to climb the Bell Tower in Tito Square or buy souvenirs at some of the local shops on Shoemaker Street before dinner. If the weather is nice, it's a great time to sit on the harbor, sip a cold drink. and plan the evening ahead. The scenic walk along the harbor takes you through a park and down to the rocky Slovene beach where you can put your toes in the water before returning to your hotel for a break before dinner.

Most cruise ships sail away from Koper in the late afternoon, so passengers won't have a chance to enjoy dinner in Koper or see the old town after dark.

Evening Dinner and a Stroll

7:30 PM . Enjoy dinner in Koper at one of the city's restaurants. Two old town restaurants that are highly recommended are Capra, which is often rated as the city's best and features Mediterranean cuisine, and Gostilna da Za Gradom Rodica, which has Mediterranean cuisine, but also features local Slovene dishes. 

After dinner, enjoy a stroll along the Koper harbor and on some of the narrow old streets before heading off to bed with a delightful day in Koper running through your head.

Disney Magic - Western Mediterranean Cruise Travel Log

The 14 Best Day Trips from Rome

The Top Destinations to Visit in Croatia

The Best Things to Do in Venice, Italy

Mediterranean Cruise Maps

48 Hours in Athens: The Perfect Itinerary

The Top 23 Things to Do in Italy

The Perfect Mediterranean Coast Itinerary

20 Best Things to Do in Florence, Italy

The 10 Most Elegant Cities in the World

The 15 Best Destinations in Italy

Top 15 Destinations in the French Riviera

Moscow - Russian Rivers and Waterways Port of Call

48 Hours in Brooklyn: The Perfect Itinerary

One Week in Mumbai: The Perfect Itinerary

One Week in France: The Ultimate Itinerary

STO Slovenska turistična organizacija STO

This picturesque historical town with its own green surroundings is a bridge between the Karst and the Sub-Mediterranean world.

Special offers and packages.

Thalasso Detox

Take a break

Family holidays on the Slovenian coast

Dear readers.

Our mission is to inspire your visit to Slovenia by sharing the excellent and unique experiences Slovenian tourism has to offer at www.slovenia.info . Discover inspiring stories and plan for a time when we are able to travel safely again. Let’s be responsible today for a better tomorrow.

Koper is a town of a hundred suns which adorn the medieval Venetian palaces. The sun warms up the lagoon of the Škocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve with hundreds of birds, the Karst Edge and world famous climbing areas. Istrian cuisine draws you to numerous events. 

Koper is an extraordinarily charming and dynamic city with incredibly branched tourist trails in the city and the outskirts. It is a city with a special charm.

John Tercek , Vice-President of the world-famous shipowner of Royal Caribbean Cruises

DESTINATION AWARDS

Koper obtained the Slovenia Green Destination label. More

Koper was awarded the title of the European Destination of Excellence by the European Commission. More

The project “Gastronomic treasures of Istria” received the Sejalec award. More

The Mediterranean & the Karst in Slovenia  Koper

The Cathedral of Mary's Assumption, which is considered to be one of the largest churches in Slovenia, holds one of the most precious paintings of the famous painter Vitorre Carpaccio.

TOP 5 sights

Every step you take, you will be surprised by Slovenia’s natural and cultural gems. Are you interested in what you need to see in Koper?

The Krkavče Stone in the Dragonja River Valley

The Krkavče stone from the 1st century AD is an outstanding relic of pre-Christian belief in the typical Istrian village of Krkavče.

Castle Socerb

At the brink of a Karst wall rising a few hundred metres tall there is the mighty Castle Socerb with a view of Koper and Trieste’s gulfs and the surrounding places all the way to Piran.

Dance of Death in Hrastovlje

In St. Trinity’s church in Hrastovlje, there is one of the best-preserved frescos of the Dance of Death in the world, which takes you back to the times of the mystic Middle Ages.

Koper Regional Museum

The most extensive museum of Slovenian Istria with rich collections from prehistory to the splendour of the Venetian times and contemporary history.

Praetorian Palace

One of the most outstanding palaces in Koper that serves as a ceremonial building now. It impresses its visitors with its elegant image and rich history.

TOP 5 experiences

Discover the rich cultural and historical heritage of Koper and explore the tastes of its surrounding area.

• Get together
• Get relaxed

Experiences of Historical Koper

Visit the greatest cultural treasures of Koper and explore its history with Koper Card. Visit the Praetorian palace, Koper Regional Museum and Carpaccio House. Climb up to the bell tower and enjoy the view. Watch the ships set out from Luka Koper. Round up your tour of the city with vintage wines of Istria and delicious Istrian deserts.

Along the Hrastovlje Heritage Path

Visit the picturesque village of Hrastovlje. Go in the 12th century church from the which is famous for its fresco of the Dance of Death. Visit the gallery of Jože Pohlen, an Istrian artist, the war equipment, weapons and old objects collected by Gorazd Pohlen. Make a stop at the Park of Indigenous Istrian Plants and Animals. Treat yourself to the authentic tastes of the green Istrian countryside.

365 Days of Sunny Events

Experience the social side of sunny Koper and its surroundings! Taste the delicacies of the local cuisine at the September Sweet Istria event and the October Days of Agriculture of Slovenian Istria. Events such as Koper in Your Hand, the Refosco Festival in Marezige, Scent of Istria in Krkavče and St Martin's Feast Koper also enthral with their gastronomic delights and local traditions. Indulge in the lively events of Magical December. 

Spending Time with Šavrinkas

Embark on the trail of the Istrian women called Šavrinke and learn about the typical homesteads of the Koper countryside. Visit the Bardinc house in Lopar and have a look at the old wine cellar with the oldest Istrian wine press. In front of the Marezige Kanava (wine cellar and sanctuary of wine), which is a tidy old stone farmhouse, grows the offspring of the oldest vine in the world from Lent in Maribor. Experience the past at the Vrešje House in Krkavče.

Deserve Your Happiness

To experience unforgettable family adventures, visit the pool complex of the Hotel Žusterna Aquapark which offers water fun on 1,200 m2 of indoor and outdoor pools filled with healthy sea and fresh water. Try your luck in 200 casino games at the Casinò Hotel Carnevale Wellness & Spa, where you can also treat yourself to relaxation with a massage or in themed saunas and massage pools. 

Experiences by the Adriatic Sea

On the tidy beaches of Koper, Žusterna and all the way to Izola, you will find an abundance of opportunities for summer refreshment. In Žusterna there is the Active Koper water sports park. Rent a kayak or an SUP, catch the wind in the surf sail, dive into the depths of the sea and find the shipwreck of the legendary sunken transoceanic ship Rex, or rent a bike and ride along the beach.

Climbing paradise on the Karst Edge

The Karst Edge, central Slovenian climbing area, offers more than half of the climbing routes of different difficulties in Slovenia. The most popular one among climbers is the wall in Osp, the oldest Slovenian village. You can also find a number of routes at Črni Kal and Črnotiče. In addition to climbing, you can also explore the natural and cultural characteristics of the Karst Edge on biking and hiking trails. 

With a Bike Through the Land of Refošk Wine

Explore the picturesque villages of the Land of Refošk wine, such as Marezige, Montinjan, lopar, Popetre, Boršt, Turške and St Anton by bike and enjoy the wonderful views. You can make a stop in one of the numerous wine cellars and in the autumn in an osmica inn, where you will restore your energy with some vintage wines and home-made delicacies.

Olive Oil – A Taste of Istrian Gold

The countryside of Koper is also given its characteristic colour by the vast plantations of olive trees stretching on the sunny slopes of the Istrian hills. Olive oil with the protected geographical indication of Slovenian Istria is one of the highest quality oils in the world. Koper olive farmers have received the highest awards at a global level. Rest your soul by going for a walk through the beautifully arranged olive plantations and taste the aromatic olive oil.

In the company of birds in Škocjan Inlet Nature Reserve

Relax at the Škocjan Zatok Nature Reserve, which is only a step away from the bustle of the city. Observe numerous species of birds and other interesting animal and plant species. You can also learn about the wealth of the nature reserve while riding Camargue horses along the education trail.

The Noble Taste of Istrian Wines

Due to its sunny location and mild climate, the Primorska wine-growing region can boast excellent wines receiving the highest awards at various competitions. Visit the Land of Refošk wine, where the winemakers produce the native red wine variety – Refošk. Visit one of the largest wine cellars in Slovenia, Vinakoper, where you can see what is the largest barrel in Slovenia and one of the largest in Europe.

Experience Koper in your own way.

Explore Koper and its hinterland in the most original, boutique, and authentic way. Try something you won't find anywhere else. Select from a range of five-star boutique experiences boasting the Slovenia Unique Experiences mark.

A nostalgic journey in legendary classic cars through Istria’s olive groves.

Vintage Gourmet Tour

Green facts.

Slovenia writes a green story. Feel it at every step.

Destination Koper is the richest Slovenian tourist destination as regards the number of olive tree plantations.

The Škocjan Zatok Nature Park is the largest partly salty marsh in Slovenia which spreads over 122 hectares of land and boasts as many as 245 species of birds.

The area of Karst Edge which represents the natural border between the typical Karst surface and flysch, Istria is known around the world as an outstanding climbing destination with over 800 routes.

The houses of Slovenian Istria, the green accommodation options of the countryside carrying the label of Travelife Gold and Slovenia Green Accommodation in the midst of vineyards, offer a view of the Koper and Trieste gulfs.

Fritaja with Wild Asparagus on Olive Oil

Destination Koper with the largest number of olive oil farmers and olive tree plantations in Slovenia is considered the Slovenian mecca of olive oil.  Istrian olive oils are among the most valued oils in the world. Golden olive oil should serve as the basis for the preparation of fritaja with wild asparagus, as it hides inside the power of the sun which also makes the wild asparagus in the Istrian countryside sprout.

Try our recipe

Koper. Active. Authentic. Exceptional.

In Koper the sun invites you to be active and it warms the lively event facilities all year round. Follow the sun’s rays in activities in nature, where you will get energy from the sun trapped in the tasty Istrian dishes, wines and olive oils.

Visit the city of a hundred suns

Register of Tourist Guides

Local guides will help you discover local attractions and hidden treasures. Find a tourist guide that will present Slovenian cultural and natural heritage to you in more detail in your chosen language.

Visit website

Experience a pleasant getaway and have some rest

Would you like to stay a little longer and see and experience as much as possible? Then select suitable accommodation that is ideal for you in the nearby area.

Apartma Casa Bibiana

Motel Port Koper

Prenočišča Prisoje

Rooms and Apartments Lisjak

Apartmaji Vidic

Apartment Suzy

Old Court Palace Koper

Apartma Carpaccio

Apartmaji Vidic Koper

Google My Business rating

TripAdvisor traveller rating

User impressions on social networks

Book your adventure in Mediterranean and Karst Slovenia.

Learn about the stories stemming from salt, carved in stone and hidden among the green vineyards. Descend into the karst caves, enjoy the beach, explore its hinterland with a diverse range of tastes and enjoy the view of the fertile landscape with a glass of top-quality vine.

Start your morning with a Mediterranean breakfast, treat yourself to a relaxing pampering in thermal water pools and watch your children enjoy the workshops...

30 smiling faces, more than 2,400 hours of sunshine a year, just five steps from the sea and more than 100 years of tradition combine to make the Hotel...

Autumn culinary package

Take some time for yourself and forget the bustle of life that surrounds us. Enjoy an award-winning long tasting menu with six glasses of the best wines....

Take some time for yourself

Strengthen your immune system. Experience spring by the sea. Enjoy a morning on the beach and unlimited swimming in the thermal or seawater pools. Your...

Seniors’ Package

Experience koper and its inland areas.

The coastal town of Koper glows in its rich cultural heritage, which can be found in its inland areas too. It is cultural tourism that gave Koper the title of the European Destination of Excellence (EDEN). A walk through the town itself, which is also considered to be the centre of the coast and Slovenia's seaside window onto the world, reveals architectural heritage, on which the Venetians left the greatest mark. You can also say goodbye to the town and head to the countryside. Explore beautiful Istrian villages and their special features and taste the delicacies made from the gifts of the Istrian soil.

Nearby destinations

Explore Slovenian Istria. Take a ride to Izola, the fishing centre of Slovenian Istria, which is a few kilometres away, or experience romantic moments in captivating Piran. On your way inland, you can explore the beauties of the Karst – make a stop in Lipica, where 300 white Lipizzaner horses await you, explore the breath-taking underground world of the Škocjan Caves and Postojna Cave and visit the idyllic Karst villages. You can take a train or a bus to Ljubljana, where you can feel the upbeat urban vibe along the Ljubljanica River and among the architectural gems of Jože Plečnik. If you decide to go by car, it will take you approximately one hour.

Piran and salt pans

Piran, the most beautiful town of Mediterranean Slovenia.

Nature’s hidden gem

Lipica is a renowned cradle of the Lipizzaner horse breed in Europe.

The capital of Slovenia and European Green Capital 2016. This charming and vibrant city will captivate and fascinate anyone keen to explore it.

More details on Koper

For more information visit Koper website.

Slovenia through the eyes of visitors

Take a look at the images of Slovenia captured on camera by visitors. Capture your own unforgettable experiences and share them with us on social networks.

The display of external media content requires your consent to a set of functionality cookies.

Stories from Slovenia

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive a green piece of Slovenia in your inbox, and learn about holidays, seasonal offers, upcoming events and travel options.

The form contains errors

Please verify the marked fields and try again.

Share with friends

I feel Slovenia Shop - Buy Souveniers On-line

General Terms and Conditions     

The General Terms and Conditions determine the conditions and manner of using the Slovenian Tourist Board’s Media Library services. In the Media Library, users have at their disposal high-resolution photos and audio-visual recordings of the products and services offered by Slovenian tourism, which are to be used solely for non-commercial purposes as defined below.

General rules of application

Registration is required to use the Media Library’s services. Registration is available to any legal entity in the Republic of Slovenia and abroad, regardless of their legal form, whose activities involve marketing, promoting and presenting Slovenia as a tourist destination .

Photos and audio-visual recordings (hereafter: materials) may be used free of charge for all non-commercial publications that constitute promotion of Slovenia as a tourist destination, abroad or in the Republic of Slovenia , in accordance with these General Terms and Conditions.

The right to use the materials is not limited in terms of time or place (the use is permitted in Slovenia and other countries) unless a restriction relating to location and duration of use is specifically provided for an individual item of material .

The Slovenian Tourist Board reserves the right to revoke a user’s right to use certain materials at any time.

The rights acquired based on these General Terms and Conditions may not be transferred to third parties.

Citing the source and authorship

Photos and audio-visual recordings may only be used with consistent citation of author/co-authors and source: www.slovenia.info .

Rights of use

A registered user of the Media Library shall obtain the following non-exclusive economic rights to use the downloaded photos and audio-visual recordings:

• the right of reproduction and distribution,
• the right of making available to the public,
• the right of public presentation,
• the right of including photos in other copyright work.

The above rights refer to all forms of non-commercial and free-of-charge online posts, print media, audio-visual media services and other communication channels, regardless of the type of media (print, digital), which includes:

• Digital catalogues, e-magazines, newsletters (solely for the purposes of free distribution);
• Publication in print and other media that report on the Slovenian tourism products and services or promote Slovenia as a tourist destination;
• Use on social media as part of organic posts (reporting on an event, press releases (solely unpaid posts);
• Printed promotional materials, prospectuses, leaflets, brochures (solely for the purposes of free distribution);
• Promotional events in the Republic of Slovenia and abroad (e.g., tourism fairs, exchanges, workshops, presentations, etc.) that are exclusively or predominantly intended to promote Slovenia as a tourist destination.

The above forms of use include solely a free-of-charge form of using materials for the purposes of promoting tourism activities and services in the Republic of Slovenia or presenting Slovenia as a tourist destination.

Prohibited forms of using materials/commercial use of materials

Using materials for commercial purposes , such as reproduction on postcards, T-shirts, books, magnets, embedding audio-visual inserts in one’s own promotional materials, all forms of external advertising (stationary billboards, digital advertising, etc.), use in advertisements unrelated to the promotion of Slovenia as a tourist destination, use on websites that are not intended to present Slovenian tourism products and services and similar activities, is not included in these General Terms and Conditions and is prohibited .

It is strictly prohibited to use materials on media and distribution channels that are marketed or sold to users (books, school textbooks, other commercial publishing, calendars, postcards, fast-moving consumer goods (clothes and other products), advertising of non-tourism products and services, reproduction of materials on vehicles, etc.).

For more information regarding permitted forms of use, please contact us at  [email protected] .

Audio-visual materials (video)

Using audio-visual materials is allowed only in the unchanged form available in the Media Library . Transformations, adaptations, clips, embeddings, and instances of using individual shots in one’s own audio-visual works, even if intended for promotional purposes, is prohibited.

Breaches of General Terms and Conditions

Any breach of economic and/or moral rights of the authors of photographs or audio-visual recordings may constitute a criminal offence and may result in substantive and damage liability of the user.

The entity breaching copyright pertaining to the material shall reimburse the Slovenian Tourist Board for all the damage incurred to it due to the breach of rights.

The Slovenian Tourist Board shall not be liable for any use of photos and video recordings that is contrary to these rules. The user of the material shall be entirely responsible for the content and manner of use.

General provisions

These Media Library General Terms and Conditions shall apply for all instances of using the material unless the Slovenian Tourist Board and user agree on special terms of using the material in advance and in writing for a specific instance of using the material.

These General Terms and Conditions shall be subject to occasional amendments. Upon the user’s publication of the material, the version of the General Terms and Conditions that is current at that particular time shall apply for the use of materials. If the user disagrees with the amendments made to these General Terms and Conditions, they shall immediately cease using the material and remove it from all media and other communication channels.

For more information, please contact us at  [email protected] .

Slovenian Tourist Board Ljubljana, 1 June 2022

Confirm Cancel

Privacy settings

Essential cookies.

These cookies enable the correct display of content on the website. These cookies are used to show you the appropriate version of the page for your screen size, remember your choice of cookies, and enable the services that you use on the website to function properly (login, registration, etc.).  

Functional cookies

Do you allow us to show you content from other sources on the website and remember your language selection?

Statistical cookies

Do you allow us to collect anonymised data on the viewing of our content? We will improve your user experience.

Segmentation cookies

Do you allow us to record your activities on this website? This allows us to learn about your interests and offer you the features and content about Slovenian tourism that most interest you.

Advertising cookies

Do you allow us to occasionally offer you advertising content from other websites that best match your interests?

I give my consent to the Slovenian Tourist Board to use cookies that enable the display of content (e.g.: audio clips, video clips, images) from other online sources (YouTube, Spotify, etc.) and remember my language selection on the www.slovenia.info website. I also confirm that I have been acquainted with my rights related to the provided personal data.

Personal data controller: Slovenian Tourist Board, Dimičeva ulica 13, Ljubljana Phone: +386 1 5898 550 Email:  [email protected]

I give permission for the Slovenian Tourist Board to record and store anonymised data about my activity on the website, which will be used to provide a better user experience for visitors to the portal in the future. I also confirm that I have been acquainted with my rights related to the provided personal data.

Personal data controller: Slovenian Tourist Board, Dimičeva ulica 13, Ljubljana, Phone: +386 1 5898 550 E-mail: [email protected]

I give permission for the Slovenian Tourist Board to record my activities on the website regarding my visits to individual types of content in order to produce and display better quality content that is of interest to me. As the Slovenian Tourist Board strives to display high-quality and interesting content on the website, it wishes to measure responses to the displayed notifications and content, track user activity on the website, and create user profiles for targeted advertising, and therefore automatically processes and analyses personal data and assesses user interest in displaying and receiving notifications. I also confirm that I have been acquainted with my rights related to the provided personal data.

I give permission for the Slovenian Tourist Board to record and store information about my interests, displays, and clicks on advertising content for the purpose of providing specific, topical, high-quality, and targeted advertising content, as well as for the purpose of measuring the effectiveness of advertising campaigns and limiting the repetition of advertisements. These settings apply to advertisements displayed by the Slovenian Tourist Board via advertising on social media platforms (e.g.: Meta, LinkedIn, etc.), international search engines (e.g.: Google), as well as through online applications and activities that directly address the user. Such cookies allow us to track our campaigns online. I also confirm that I have been acquainted with my rights related to the provided personal data.

• 1.1 Tourist information
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.3 By rideshare
• 2.4.1 From Trieste
• 2.4.2 By intercity bus
• 2.4.3 By suburban bus
• 2.5 By train
• 2.6 By Taxi
• 3.1 On foot
• 3.3 By taxi
• 3.4 By bicycle
• 8.2.1 International
• 8.2.2 Hotel restaurants
• 8.2.3 Outside of town
• 8.3 Splurge
• 9.1 Bars, pubs and cafes
• 9.2 Wine cellars
• 10.1 Budget
• 10.2 Mid-range

Koper (Italian: Capodistria ) is Slovenia 's only commercial port and one of its oldest towns with a very rich history.

Understand [ edit ]

Koper, the oldest town in Slovenia, developed on a rocky island with the Roman name Capris . Out of the three Slovenian coast cities (Koper, Izola, Piran), Koper has experienced the most numerous layout modifications. The reasons for that also need to be sought in the changes of various reigns and states, all of which marked the city with their specific traits and names. Koper was called Capris in Roman times, in the times of the pope Gregory I (599) Insula Capraria (“goat island”), Iustinopolis under the Byzantine Empire (between mid 6th and 8th centuries) and Caput Histriae (‘head of Istria’) by the Aquileia Patriarchs. The Venetians rendered that name into the Italian form, Capodistria. The Slovenian equivalent of the name is Koper.

The longest reign over the city was that of the Venetian Republic (1279-1797), when Koper experienced economic (trade, salt production) and cultural prosperity (painting, music). The Venetian period is still echoed by the city architecture; despite numerous modern interventions, it has preserved its medieval character, with the city of Koper being a member of the European Association of Medieval Cities. In the Middle Ages, Koper was an island surrounded by walls and connected with the mainland with a wood bridge in the direction of Škocjan. It was protected by a mighty fortress – Lion Castle, and surrounded by vast saltpans. Koper’s importance began to diminish in the 18th century, when Trieste was proclaimed a free port, which ended with the downfall of the Venetian Republic.

In the period from the 19th century to the First World War (i.e. from the Napoleonic Empire 1806-1813 to the Hapsburg Monarchy 1813-1918), Koper experienced numerous changes in the economic and social development. This period was marked by the reduction of the saltpans, which were entirely abandoned in 1912, and the changing layout of the city, which began to lose its island character. In 1825, a second road connection with the mainland was constructed (Semedela Road) followed by the coastal road in the middle 19th century, a sea connection with Trieste-Poreč and the railway connection Trieste-Poreč in 1902.

Under the Italian Empire, Koper entirely lost its island character by means of the draining of the deserted saltpans.

The time after the Second World War brought further changes. Until the final determination of the border with Italy through the signing of the London Memorandum in 1954, when it became part of former Yugoslavia, Koper was part of Zone B administered by the Yugoslav national Army, first belonging to the Julian March and from September 1947 to the neutral state called the Free Trieste Territory (FTT). As part of Yugoslavia, Koper experienced profound changes in its national structure. This also brought about new architectural interventions both in the city centre and its surroundings, especially in terms of huge development with the construction of the port.

Today, Koper is both a commercial and tourist city, continuing to develop its offer in terms of seaside resorts, nautical tourism, sports and shopping. It has also become a University City.

Tourist information [ edit ]

• 45.547963 13.729557 1 Turistično-informacijski center ( Tourist Information Centre - Praetorian Palace ), Titov trg 3 , [email protected] . ( updated Sep 2023 )

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

The nearest airport is in Trieste ( TRS  IATA - 64 km), with Pula ( PUY  IATA - 102 km), Ljubljana ( LJU  IATA - 124 km), and Venice airports ( VCE  IATA , TSF  IATA - about 174 km) as options. A company named GoOpti provides a shared shuttle transfer from Venice and Ljubljana (and their airports) with dynamic pricing based on time of booking, typically between €25-50. The Trieste airport is not close to Trieste, but there are frequent train connections between them. Flixbus also provides scheduled service from Venice airport.

By car [ edit ]

Koper has easy highway connections from Ljubljana and Trieste. There are no regular border immigration checks between Slovenia, Croatia and Italy, Croatia became a member of the Schengen agreement in January 2023.

Beware of the need for a Vinjeta (highway toll sticker) before driving on Slovenian highways! There is a fuel station immediately at the border where you can purchase one. Controllers are often stationed exactly after that station to issue heavy fines to violators.

Parking rules are enforced in the city, but some public lots are free on weekends and after-hours. If you get a traffic fine and do not have a European bank account to pay it, any Slovenian post office can make the money transfer for you for a very small fee.

By rideshare [ edit ]

A locally-created website and app named Prevoz [dead link] is the most widely used ride sharing site within Slovenia. The typical fare to Ljubljana is €5 from the 45.545473 13.726738 6 Tržnica / Oly Burger bus stop in the center. This is often the fastest and least expensive way to travel to Koper from other parts of Slovenia.

• 45.545473 13.726738 7 Prevoz . Ride sharing stop in Koper. €5 to Ljubljana . ( updated Feb 2019 )

By bus [ edit ]

From trieste [ edit ].

The direct bus services to Trieste operate between 3 and 6 times a day, costing about €3-5 depending on the bus company. As of November 2019, the fixed price on Arriva is €3.30. The drivers can sell tickets on the bus but sometimes prefer if you pre-purchase it in the station. The journey takes between 20 and 40 minutes.

The very cheapest way to get between Koper and Trieste is to take an inter-urban bus to Škofije at the Slovene border (€0.80), walk ten minutes on a path under the highway to Bricocenter in Muggia, and take Trieste city bus no. 20 [dead link] to the centre (€1.30). Use of Google Maps is recommended to follow your drive for the first time, and the Slovene buses are infrequent. Trieste city buses do not sell tickets on the bus, but they can be purchased with the nationwide Italian " MyCicero " app ( Android / Apple ), or at locations in Trieste. Make sure your ticket is validated/stamped after boarding.

By intercity bus [ edit ]

There are different stops:

• 45.538477 13.737789 8 Koper bus station . Flixbus operates here from/to Sarajevo.
• 45.544038 13.730365 9 Banka Koper used for some inter-urban services and GoOpti airport shuttles. Flixbus operates here from/to Pula.
• 45.545473 13.726738 10 Tržnica / Oly Burger .

Koper has bus connections with Ljubljana , Trieste , other Slovenian seaside towns, and Croatia . There are three scheduled inter-city bus companies: FlixBus and Črnja tours provide frequent international service, and Arriva [dead link] white/blue buses provide domestic bus service along the Slovene coast with some international routes [dead link] including Trieste. Nomago sometimes provides some regional inter-city services.

See the warning under 'Taxi' about drivers overcharging at the bus/train station.

• Črnja tours , ☏ +385 52812820 , [email protected] . ( updated Feb 2019 )
• Arriva (local bus) . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• Nomago , ☏ +386 1 431 77 00 . ( updated Feb 2019 )
• Ljubljana Bus Station , [email protected] . ( updated Feb 2019 )

By suburban bus [ edit ]

The local city administration (in Slovenian) maintains a list of timetables and a map of the suburban bus lines to nearby villages in the Koper district up to the Italian border. These routes should cost €0.80 per ride.

There are also hourly buses from Ljubljana listed at the Ljubljana bus station with many stops on the way.

By train [ edit ]

The national railway company Slovenske železnice [dead link] operates 5-6 daily trains from Ljubljana (2 h) and Maribor (4½ h). 45.53932 13.738148 11 Koper railway station ( Železniška postaja Koper ) is close to the bus station and is about 1 km south the Muda Gate to the old city. There is no longer any direct train service to Trieste, but trains run a lazy route to Ljubljana a few times per day. See Slovenian Railways [dead link] . Sometimes, the train station sells discount tickets in person to cities as far away as Vienna and Munich at prices not available online (around €30).

By Taxi [ edit ]

In general, Slovene taxis are less expensive than Italian taxis. They are permitted to pick you up (or drop you off) in Trieste if you order them (about €20-25). Cammeo has a nice English-language app which helps with language barriers. Pick-ups from Trieste might need to be requested over the phone.

Beware of taxis waiting at the bus/train station. The usual price within Koper is about €3, but the taxi drivers waiting at the station sometimes attempt to charge more than twice that even if you speak Slovene. If you have too much luggage to walk, call a local taxi to get a fair price.

• Cammeo , ☏ +386 5 777 1212 . Cammeo taxis in Koper, Slovenia. €1 per km . ( updated Feb 2019 )
• Taxi Drift , ☏ +386 70 667 100 , [email protected] . Taxi Drift in Koper, Slovenia. ( updated Aug 2020 )
• Taxi Laguna , ☏ +386 31 492 229 , toll-free: 080 12 33 (domestic) , [email protected] . Taxi Laguna in Slovenia. ( updated Aug 2020 )

Get around [ edit ]

On foot [ edit ]

Koper's Old City can easily be covered on foot.

There are a number local buses that can take you from the main bus station to the old city centre or the newer urban and industrial area.

Local city bus services [dead link] are provided by red Arriva buses and cost €0.80 paid by bus cards available at the tourist office and a kiosk at the main bus station. Other buses are available to surrounding areas (see Get In).

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis within the Koper district typically cost a flat €3. See listings above.

By bicycle [ edit ]

The slovenian coast has an excellent network of bicycle roads. Bicycles can be rented in a few places in Koper :

• The tourist office on Tito square has 2 bikes
• Izposoja Koles , Kidričeva ulica 45 . 08:00-20:00 . Has a lot of different types of bikes. Helmets included in rental. Very helpful owner. Regular bikes for €15 a day and e-bikes for €25 a day . ( updated Jun 2021 )

Talk [ edit ]

Slovenian and Italian are the official languages of the city, spoken by everyone. In addition to these two, Croatian / Bosnian / Serbian is widely understood. English is also spoken by the majority of the people.

See [ edit ]

Koper old town

Koper's main sight of interest is the Venetian-era old city, of which the main structures and squares have been fully renovated and restored. The main square (Tito square) is one of the nicest Venetian type squares in the Mediterranean.

The centre of the old city is Tito Square ( Titov trg ), an austere piazza surrounded by The Praetorian Palace, Loggia, Cathedral of the Assumption, Campanile, Foresteria and Armeria. From here, the cobbled Čevljarska ulica leads south to the Prešeren square with the De Ponte fountain and the old town entrance Muda gate, Kidričeva ulica leads west to the Marina, the old salt warehouse named Taverna and the Carpaccio square.

• Pretorian Palace , Titov trg 3 . Dating back to the 15th century and the only fully restored building in the plaza, this is Koper's symbol and it now houses the tourist office which offers guided tours of the Palace, including the city council meeting chamber and weddings room ( updated Sep 2023 )
• Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary ( Stolna cerkev Marijinega vnebovzetja ), Izolska vrata 24 ( by Titov trg ). The largest Cathedral in Slovenia containing famous paintings from Vittore Carpaccio, a renowned Venetian painter. Fully renovated, with much sacral heritage indoors. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 45.548165 13.729834 1 Bell Tower (City Tower) ( Zvonik (Mestni stolp) ), Titov trg ( Tito Square, attached to cathedral. ). Climb the bell tower for great views of the city and surroundings. Contains the oldest working bell in Slovenia. Adults: €5 Students & Seniors €4 Tickets from Tourist Information. . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• Armoury and Foresteria Palace ( Armerija in Foresterija ), Titov trg . Armeria is the former municipal armoury. The Foresteria, formerly known as Albergo nuovo, was used as reception and accommodation facilities for podesta’s (mayor's) guests. They were originally two separate buildings. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• Loggia Palace ( Loža ) ( Located opposite the Praetorian Palace ). It was used as a debate club for all the townsmen, with their discussions considered by the city council as well. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 45.547929 13.725542 2 Taverna Koper / St Mark’s storage , Pristaniška ulica 1 . Ex salt storage, nowadays is the location of the most interesting event & music venue in Koper ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 45.547902 13.725967 3 Carpaccio House , Carpacciov trg . 14th century house thought to be the home of the eminent Venetian painter Vittore Carpaccio. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 45.545539 13.72983 4 Da Ponte Fountain ( Vodnjak Da Ponte ), Prešeren Square . The biggest city fountain is a reproduction of the Rialto Bridge in Venice. It was commissioned in 1666 by podesta Lorenzo da Ponte. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 45.544835 13.73003 5 Muda Gate ( Vrata Muda ). The Renaissance style Muda Gate remains the only preserved city gate out of the former twelve. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 45.547939 13.731452 6 Fontico , Brolo Square . 14th century Venetian style building was used as a warehouse for the grain given to the townsmen in times of bad harvest or war. ( updated Sep 2023 )
• 45.548553 13.72802 7 Koper Regional Museum , Kidričeva ulica 19 . 09:00-17:00 Tu-Sa; closed Su & M . ( updated Sep 2023 )

Koper Hinterland

• Church of the Holy Trinity, Hrastovlje The church boasts beautiful frescoes, an extraordinary achievement of Medieval iconography. The most famous is the depiction of the Dance of Death.

• Defence tower, Podpeč This 11th century, 17 m (56 ft) defence tower is a popular tourist sight and one of the most enchanting beauty spots in Slovenian Istria.
• Škocjanski zatok Nature Reserve Stretching out over 122 ha, this is the largest brackish wetland in Slovenia. The area is home to countless birds and other animal species, such as Istrian cattle (boškarin) and Camargue horses.
• Church of St. Roch and St. Sebastian, Boršt According to some sources, the church dates back to the 13th century. It is decorated with fragments of Medieval frescoes and inscriptions in the Glagolitic alphabet.
• The Benko house, Črni Kal The Benko house is believed to be the oldest farmer’s house in Slovenia. It was built in 1489 by the masters Andrej and Benko of Sočerga.
• Coat-of-arms of the De’Cani family, Dekani The name Dekani is linked to the noble Cani family, also known as De’Cani, which originates from the town of Sulmone in Abruzzi, Italy. According to some sources, the De’Cani family owned the village as long ago as the 15th century, as there is a coat-of-arms of the Cani family with the date 1479 on the building at no. 185.
• Church of St. Nicholas, Gračišče Next to this late 18th century church, there is a 26 m (85 ft) white stone bell tower with a built-in stone plaque bearing an inscription in the Cyrillic and Glagolitic alphabet that reads: “I call the living, I mourn the dead.”
• Village architecture, Abitanti The fascinating architectural features of the protected buildings in Abitanti testify to the fact that this was once a very rich village.

• Church of St. Michael, Tinjan Positioned on the edge of the village, the church building has a Baroque front; the entrance is through the large bell tower. The stone plaque built into the portal shows Christ on the Cross and the date 1704.
• The Krkavče Stone, Krkavče Believed by some to be 3000 years old, the stone is the oldest sight in the village. It is 1.5 m (4.9 ft) tall; on two sides, it features a carved image of what is probably a pagan deity.
• The Dragonja valley At 29 km long, the Dragonja is the longest river in Slovenian Istria. The river valley is well known for its diversity of plant and animal life. Today, it is a nature park popular with hikers, cyclists and nature enthusiasts.
• Marežganska Kanava, Marezige A beautifully preserved stone farmer's house and the main venue of the Refosco Festival and St. Martin's Day celebrations. There are three vines growing outside Kanava: Refosco, Malvasia and Žametovka, a descendant of the world’s oldest vine in Lent, Maribor.
• The Bardinc House, Lopar The building houses a local ethnology and history exhibition with a preserved farmer’s kitchen, fireplace and wine cellar.
• Rock shelters (“The Ears of Istria”) and natural bridge, Sočerga Above Sočerga, nature has carved out some beautiful rock shelters, also known as “The Ears of Istria”. The panoramic trail leads past three 17 m (56 ft) rock shelters to a natural bridge with a 6 m (20 ft) stone arch.
• Slavnik, Podgorje 1,028 m (3,373 ft) high, the hill of Slavnik is situated near the village of Podgorje. The summit of Slavnik offers beautiful views, with the Adriatic Sea, Italian Dolomites, Carnic and Julian Alps, Karavanks and even the Kamnik–Savinja Alps visible in clear weather.
• Strmec Castle, Socerb The Strmec Castle sits on top of a 440 m (1,440 ft) Karst cliff above the village. It was built in the 13th century on the foundations of an Illyrian settlement. Today, the castle is one of the most magnificent beauty spots in Slovenian Istria.
• Sacred Cave, Socerb According to a legend, the Sveta jama or Sacred Cave was the dwelling of St. Servulus, a Trieste martyr and saint who lived in the 3rd century. The front part of the cave with a natural stone altar still houses a church today – the only underground church in Slovenia.
• Church of the Immaculate Mother of God, village square and stone window, Šmarje The church was built in the village square in the 11th century. It was expanded and renovated in the 13th century. There is a bell tower next to the church with a built-in 9th-century stone window, the remnant of an older church that once stood in the same spot.

• Mediterranean herb garden, Manžan The Mediterranean herb garden at the Butul farm in Manžan is a unique experience. Walking through the garden is educational and relaxing at the same time. Cooking and herbal workshops can be organised by agreement.

Do [ edit ]

There is a public beach in the sea just west of the marina. There is a large sports area called Bonifika [dead link] (basketball, football, running track, tennis courts, etc.) near the old city centre. Near the industrial area of the Port of Koper (very close to the city centre), there is a natural park called Škocjanki zatok , which is a perfect place for enjoying the flora and fauna of this natural resort.

The path along the shore to Izola and Piran lends itself very well to skating, cycling or just going for a walk and enjoying the view over the water.

Rent a bike, ride to Piran and back. It can be done in one day.

Buy [ edit ]

There are several shopping centres, for example: Planet Tuš Shopping Centre [dead link] , Mercator , Supernova [dead link] and SPAR . There is also a big department store called Zeleni park where you will also find OVS store. In the city centre there are numerous offers.

• 45.535996 13.732145 1 Agraria Koper , Ulica 15. maja 17 , ☏ +386 5 663 07 00 , [email protected] . M-F 07:30 - 20:00; Sa 07:30-18:00; Su 08:00-13:00 . Agraria Koper is a farmer's co-op supermarket selling high-quality products from local and regional producers. Produce, meats, honey, pastas, wine, and more. Something between a farmer's market and Whole Foods. It's definitely worth a visit if you want to cook yourself or bring some special treats home. There is also a much smaller location closer to the centre. ( updated Aug 2020 )

Eat [ edit ]

Koper has many taverns and restaurants, snack bars and local smaller taverns offering local food and wine, pizzerias, traditional Osmicas (farmers offering home made food and wine), sweetshops and tourist farms with traditional home made Istrian food.

When in Koper, do not leave without trying some typical Istrian goodies and other typical Istrian products. Also, you should definitely try some local olive oil from local oil providers. Istrian olive oil is reputed to have many positive effects on the body.

Budget [ edit ]

• 45.548012 13.726012 1 Fritolin , Pristaniška ulica 2 ( next to the marina ), ☏ +386 70 256 156 . 09:30-22:00 . Inexpensive seafood restaurant serving mostly take-away with some outdoor seating. Fresh catch delivered daily from local fisherman and each item is served until sold-out for the day! Great calamari. €4-7 (Aug 2020) . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 45.548387 13.728921 2 Anacur Döner Kebab , Kidričeva ulica 8 , ☏ +386 51 715 683 . M-Sa 09:00-21:00, closed Sunday . Typical Turkish restaurant locally known for the cheapest fresh pizza in town. Great for students and backpackers. €1.20 (Aug 2020) . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 45.546346 13.728825 3 Azure Koper , Župančičeva ulica 39 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 45.544659 13.727737 4 Casa de Rin , Pristaniška ulica 6 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 45.546747 13.725355 5 Mr. Milord , Pristaniška ulica 3 . Pancakes ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 45.5463 13.728252 6 Avokado , Gortanov trg 4 , ☏ +386 51 486 704 . 08:00-17:00; closed weekends . Vegan & Vegetarian food. Takeaway with tables outside & across road. ( updated Oct 2023 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 45.545567 13.728874 7 Istrska klet Slavček ( Slavček Istrian Cellar ), Župančičeva ulica 39 , ☏ +386 5 627 67 29 . Su-F 07:00-22:00, closed Saturday . Small locally-owned restaurant serving regional home-style food and wines with indoor and outdoor seating. Good quality at moderate prices. Vojko, the owner, is quite friendly. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 45.548012 13.726012 8 Miramar Bar and Bistro , Carpacciov trg 4 ( in Carpaccio Square by Taverna ), ☏ +386 40 977 150 . Tu-Su 12:30-22:00, closed Mondays . Bar and restaurant serving fresh local seafood plates, wines, and cheeses. Mostly outdoor seating. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 45.54541 13.726609 9 Oly Burger , Piranska cesta 1 , ☏ +386 30 640 168 . Su-Th 12:00-02:00; F Sa 12:00-04:00 . The infamous Oly Burger is usually the last place open in town to get a drink (... also to-go). The food is OK but a little pricey. Bar stool seating. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 45.531767 13.737304 10 Gostilna Miranda , Vanganelska cesta 7A . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 45.527975 13.738929 11 Emonec brewery and restaurant , Vanganelska cesta 20 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 45.546164 13.728269 12 Pri Tinetu Inn , Gortanov trg 14 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 45.543672 13.727403 13 Urban Piqniq , Cesta Zore Perello - Godina 3 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 45.544676 13.743588 14 Na stopničah , Gortanov trg 12 . ( updated Feb 2023 )

International [ edit ]

• 45.546112 13.709055 15 Pizza 33 , Istrska cesta 67 ( near Žusterna beach ), ☏ +386 31 33-33-96 . 10:00-23:00 (00:00 on Friday and Saturday) . Largest local pizzeria. Large selection. Fast delivery available. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 45.529998 13.737747 16 Chinese restaurant Chang , Cesta Marežganskega upora 13 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 45.544717 13.743583 17 Chinese restaurant Cesarska hiša , Ankaranska cesta 5b . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 45.545379 13.72806 18 Tajska restavracija Chada ( Chada Thai cuisine ), Pristaniška ulica 35 . ( updated Feb 2023 )

Hotel restaurants [ edit ]

• Restaurant Pristan , Ferrarska 30 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• [dead link] Hotel Bio Restaurant Vodišek , Vanganelska cesta 2 . ( updated Feb 2023 )

Outside of town [ edit ]

• Gostilna-Trattoria Turk ( Turk Inn ), Cesta med vinogradi 34 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• Gostilna Švab ( Švab Tavern ), Hrastovlje 53, 6275 Črni Kal . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Majda Tavern , Osp 88, 6275 Črni Kal . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• Gostilna Norma ( Norma Tavern ), Dekani 34A, 6271 Dekani . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• Gostilna "Cah" ( Cah Tavern ), Rižana 22, 6271 Dekani . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• Brič restaurant and enotheque , Dekani 3B, 6271 Dekani . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Na Brdi Tavern , Dekani 53, 6271 Dekani . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Mohoreč Tavern , Kubed 66A, 6272 Gračišče, Kubed 66A . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Jakomin Tavern , Kubed 3, 6272 Gračišče . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Sočerga Tavern , Sočerga 1, 6272 Gračišče . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Domačija Ražman , Gračišče 1, 6272 Gračišče . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• [dead link] Tavern Oljka , Vanganel 40 . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Konoba Moja , Loka 54, 6275 Črni Kal . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Socerb castle Restaurant , Socerb 7, 6275 Črni Kal . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Restaurant Tenja , Predloka 5, 6275 Črni Kal . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Restaurant and pizzeria na Škofijah , Spodnje Škofije 256, 6281 Škofije . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Baladur tavern , Grintovec 39, 6274 Šmarje . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Trije Lovci Tavern , Srgaši 38, 6274 Šmarje . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Pod Slavnikom Tavern , Podgorje 1, 6216 Podgorje . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Pri Dorici Tavern , Sv. Anton 1, 6276 Pobegi . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Karjola Tavern Marezige , Marezige 24, 6273 Marezige . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• 45.46375 13.8213 19 Gostilna Belvedur , Belvedur 1, 6272 Gračišče , ☏ +386 51 385 607 , +386 5 657 40 22 . regional, often homemade food ( updated Oct 2016 )
• Al mulin , Sermin 19 . ( updated Mar 2017 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 45.549466 13.725459 20 Savor Mediterranian Cuisine and Wine Bar , Kopališko nabrežje 1 ( at Koper city beach ), ☏ +386 5 627 81 78 . 12:00-23:00 . High-end restaurant serving great food and drinks. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 45.541319 13.712883 21 Gostilna "Za gradom" , Kraljeva ulica 10 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 45.547251 13.725777 22 [dead link] Restaurant Capra , Pristaniška ulica 3 . ( updated Feb 2023 )

Drink [ edit ]

In Koper you will find a variety of bars and pubs with a various offer of styles and drinks, bigger and smaller wine cellars with rich local wine offerings.

Bars, pubs and cafes [ edit ]

• Calypso Bar , Pristaniška ulica 3 . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Casa Veneziana , Ribiški trg 9 . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Snack Bar , Istrska cesta 67 . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Triglav Caffe , Pristaniška ulica 5 . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Pastry Kroštola , Kopališko nabrežje 1 . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Kapitanija Caffe , Ukmarjev trg 8 . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Bowling (Disco Planet Tuš) , Ljubljanska cesta . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Loggia Caffe , Titov trg . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Ziraldo Caffe , Bazoviška ulica 21 . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Port Bar , Istrska cesta 67 . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Tea House Vanilla , Pristaniška ulica 3 . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Pub 33 , Ljubljanska cesta 2a . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Pastry Klasika , Obrtniška ulica . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Lord Byron Pub , Repičeva 2 . ( updated Mar 2017 )
• 45.547313 13.729361 1 Bar Cameral , Čevljarska ulica 14 . M-F 07:30-23:00; Sa 09:00-13:00&19:23 . Six draught craft beers plus coffee ( updated Oct 2023 )
• Okusi Istre , Kidričeva ulica 37 . ( updated Mar 2017 )
• Super sok , Pristaniška ulica 2 . ( updated Mar 2017 )

Wine cellars [ edit ]

• 45.548345 13.726662 2 Okusi Istre ( Taste of Istria ), Kidričeva ulica 37 , ☏ +386 40 329 539 . Wine bar and bottle shop selling high-end Istrian wines, olive oils, and other local culinary products. €3-5 per glass . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• Wine cellar Brič , Novi Brič 1, 6274 Šmarje . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Osmica and tourist farm Jakomin , Kubed 3, 6272 Gračišče . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Wine cellar Vinakoper , Šmarska cesta 1 . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Babič Wine cellar , Šalara 59 . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Organic Viticulture Rodica , Truške 1/c, 6273 Marezige . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Wine cellar Oras Jerman , Glem 32, 6273 Marezige . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Wine cellar Krmac and Grbac , Marezige 1/6, 6273 Marezige . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Wine cellar Santomas , Šmarje 10, 6274 Šmarje . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Wine cellar Škrgat , Hrastovlje 49, 6275 Črni Kal . ( updated Aug 2015 )

Sleep [ edit ]

• Dijaški dom Koper , Cankarjeva ulica . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Hostel Museum , Muzejski trg . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Motel Port , Ankaranska cesta 7 . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Hostel Histria , Ulica pri Velikih vratih 17 . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Prenočišča Prisoje , Prisoje 9 . ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Hostel Secret garden , Dimnikarska ulica 6 . Check-out: Before 11:00 . Lovely little hostel of 20 beds spread over four rooms. Well air-conditioned and very clean, but the two bathrooms containing both showers and toilets can cause some queueing in the morning. During high season (1 July - 30 September): €18.73 for a bed in a 4-bed dorm, €16.73 in a 6-bed dorm. During low season (1 October - 30 May): €16.73 and €14.73, respectively . ( updated Jul 2017 )
• 45.547179 13.72606 1 [dead link] Koper Hotel , Pristaniška ulica 3 , ☏ +386 5 610 03 00 . The only hotel in the old city. ( updated Aug 2017 )
• 45.547207 13.738401 2 Garni hotel Pristan , Ferrarska ulica 30 , ☏ +386 5 614 40 00 . ( updated Aug 2017 )
• 45.545672 13.710079 3 Hotel Žusterna , Istrska cesta 76 , ☏ +386 5 610 03 00 . ( updated Aug 2017 )
• 45.543271 13.734148 4 [dead link] Hotel Vodišek , Kolodvorska cesta 2 , ☏ +386 5 639 24 68 . ( updated Aug 2017 )
• 45.532084 13.736472 5 Hotel Bio , Vanganelska cesta 2 , ☏ +386 5 625 88 84 . ( updated Aug 2017 )
• 45.549287 13.734835 6 Apartment & Suites Veneziana , Ribiški trg 9 , ☏ +386 5 626 12 40 . ( updated Aug 2017 )

Go next [ edit ]

The rest of Slovenia's short coastline is easily accessible from Koper. Public bus service is available every 20-30 minutes to:

• Has custom banner
• Has map markers
• Go listing with no coordinates
• Articles with dead external links
• Has mapframe
• Maps with non-default size
• See listing with no coordinates
• Eat listing with no coordinates
• Drink listing with no coordinates
• Sleep listing with no coordinates
• Has Geo parameter
• Coast and Karst
• All destination articles
• Usable cities
• Usable articles
• City articles
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

Must-see attractions in Koper

In the centre of old Koper, Titov trg is a Venetian-influenced stunner; mercifully, like much of the Old Town’s core, it is closed to traffic. On the…

Cathedral of the Assumption

Plumb on Titov trg is the Cathedral of the Assumption and its 36m-tall belfry, now called the City Tower, with 204 climbable stairs to superb views. The…

Praetorian Palace

On the southern side of Titov trg is the white Praetorian Palace, a mixture of Venetian Gothic and Renaissance styles dating from the 15th century and the…

Linked to Titov trg to the east, Trg Brolo is a wide and leafy square of fine old buildings, including the late-18th-century baroque Brutti Palace, now…

Kidričeva Ulica

On the north side of Kidričeva ulica are several churches from the 16th century, including the Church of St Nicholas, plus some restored Venetian houses…

Carpacciov Trg

One of the most colourful streets in Koper, Kidričeva ulica, starts at Carpacciov trg, where the Column of St Justina commemorates Koper’s contribution –…

Prešernov Trg

The 17th-century Italian family who erected the fountain in Prešernov trg was named Da Ponte; thus it is shaped like a bridge (ponte in Italian). At the…

Čevljarska Ulica

Atmospheric Čevljarska ulica, a narrow commercial street for pedestrians, runs south from Titov trg. As you walk under the arch of the Praetorian Palace,…

Almerigogna Palace

At the end of Čevljarska ulica and down the stone steps is the Almerigogna Palace, a painted Venetian Gothic palace (now with a very basic pub on ground…

Belgramoni-Tacco Palace

The Belgramoni-Tacco Palace, dating from the early 17th century, houses the Koper Regional Museum. Not surprisingly given its construction date, there's a…

Plumb on Titov trg is the Cathedral of the Assumption and its 36m-tall belfry, now called the City Tower, with 204 climbable stairs. Tickets are sold at…

Church of St Nicholas

On the north side of Kidričeva ulica there are several disused churches from the 16th century, including the Church of St Nicholas. The exterior is…

Rotunda of John the Baptist

Behind the Cathedral of the Assumption to the north is a circular Romanesque Rotunda of John the Baptist, a baptistery dating from the second half of the…

Brutti Palace

Column of St Justina

The Column of St Justina commemorates Koper's contribution – a galley – to the Battle of Lepanto in which Turkey was defeated by the European powers in…

On the eastern side of Trg Brolo is the Fontico, a granary where the town’s wheat was once stored, with wonderful medallions and reliefs adorning the…

Medieval Town Houses

Opposite the Totto Palace are some wonderful medieval town houses, with protruding upper storeys painted in a checked red, gold and green pattern.

Totto Palace

On the north side of Kidričeva ulica are some restored Venetian houses and the 18th-century baroque Totto Palace, with winged lion relief.

The western edge of Carpacciov trg is marked by the large arched Taverna, a one-time salt warehouse dating from the 15th century.

On the north side of Titov trg is the arcaded Venetian Gothic Loggia built in 1463; attached is the Loggia Gallery.

Vissich-Nardi Palace

On the eastern side of Trg Brolo is the 17th-century Vissich-Nardi Palace containing government offices.

Koper Regional Museum

The 17th-century Belgramoni-Tacco Palace houses the Koper Regional Museum, whose history collection spans prehistory to more recent times. In beautiful…

At the southern end of Prešernov trg is the Muda Gate. Erected in 1516, it's the last of a dozen such entrances to remain standing. On the south side of…

On the western side of Titov trg, the Armoury was a munitions dump four centuries ago. The whitewashed facade is striking, the block-rectangle shape…

Church of St James

Just off Trg Brolo is the disused Church of St James dating to the 14th century.

More destinations you need to see

Koper: Best Things to Do, Places to Eat & Wine Routes

Koper , also known as Capodistria in Italian, stands as a captivating coastal gem nestled within Slovenia’s landscape. Its significance as the nation’s primary port, bustling with cruise ships and colossal container vessels, echoes its dynamic maritime presence, intertwined with a riveting and complex history .

Upon initial impressions, visitors might be deterred by the industrial facade of the harbor, alongside the sprawling presence of modern infrastructure and bustling shopping complexes at the town’s periphery. However, delving deeper into Koper reveals a remarkable contrast . Wander into the labyrinth of narrow cobblestone alleys within the ancient town, and the city’s true essence unfolds. Here lies a picturesque medieval core , adorned with graceful Venetian-style palaces that whisper tales of a bygone era. Amidst these historic treasures, one encounters a diverse culinary scene boasting fine dining establishments and quaint cafes exuding an atmosphere of serenity and charm .

What you will find in this guide to visiting Koper:

Things to know before visiting Koper

Best things to do and see in koper, best things to do and see around koper, best restaurants in koper, how to get to koper.

Koper is the largest coastal city in Slovenia, and behind its sprawling port lies a wonderful medieval old town , reminiscent of the coastal cities of northeastern Italy. This is no coincidence; in fact, the city has long been under Venetian and Italian rule, and most of the buildings in the old town date back to these eras. While it may seem akin to the more famous and bustling Piran , Koper maintains a distinctively authentic and tranquil atmosphere.

Additionally, Koper holds the distinction of being one of the oldest towns in Slovenia . Known as Aegida by the Greeks and later established as a vibrant port settlement named Capris by the Romans, it has seen a rich history of civilizations passing through its gates. Subsequently, it fell under Byzantine influence and later became a vital part of the Venetian Republic , during which it was referred to as Caput Histriae , meaning the Capital of Istria . Hence, the Italian name Capodistria .

From the 13th to the late 18th century, Koper flourished under Venetian rule, emerging as one of the most prosperous towns along the Adriatic coast. During this period, Koper was situated as an island amidst extensive salt flats , fortified by walls and linked to the mainland by a lengthy wooden bridge. Koper ceased to be an island only between the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the Italians discontinued the salt pans, no longer as economically viable as they once were. Post-World War II, the region between Trieste and Koper became a contentious area between Italy and Yugoslavia.

As per the Treaty of Paris , the area was intended to form an independent state known as the Free Territory of Trieste . Although this state never materialized, it resembled the post-war Berlin scenario, divided into sectors among the Allied powers.

Through subsequent agreements, the Free Territory of Trieste , originally divided into Zone A (including Trieste) and Zone B (including Koper), came under Italian and Yugoslav administration, respectively. The definitive annexation of Zone A and Trieste to Italy, and Zone B , encompassing Koper and much of Slovenian Istria, to Yugoslavia, was formalized only in 1975 with the Treaty of Osimo . Koper transitioned to Slovenian control in 1991 following Slovenia’s declaration of independence from Yugoslavia.

Situated approximately ten kilometers from the Italian border, Koper has historically facilitated frequent border crossings between its residents and those of Trieste. Additionally, Koper is among the Slovenian cities where Italian language enjoys official recognition, reflected in bilingual street signs and notices.

While Koper’s beaches may lack the allure of sandy shores, predominantly featuring concrete platforms and pebble stretches, nearby Ankaran (formerly part of the Koper municipality) offers pleasant beaches and picturesque seaside resorts. Exploring the environs of Koper by car reveals well-preserved rural charm and a bounty of gastronomic delights , including wines, oils, truffles, and cheeses. Guided tours departing from Koper offer excellent opportunities to delve into the culinary wonders of the region.

Koper Old Town can be easily visited on foot in a couple of hours, starting from the marina and walking along Kidričeva ulica to Tito Square (Titov trg) . Most of the Venetian period attractions are located here, in what was once the beating heart of the city. It is worth getting lost in the maze of surrounding alleys to discover peaceful monasteries, craft shops, and beautiful buildings.

In particular, just a few steps from Tito Square, it is worth taking a look at Trg Brolo (Brolo Square) , where there is the beautiful 17th-century Vissich-Nardi Palace , which houses government offices and the Fontico , an ancient granary from the Venetian era, with a facade rich in reliefs. In the square, there is also the small Church of St. James , dating from the 14th century, now home to a wind band, and just behind it is one of the most famous concert halls in Koper.

After visiting the impressive Cathedral of the Assumption , take Čevljarska ulica , the alley to the left of the Praetorian Palace , and continue until you exit the old town, to see the beautiful Da Ponte Fountain (Pontejev vodnjak) , a fountain erected in the 17th century by an Italian noble family in Prešernov Trg . Right in front is the Muda Gate (Vrata Muda) , dating back to the early 1500s, the only preserved ancient city gate.

Carpacciov Trg

The first square you come across walking from the marina towards Kidričeva ulica , the main street of Koper Old Town , is Carpacciov Trg , easily recognizable by the large arched Taverna , a kind of portico that is actually a one-time salt warehouse dating from the 15th century, when Koper owed much of its wealth to the abundant production of its salt pans.

In the center of Carpacciov Trg you can see the Column of St Justina , which celebrates the contribution of the city of Koper to the massive and glorious Battle of Lepanto of 1571, the largest naval battle in modern history, which saw the defeat of the Ottoman Muslims by the Christian coalition (the Holy League). Right next to it there is an ancient well from the Roman era, which today serves as a fountain.

Kidričeva Ulica

The beautiful Kidričeva Ulica is the road from the marina to Tito Square, lined with colorful town houses and some of the most beautiful buildings in Koper.

On the facade of the 18th-century baroque Totto ex Gavardo Palace you can see the Venetian winged lion, which once stood on the facade of the Lion Castle , the ancient 13th-century Venetian castle demolished by the Austrians in the 19th century. Unfortunately, the Totto Palace is abandoned and in poor condition.

Just in front of the Totto Palace are a couple of beautiful authentic medieval town houses with colorful checkered painted facades. One of the most beautiful palaces along Kidričeva ulica houses the interesting Regional Museum of Koper , which boasts a rich collection of artifacts, weapons and artworks and provides good insight into the local history and culture.

Along Kidričeva ulica there are also several churches from the 16th century. Peek behind the window grates of the Church of St Nicholas (Cerkev sv. Nikolaja) to see an ancient, decadent and atmospheric church once frequented by Venetian merchants and sailors.

Tito Square (Titov Trg)

At the end of Kidričeva Ulica you will arrive at Tito Square , the real heart of Koper. The square is dominated by the majestic Cathedral of the Assumption and its belfry, the beautiful Praetorian Palace , once the seat of the Venetian governor, the arcaded Venetian Gothic Loggia and the Armory , which now houses the University. Behind the Armory is the Foresterija (a kind of inn from ancient times), today also part of the University.

The Venetian Gothic Loggia , built in 1463, houses an art gallery and a cafe. Just behind the Cathedral you can take a peek at the Romanesque Rotunda of John the Baptist (Rotunda svetega Janeza Krstnika) , an ancient 12th century baptistery.

Cathedral of the Assumption

Koper’s Cathedral of the Assumption dates from the mid-1700s, built in a mixture of Gothic and Romanesque styles, with an impressive 36m-tall belfry.

If you feel like it, you can climb the 204 stairs to the top of the belfry, also called the City Tower , to enjoy the view over the rooftops of the city. Otherwise you can simply take a look at the cathedral’s austere interior.

Praetorian Palace

The symbol of the town of Koper is its Praetorian Palace , once the seat of the Venetian governor who administered the entire region. This marvelous palace, built in the 15th century in a mixture of Venetian Gothic and Renaissance styles, is the real highlight of Koper and one of the few fully restored Venetian buildings in the city.

Today it houses the town hall and the tourist office which organizes interesting guided tours of the palace. Visiting the austere interiors of the Praetorian Palace you will be able to see the city council meeting chamber , an old pharmacy and the ceremonial hall used for weddings and conferences, as well as learn more about local history.

The Koper Old Town may surprise you with its beautiful medieval Venetian buildings, but if you have a car you should definitely not miss its surroundings , full of old picturesque villages , old churches, farms and wonderful valleys.

Excellent gastronomic tours depart from Koper to discover the delicious local specialties , including the prized Istrian White Truffle . Furthermore, from Koper you can easily reach the very famous Postojna Caves , or the equally wonderful Škocjan Caves (UNESCO).

If you don’t have a car you could rent one in Koper or in one of the main cities on the coast. It is advisable to book (especially in summer) well in advance on reliable websites such as Rentalcars or Discovercars , which offer the best car rentals at the best price.

Otherwise there are convenient day tours that allow you to easily and comfortably visit the main attractions in the area:

• Day trip from Koper to the surrounding ancient villages and castles
• Day trip from Koper to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle
• Day trip from Koper to the Škocjan Caves and the 400-year-old Lipica Horse Farm
• Day trip from Koper to Lake Bled and Ljubljana

Here are some of the best places to see for your road trip around Koper:

Church of the Holy Trinity in Hrastovlje

The tiny village of Hrastovlje , located 20 km east of Koper, is famous for its wonderful fortified church dedicated to the Holy Trinity (Sveta Trojica) .

The fortified church dates from the 12th century, and is one of the many tabor (fortified churches) in the area. The fortifications, added in the 15th century to protect the churches from the frequent devastating attacks of the Ottomans, make it look more like a castle than a church.

If the view from the outside is decidedly suggestive, enter the church to admire the amazing entirely frescoed interior. Among the wonderful frescoes of the 15th century , the famous Dance of Death (Danza Macabra) stands out, which depicts eleven people and as many skeletons that carry them to the afterlife, symbolizing the equality of all in the face of death.

Note the inscriptions on the walls, in the Old Glagolitic alphabet , the oldest known Slavic alphabet.

The Church of the Holy Trinity in Hrastovlje is recognized as one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe.

The charming little village of Abitanti and the excellent Istrian wineries

After visiting the beautiful church of Hrastovlje, you may want to head to the mountains on the border with Croatia, to have a look at the tiny village of Abitanti .

This old rural village is partly deserted, with just a handful of old stone houses and a dozen residents. But it is one of the best opportunities to see an authentic old Istrian village , which keeps its old charm intact.

The surrounding area offers excellent opportunities for hiking, climbing and visits to the excellent vineyards of the area, where the excellent Refošk , a strong and tannic ancient local wine is produced.

On the way back to Koper you could stop and taste the delicious local cuisine in one of the good restaurants in the area. Of note are the Gostilna Karjola , located in the village of Marezige , a stone’s throw from the famous Vinska Fontana Marezige , an elegant winery serving good local wines on a nice terrace overlooking the valley.

Gostilna Nimis Vanganel , located in the village of Vanganel , is also very good. The nearby and more modest Gostilna Oljka Vanganel is also worth a try, serving excellent and abundant local specialties. Try the delicious Istrian Ombolo (pork tenderloin wrapped in bread) with truffle sauce!

In Koper you will find a good choice of restaurants and taverns serving good local specialties and excellent wines from the region.

One of my favorite places is Fritolin , located next to the outdoor fresh-food market , a stone’s throw from the marina and the beautiful waterfront park, the perfect place to enjoy some excellent freshly fried fish.

Fritolin is a tiny kiosk serving excellent fresh fish, mainly mixed fried seafood, fried or grilled squid, sardines and portions of octopus salad and other local specialties. The prices are cheap and the quality is excellent. There are a couple of tables just outside the venue.

The market area offers several cheap eating spots , otherwise within walking distance is Sarajevo ’84 , a rather popular place serving arguably the best ćevapčići in Koper and good old-fashioned Bosnian cuisine. They also have another location on the opposite side of the old town.

Among the restaurants in Koper it is worth trying Istrska Klet Slavček , an old-fashioned family-run tavern that has been serving good local homemade specialties for over 30 years. Excellent local wine, served directly from the barrel.

For a gourmet dinner try the Capra Restaurant , located just in front of the marina, which serves excellent and creative seafood specialties, pasta, salads and good desserts in an elegant setting with a very cool presentation.

Koper is well connected to Trieste (Italy) and Ljubljana . From Trieste to Koper it is about 30 minutes by car, while from Koper to Ljubljana it is about 80 minutes by car.

There are local buses connecting Koper to major cities on the Slovenian coast, such as Piran , Portoroz and Izola . They are operated by the local company Arriva and there is a handy stop just near the market on Piranška ulica.

The bus station for major national and international destinations is located adjacent to the train station, 1.5km southeast of the Old Town on Kolodvorska cesta. There are direct bus connections with Ljubljana , Trieste , Venice and other cities in northern Italy, as well as connections with Zagreb and other main cities in Croatia and Bosnia. You can check prices and bus timetables on the FLIXBUS website.

Alternatively you can take a bus to Trieste, from where buses leave for all major European destinations.

BALKANS ON THE ROAD

Discover the Balkans like a Local

Hello! I'm Mirko, a journalist and independent researcher who has lived and traveled extensively throughout the Balkans, from the bustling main cities to the most remote and authentically charming corners. I created this blog for travelers eager to discover the wonders of this region and delve deeply into its diverse countries and cultures. Here, you will find genuine advice from locals, inspiration, and comprehensive travel guides crafted in collaboration with residents. The goal is to help you travel like a local, uncovering the best of the Balkans in a conscious and ethical manner.

• X (Twitter)

Koper, Slovenia: Travel Guide & Things to Do!

Koper, slovenia: travel guide & things to do.

The city of Koper is a real gem in Slovenia and a visit to this charming metropolis is a real highlight on the Adriatic Sea. Located on the famous Slovenian coast, the commercial metropolis is a popular destination for excursions or short breaks. Especially the many amazing things to do in Koper, such as visiting the enchanting old town, the impressive harbor and the fantastic promenade, make this Slovenian coastal city so special! The flagship and landmark is the fascinating Tito Square , the beautiful main square with numerous historical attractions. Furthermore, there are also several beautiful beaches in and around the coastal city that guarantee unforgettable summer days. But what are the highlights of Koper, what are the real insider tips, and what are the best places to stay?

In this travel guide, you will find all the important information and tips about Koper in Slovenia. We also show you some great pictures, the best things to do and see in Koper, and inform you about the best accommodations.

Good to know!

If you are still looking for a special place to stay in Koper, we can recommend the magnificent Hotel Grand Koper , right on the charming harbor in the old town.

A unique attraction of Koper is the 37-kilometer cycle path . It runs along the coast on the former railway line all the way to Izola and on to Portorož .

There are some great opportunities for going swimming in the city, but also in the surrounding area. Here you can find the most wonderful beaches in Koper at a glance.

There are many possibilities for excursions and day trips from Koper, including to Piran , Lipica and Postojna . You can also find guided tours on GetYourGuide.

General Information about Koper

The city of Koper , known in Italian as Capodistria and in German as Gafers, has a population of about 26,000 and is located in the north of the Slovenian Riviera. It is located about 106 kilometers from Ljubljana , 22 kilometers from Trieste and 16 kilometers from the popular resort town of Portoroz. The history of Koper dates back to Roman times, when the city was known by various names such as Aegida and Capris. In addition, the port metropolis belonged to the Republic of Venice from 1278, so you can enjoy an incredible Venetian charm while sightseeing. Today, Koper is the largest port city in Slovenia and an important industrial center in the region. Since 2003, it is also a well-known student city, which gives the city a youthful flair and hip lifestyle.

Koper is truly beautiful, and there are many places of interest and attractions to visit during a sightseeing tour of the city. The medieval streets of the Old Town, the 13th century Praetorian Palace and the 12th century Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary are particularly worthy of mention. The charming fishing harbor and the splendid seafront promenade are also well worth a visit. During the summer there are many cultural events and there is a great regional museum that reflects the cultural and historical heritage. You can also enjoy really beautiful beaches in the city and its surroundings, and Koper’s location in Slovenian Istria makes it an ideal starting point for excursions along the coast and inland.

Best Things to Do in Koper

When traveling to Koper, you can look forward to a number of attractions worth seeing . Most of them are located in the Old Town and can be explored on a walking tour. To help you keep track, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Koper:

Praetorian Palace & Tito Square

The Praetorian Palace is one of the most famous attractions in town, and a visit is definitely one of the best things to do in Koper. The imposing building is located on the picturesque Tito Square in the heart of the Old Town and today houses the City Hall and the city’s Tourist Information Center. This historic landmark was built in the 13th century and has been renovated several times over the centuries. Truly characteristic is the Venetian architecture of the Praetorian Palace, which reflects the period with a beautiful open staircase, numerous decorations, battlements and arched windows. In the center of the palace, you can also discover the winged lion of St. Mark, once the symbol of the Republic of Venice.

Tip : If you are interested, it is also possible to visit the inside of the Praetorian Palace. Guided tours of the palace are offered several times a day.

Koper Cathedral

The Koper Cathedral , also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, is a historical highlight and certainly, one of the most famous places to visit in the Old Town. Built in the 12th century, the current building dates back to the 15th century. This imposing church combines different architectural styles, such as Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, due to the numerous renovations over the centuries. The interior of the church is also worth seeing, with many valuable paintings. An insider’s tip is to climb to the top of the 54-meter bell tower , from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of Koper.

Tip : If you want to stay in the center of town, there are some charming places to stay close to Tito’s Square, such as the beautiful Apartment del Bello Koper .

The Taverna

Originally built in the 17th century as a salt warehouse, the Taverna is an impressive building in Koper. Its history can be traced back to the production of salt in the area around Koper, which was promoted under the former rule of the Venetians. This interesting sight is located in the beautiful Piazza Carpaccio, next to the old city walls and only a few steps away from the picturesque promenade. Thanks to its historical charm, this former salt warehouse is now a popular venue in the port city. Especially during the summer months, numerous cultural events take place under the round arches.

Koper Promenade

The picturesque Koper Promenade is definitely one of the highlights of this port city. This beautiful, relatively new promenade stretches for several kilometers from the city center to the neighboring town of Izola. Here you can take picturesque walks or bike rides with magnificent views of Koper. There are also many beautiful sights and pleasant places to stop along the way. The city park “Centralni Mestni Park”, which was just opened in 2018, and the picturesque Zusterna Beach , which invites you to sunbathe, relax and swim in its pebble bays, are really charming.

Tip : A visit to the promenade in the evening is highly recommended, as you will be able to experience some fantastic sunsets from there.

Žusterna Beach

The Žusterna beach is a great tip for relaxing days of swimming in Koper. Several beautiful pebble coves with the most gorgeous turquoise sea colors and a magnificent view of Koper make this beach one of the most popular in the port city. The green lawns with small trees are unique and perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. This charming, beautifully landscaped coastal strip is part of the Žusterna City Coastal Park, a local recreational center for cycling , jogging , walking , swimming and relaxing. This green oasis is located on the picturesque promenade and can be reached on foot in about 10 minutes from the city center.

Tip : Directly behind the beach, there is a large parking lot with a large number of paid parking spaces. It is perfect for those who prefer to come here by car.

Loggia Palace

A beautiful attraction in the very center of Koper is the Loggia Palace , which is also known as the Palazzo della Loggia. This Venetian-Gothic building is located on the Tito Square in the Old Town and can be easily visited during a sightseeing tour. The oldest part of the current building dates back to 1462, although the Loggia has been extended and renovated several times over the years. Interesting are the coats of arms on the façade, which were added after the outbreak of the plague in Koper in 1553-1555. In addition, a terracotta statue of the Madonna and Child was placed in a niche above the left corner pillar.

Tip : We recommend a visit to the coffee house on the first floor of the Loggia Palace. It was opened in the 19th century and is considered one of the oldest in Slovenia.

Vrata Muda Town Gate

The Vrata Muda Town Gate , also known as the Muda Gate, is located in the historical center of the city and is part of the well-preserved city walls. It is one of the most important historical monuments in Koper and a visit to it is a must on any tour of the city. The Muda Gate was built in 1516 in the Renaissance style and was the main gate to Koper at that time. At that time, the fortified town was located on an island and could only be reached via a bridge. The coats of arms on the gate are also interesting, especially the sun, which still adorns the logo of the city of Koper. In addition to the imposing main gate, there is also a smaller additional gate that provides access to the city center.

Carpaccio Square

The Carpaccio Square , known in Slovenian as Carpacciov trg, is one of the most beautiful squares in Koper and one of its most famous attractions. This picturesque square is a place right out of a picture book. Colorful houses, romantic restaurants and cafés , as well as the old salt warehouse “Taverna” create an incredibly beautiful setting. The square owes its name to the famous Venetian painter Vittore Carpaccio, whose house was located here. Also worth seeing is the mid-15th century fountain, originally from Venice, which was installed in Piazza Carpaccio in 1935. The beautiful Justina Column dating from 1572 is also interesting.

Tip : Right next to Piazza Carpaccio is the popular Hotel Grand Koper . It is a fantastic 5-star hotel for a very special vacation.

Da Ponte Fountain

The Da Ponte Fountain is certainly one of the most beautiful historical monuments in the Old Town, and a visit is one of the best things to do in Koper. Built in 1666 by the Venetian architect Antionio da Ponte, it is now one of the most impressive attractions in the old town. The centuries-old fountain consists of an octagonal basin with an arch representing a symbolic bridge. The artistic decorations with pyramids, coats of arms and stone faces are also worth seeing. At that time, it supplied the city with drinking water and was used until 1898. Today, the fountain is one of the most photographed sights in the center.

Koper City Beach

The Koper City Beach , also known as Mokra Macka or Mestna Plaza, is a real highlight in the center of the port city. This free public beach is located on the promenade, just a few steps away from the large port and the old town . It even carries the Blue Flag, a sign of the best water quality, cleanliness and facilities. What’s more, this bay has a really charming design and there is always a lively holiday atmosphere, especially in the summer months. There are shady spots under the trees, a green lawn for sunbathing, a playground, beach umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, and free toilets.

Tip : We also recommend visiting the cozy café on the city beach, from whose terrace you can enjoy a beautiful view of the sea and the Koper port.

Koper Regional Museum

The Regional Museum of Koper is definitely one of the museums in Koper that is worth seeing, and especially history buffs and art lovers will enjoy the extensive exhibition. It is housed in a Venetian building from the 17th century, one of the most beautiful Baroque-Mannerist palaces in the city center. A visit here will give you an interesting insight into the splendor of the Koper Renaissance and the Venetian period. There are also prehistoric artifacts on display and an idyllic museum garden with a lapidarium.

Škocjanski zatok Nature Reserve

The Škocjanski zatok Nature Reserve is located just a few kilometers outside of the Old Town and is an insider’s tip for anyone who wants to do something outdoors in Koper. There is a beautiful 2-kilometer walk around this wetland, with several stops and viewpoints for birdwatching. As many as 259 different bird species have their habitat here, right next to the industrial city. You will also have the opportunity to see the old Istrian cattle and Camargue horses that are kept in the green pastures of the nature reserve.

Tip : Entrance to the Škocjanski zatok nature reserve is free. There is also a free parking lot right in front of the main entrance to the park.

Port of Koper & Belvedere Viewpoint

The Port of Koper is the only international seaport in Slovenia and one of the highlights of this coastal metropolis. It plays a crucial role in the Slovenian economy and trade. More than 1900 ships call at the port every year, including huge freighters and some cruise ships. If you want to see the hustle and bustle of the port of Koper, the best place to visit is the Belvedere viewpoint . It is located between the Old Town and the port and is easily accessible on foot from the city center. From the platform you have an excellent view of the large ships moored in the port area. It is also interesting to visit in the evening when the port is illuminated.

The Best Excursions from Koper

During your vacation, you have the opportunity to make many exciting trips from Koper , as there are many beautiful sights in the area. Here are the absolute best destinations and attractions that you can visit near Koper:

The famous towns of Izola , Strunjan , Portoroz and Trieste are well worth a visit near Koper. Especially the charming town of Piran is not to be missed!

The hinterland of Koper is also worth a trip. Hrastovlje with the Church of the Holy Trinity and Socerb Castle overlooking the sea are truly recommended.

The Postojna Caves , a huge stalactite and stalagmite cave, and the imposing Predjama Cave Castle are also worth a day trip.

Another insider’s tip is to take a trip to Lipica , a large stud farm with Lipizzaner horses. You can watch the horses in the fields and take part in a guided tour of the stables.

Where to Stay in Koper

Koper is a popular stop on round trips along the Slovenian coast, and the port city is home to some excellent accommodations . From beautiful hotels on the promenade to great apartments and guesthouses, it’s all here. If you are looking for recommended places to stay in Koper, we can give you these recommendations… It’s worth a look!

• Fantastic 5-Star Hotel : The Hotel Grand Koper is a charming 5-star hotel right on the promenade. The breakfast is fantastic, as well as the location of the hotel.
• Modern Apartment : The Koper Seaside Residence is a large apartment located in the center of Koper with a beautiful view of the city.
• Fantastic Holiday Flats : The VILA MOLET KOPER is located just outside the town and offers fantastic apartments with spectacular views of the sea and Koper.
• Apartment in the Old Town : The Apartment del Bello Koper  is a great choice, especially if you want to stay right in the beautiful city center of Koper.

Find the best accommodation in Koper:

More about slovenia:, top 20 amazing things to do in slovenia, the 10 best beaches in slovenia, 10 unique things to do in lake bled (slovenia), top 15 amazing things to do in maribor (slovenia), soca valley in slovenia: the 15 best places to visit.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. Meaning that if you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Comments are closed.

• Hvar Island
• Brac Island
• Korcula Island
• Split Beaches
• Zadar Beaches
• Dubrovnik Beaches
• Pula Beaches
• Rovinj Beaches
• Krk Beaches
• Brac Beaches
• Hvar Beaches
• Istria Beaches
• Makarska Beaches
• Korcula Beaches
• Cities in Croatia
• Krabi Beaches
• Where to Stay in Krabi
• Koh Samui Beaches
• Where to Stay in Koh Samui
• Koh Phangan
• Trang Island
• Thailand Island Hopping
• Val d’Orcia
• San Gimignano
• Montepulciano
• Soca Valley
• Beaches in Slovenia
• Czech Republic
• Round trips
• Travel Resources
• Boutique Hotels
• Paris Boutique Hotels
• Budapest Boutique Hotels
• Vienna Boutique Hotels
• Rome Boutique Hotels
• Lisbon Boutique Hotels
• Athens Boutique Hotels
• Prague Boutique Hotels
• Madrid Boutique Hotels
• Florence Boutique Hotels

11 Best Things to Do in Koper

It is often forgotten that Slovenia has a coastline. Tucked between Italy and Croatia and part of the Istrian Peninsula is where you will find Koper, Izola, Piran , Portorož, and some smaller towns between. There are endless things to do in Koper and surrounding areas, perfect for a beach city break, day trip, and especially for food.

Koper (Capodistria) is the largest coastal city with a population of 25,000. It has a Medieval core that was once an island. Today it is an important port moving goods and people in and out of Slovenia. This region uses both Slovenian and Italian as their official languages so signs, menus, etc are presented in both.

Wandering the old town will only take a few hours so you can pair Koper with another nearby activity.

More things to do in Primorska (this region of Slovenia)

• 11 Amazing Things to Do in Western Slovenia 
• The Perfect Day Trip to the Slovenian Coast
• The Ultimate Slovenia Itinerary Planner

Table of Contents

History of Koper

Settlements have been in present-day Koper since 3 BC when it was an island. Known as Aegida to ancient Greeks, Capris to the Romans, and Justinpolis to the Byzantines. It became the capital of Istria in the 13th century, hence the name Capodistria (capital of Istria in Italian).

The photo below shows the old coastline in red and the islands are outlined in blue.

Koper was part of the Venetian republic for centuries and this is reflected heavily in the architecture, as a Medieval Venetian style town. It was once a walled island with one bridge connecting it to the mainland.

Between the 1800s until WWII, Koper had a bit of a dark period. The city was changing ownership frequently, they stopped developing and maintaining it as before. The salt pans that existed between the island of Koper and the mainland were drained and Koper was no longer an island.

[irp posts=”2930″ name=”20 Beautiful Day Trips from Ljubljana”]

After WWII, Koper was part of the Free Trieste Territory with Trieste. This territory was split. Trieste became part of Italy and Koper went to Yugoslavia, present-day Slovenia. Most of the Italian-speaking population fled to Trieste. This decision is still contested today and can be a controversial topic if discussed with locals.

Things to Do in Koper

Walk through the muda gate.

Muda Gate ( Vrata muda ) is the main gate to the city of Koper. In the past, there were once 12 gates but today only one remains . This gate is especially significant because Koper used to be an island and here is where the bridge was located. Built by the Venetians in 1516 along with a fortress that was destroyed in 1820 by the Austrian army.

Just through the Muda Gate is Prešernov trg. Here you can see a bronze statue of the town on the ground and Da Ponte Fountain ( Da Pontejev vodnjak ). The fountain once served as a subaquatic aqueduct to move potable water to the island of Koper in the 14th century. Modern archaeologists have excavated wooden underwater tubes that were originally used. The fountain has since been renovated.

Play the Tale of the Mysterious Ship

Mini Adventures, a Slovenian-based company, created a fun scavenger-style game that can be played while sightseeing in Koper. You can read my full review and experiences with the game and order yours for your next visit!

Wander Tito Square

Tito Square ( Titov Trg )  is probably the highlight of Koper. What was once the center of the city, when it was an island, is surrounded by truly stunning architecture. Venetian-influenced with touches of Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque features. Lining the square you will find five major points of sightseeing.

Cathedral of the Assumption

• The Bell Tower

Praetorian Palace

Armory and foresteria palace.

The Cathedral of the Assumption ( Stolnica Marijinega Vnebovzetja ) an 18th-century church with a Gothic exterior and contrasting Baroque and Rococo decor inside. Next to the cathedral is the Bell Tower ( Mestni stolp ), and you can climb the 204 stairs for a beautiful view of Koper . Hours typically run mornings and afternoons. Tickets are 3 Euros for adults 2 Euros for children. The tower is said to have one of the oldest bells in Slovenia (1333).

A 15th-century Venetian Gothic palace dominates Titos Square called Praetorian Palace ( Pretorska plača ). It was once the home of Koper’s mayor, appointed by the doge in Venice . Today it serves as the city hall, tourist information center, and a reconstructed pharmacy.

Loggia Palace

Loggia Palace ( Loža ) Venetian Gothic palace, which appears to be inspired by the Doges Palace exterior in Venice, was built in 1462. Additions were completed in the 16th and 17th centuries to add a second floor and embellishments on the facade. A once-popular place for artists now houses a cafe on the ground floor and art gallery on the second.

The Armory served as weapons storage until 1550 and the Foresteria Palace accommodated guests of the Podestà of Koper (high ranking officials of Italian cities in the Middle Ages). They were connected in the 18th century and now serve as the Rector’s office of the University of Primorska and the library of the Faculty of Humanities.

Take a Dip at the Beach

Between the pier and marina is a pebble and grass beach open daily from 8 am until 8 pm from May until September. It has toilets, showers, and a bar.

Wander through Medieval streets

Kidričeva ulica is where you will find a few 16th-century churches, 18th-century Totto Palace, and Venetian style houses. The houses, while overdue for renovations have colorful motifs and protruding second floors being held up by wooden pillars.

Čevljarska ulica translates to Shoemaker Street alluding to the profession practiced on this very street for centuries. Today is a beautiful narrow street with a collection of features of Koper’s past. Walking down it feels like being transported to the past.

Photograph Carpacciov Trg

Just before the marina is Carpacciov Trg. It was named for Vittore Carpaccio, a Venetian painter. One side of it is brightly colored buildings and the Carpaccio House. The opposite side is the Taverna, an old salt storehouse for the Venetians. Today it is an event space although when I visited there were kids enjoying the space for their scooters because of the shade. An interesting thing I learned while researching Koper is that the fountain in Carpacciov trg was brought from Venice . It was made in the mid-15th century but wasn’t moved to Koper until 1935.

Take a Panoramic Bike Tour Along the Parenzana

The Parenzana ( Porečanka ) is a now-defunct railway that ran from Trieste, Italy to Poreč, Croatia. You can take a four-hour bike tour that begins in Koper and will take you to Piran, Strunjan Salt fields, and Portorož. Check availability here .

How to get to Koper

By car : From Ljubljana, the drive is around one hour and 15 minutes. Parking is available around the edges of the old center but no driving is allowed inside. Find parking lots here .

By bus : Nomago runs routes from Ljubljana to Koper Banka (just outside Muda Gate) and it takes 2 – 2.5 hours. Check timetables and ticket prices here .

Arriva runs routes from Ljubljana to Koper Tržnica (the market) and it takes 1.5 hours. Check timetables and ticket prices here.

Arriva also runs routes between Ankaran, Izola, Strunjan, Portorož, and Piran. The Slovenian coast is only 46.6km long so you could wander the whole riviera in a few days.

By train : From Ljubljana, there are several trains a day to Koper. The route is between 2 and 2.5 hours long. Check here for the timetable and prices.

Where to Stay in Koper

Historical | B&B Veneziana Suites & Spa is set in a historical building from the 14th century. It is perfectly located in the center of Koper and has all of the amenities you would need in addition to spa treatments. Read Reviews | Book Now

Affordable | Secret Garden is a hostel found in the old town of Koper. Less than 1 kilometer from the beach. They have mixed dorm rooms with a shared bathroom starting around €16 a night. Read Reviews | Book Now

Local | Houses of Slovenia Istria is located a 30-minute drive inland in a small town called Truške. They have a few options for accommodation but they are known for their tiny houses. The houses are without water, electricity, or bathroom (it is just outside), but they are on a beautiful farm that makes olive oil, wine, and more. Read Reviews | Book Now

Day Trips from Koper

If you are choosing to use Koper as your base there are some amazing day trips. The advantage of its location makes it a great place to explore not only Slovenia but also Italy and Croatia.

Piran – One of my personal favorites in Slovenia is Piran. Known for its beautiful Venetian architecture, famed Tartini Square, and old city walls.

Trieste – Wanting a bit of an Italian holiday? Then head over to Trieste to explore this beautiful city along with my personal favorite, Miramare Castle.

Western Slovenia – 11 amazing activities that you can experience while in Primorska such as wine tasting, adventure sports, incredible hikes, and unbelievable food.

Istrian Food Tour – An all-day Istrian food tour that starts in Koper and heads right into Croatia to stop in Hum, Motovun, and Groznjan. Note that if you do this tour that you have your documents and check visa requirements. Croatia is outside of the Schengen Zone.

Postonja Cave and Predjama Castle – This day trip will take you from Koper to visit the famous Postonja Cave where currently they have baby olms on display. The second part of the trip is to Predjama Castle, a famous castle built into the front of a cave.

Save this article for later

Save this article to Pinterest to share with friends and bookmark for later use.

Hvala + Grazie

Thank you for taking the time to read this guide of things to do in Koper. If you will need any assistance booking any activities listed here please feel free to reach out.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Privacy Overview

TRAVELSLOVENIA.ORG – All You Need To Know To Visit Slovenia

30 beautiful koper photos that will inspire you to visit slovenia, about koper, slovenia.

Koper or Capodistria as it is called in Italian is a lovely historical coastal town located at the northern end of Slovenia’s short stretch of coastline, only 5 kilometres (3 miles) from the Italian border. It’s a unique mix of a genuine Venetian old town center and a modern part of the city. The picturesque Old Town invites for strolling through narrow alleys with beautiful architecture and lovely small restaurants, cafés, bars, antique shops and art galleries.

Koper is officially bilingual, speaking both Slovene and Italian. It has about 24,000 residents and is Slovenia’s sixth-largest city. It is some 105 kilometres (65 miles) southwest of Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana.

Koper Photo Gallery

A beautiful picture gallery containing 20 high resolution Koper photos, taken either by professional photographers or amateur photo enthusiasts!

Share this:

Leave a reply cancel reply, privacy overview.

The Perfect One-Week Slovenia Road Trip

T here is perhaps no other country in Europe that is both exquisitely beautiful and budget-friendly for travelers as Slovenia. One of the most underrated destinations on the continent, there is so much to explore on a Slovenia road trip.

And while you could easily spend a week relaxing and gazing at the calm waters of Lake Bled, we’ve put together the perfect one-week Slovenia itinerary that hits the highlights of the country in a brief time.

This Slovenia road trip will take you from coastal communities and fairytale cities to pristine lakes, captivating caves, and ancient castles – all in a one-week Slovenia itinerary.

Our Slovenia road trip experience

We spent one week in Slovenia as part of a longer trip that included visits to Salzburg, Austria and Munich Germany . For us, it was love at first sight of the country’s natural beauty and majestic landscapes. 

Our Slovenia road trip itinerary took us to some of the most beautiful places in Slovenia but still left us yearning to return and explore more. In our experience, Slovenia is the most underrated country we’ve ever visited, and this Slovenia itinerary will likely have you feeling the same.

Getting around Slovenia

The easiest way to get around Slovenia is by car.

While there is rail service in Slovenia, it is limited. And if you try to travel around the country by train alone, you will miss out on so many of the country’s natural attractions that are only accessible on a Slovenia road trip. 

For this reason, you will want to rent a car and drive. We always book rental cars through DiscoverCars , so we can compare prices from different rental car companies and book the one that best suits our needs and budget.

Roads in Slovenia are well maintained, drivers are courteous, and driving in the country, even in remote areas, seems very safe. 

Also read: Europe road trip tips

Slovenia Road Trip Highlights

Now that we’ve covered how to get around on this Slovenia itinerary, here are a few highlights of this Slovenia road trip.

• Vintgar Gorge 
• Lake Bohinj
• Triglav National Park 
• Piran and Koper
• Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave 

Slovenia Road Trip Map and Route

Each day of this slovenia itinerary .

You’ll likely want to start and end your Slovenia road trip in the capital city of Ljubljana. If you have more than just one week in Slovenia, you could tack on an extra day or two exploring the capital city further or take a couple more day trips from Ljubljana. 

From Ljubljana you can easily take a train or flight to another destination for onward travel or head home after your trip with wonderful memories of your one week in Slovenia. 

Slovenia Day 1 – Ljubljana 

Your first day in Slovenia can either be the day you arrive in Ljubljana or the day after depending on your travel style and arrival time.

If you arrive in the late afternoon, evening, or night, catch up on sleep, get over jet lag, which is especially important if traveling with young kids , and relax.

However, if you arrive in the morning hours and prefer to hit the ground running, spend your first day in Slovenia getting acquainted with the capital city. Walk along the river, find all of the famous bridges in Ljubljana and then enjoy the atmosphere and a meal at an outdoor patio, if the weather is nice.

There are a lot of fun things to do in Ljubljana , but one of the best activities is simply enjoying the atmosphere along the river and wandering through the Old Town district. 

Slovenia Day 2 – Ljubljana 

Start your day in Ljubljana by heading to Ljubljana Castle . The ancient landmark perched upon a hill overlooking the city is a must visit in Ljubljana. 

Spend a couple hours exploring the castle-turned-museum and then head to the Metelkova Art Center for a look at the quirkier side of the fairy tale city.

This small corner of the city is actually an autonomous or self-governed community located near the Ljubljana main train station. It is covered in graffiti and street art from top to bottom and has become a haven for the artistic, creative, and societal non-conformists. 

If you prefer to skip Metelkova Art Center, head to Tivoli Park or check out one of Ljubljana’s intriguing museums. Whether you are interested in art, history, or looking for a fun museum for kids, Ljubljana has something for everyone. 

• Where to stay in Ljubljana: Hotel Emonec
• Alternative hotel: Grand Hotel Union Eurostars

Slovenia Day 3 – Lake Bled 

On the third day of your road trip in Slovenia, head to the beautiful lakeside community of Bled. Known for its turquoise water, picturesque little island church, and castle on a cliff, Lake Bled is perhaps the most popular place to visit in Slovenia. 

Because of its popularity, Lake Bled is teeming with things to do . Approximately an hour from Ljubljana, Lake Bled is often done as a day trip. But we recommend spending a night here if you are going on a Slovenia road trip. 

After arriving in Lake Bled, start off by walking around the lake. About halfway around, rent a canoe on the west side of the lake and paddle out to Bled Island . The small island is home to one of the most famous churches in Europe , the Assumption of Maria Church. 

After your adventurous, albeit serene boat trip, continue your leisurely stroll around the lake. The loop around the lake, while mostly flat, is approximately 4 miles. So be sure to bring a good pair of walking shoes.

When you are almost back to the east side of the lake you can either home to Bled Castle or drive up to it. While the museum at the castle is not the most impressive, the views from the castle are worth the entrance fee!

If you have kids, you may also want to include an hour or so at the Adventure Park and an exhilarating ride down the mountain toboggan. 

• Where to stay in Lake Bled:  Hotel Park 
• Alternative hotel: Hotel Lovec

Slovenia Day 4 – Vintgar Gorge and Lake Bohinj 

On day four of your Slovenia road trip, head directly to Vintgar Gorge to start your day off with some beautiful scenery, fresh air, and exercise. This hike, just a few kilometers outside of Lake Bled, is breathtaking, yet surprisingly easy.

You can do a round-trip hike through the gorge, which will take roughly 3 hours before heading to Lake Bohinj in the afternoon for some relaxation. 

Vintgar Gorge mostly takes place on a raised boardwalk suspended above the Radovna River through the ravine.

After your hike, grab some lunch back in Bled before heading to Lake Bohinj , the second most popular lake in Slovenia, and the largest in the country.

Just a short distance from Bled, Lake Bohinj is an easy afternoon trip where you can swim, canoe, paddleboard, or visit the charming Church of Saint John the Baptist along the lake.

You can stay in Lake Bled, or for a change of pace and scenery, spend one night along the shore of Lake Bohinj instead. Another alternative would be to continue your drive and spend the night in Kranjska Gora, which situates you near your Slovenia road trip activities for the next day.

• Where to stay on Day 4: Hotel Park (Lake Bled)
• Alternative hotel: Hotel Alpina (Kranjska Gora)

Slovenia Day 5 – Vrsic Pass and Triglav National Park 

The fifth day of this Slovenia road trip guide will take you through the heart of Triglav National Park , Slovenia’s only national park. This will be a long day of driving, so if you have extra time, you could easily break it up and spend one night near the Soca Valley.

Encompassing the majestic Julian Alps , Triglav National Park is rugged and glorious. A hiker’s paradise, you’ll find no shortage of scenery in this pristine public park. 

Start your morning by venturing northwest or if you stayed in the town of Kranjska Gora, head directly to the national park.

Best known as a ski resort in the winter season, Kranjska Gora is an equally scenic place to travel in spring, summer, and fall. As the gateway to Triglav, it makes for a great place to base yourself if you have more time and want to do a lot of hiking in the national park.

Whether you spend a day or two hiking or prefer to enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your rental car, you’ll want to journey along the Vrsic Pass .

The highest mountain pass in Slovenia and the Eastern Julian Alps, this 2-lane road consists of a series of 50 tight hairpin turns. You’ll slowly climb up the mountains and back down from the Upper Carniola region to the Trenta Valley.

Along the scenic route, which is closed in winter, you’ll find numerous places to pull over to admire the majestic, mountainous landscapes, or pull off and hike. 

The Vrsic Pass was constructed by Russian prisoners of war in 1915 for military purposes but is now largely a scenic tourist route. Tucked away in the woods along the northern side of the pass, don’t miss the hidden Russian Orthodox church built by the Russian POWs to pay honor to their fallen comrades who died during the road’s construction. 

At the top of the route, stop to admire the views before making your way back down the other side of the mountain pass and onward toward the Slovenian coast.

After taking this scenic pass, you’ll venture toward the Soca Valley . You can either stop for the night at a hotel near Bovec or cross the border into Italy on your way to your next stop – Piran.

• Where to stay after the Vrsic Pass: Boutique Hotel Dobra Vila (Bovec)
• Alternative – drive to Piran : Art Hotel Tartini (Piran)

Slovenia Day 6 – Piran and Koper

Piran is a lovely coastal town on the Adriatic Sea. Located in the North of the Istria Peninsula , Piran has both Slovenian and Venetian influences. You’ll find a lot of the food and architecture seem very Italian in nature and design. 

On your sixth day of your road trip through Slovenia, head toward the coast for a relaxing day by the sea. Stop in the charming town of Koper on your way to Piran. The historic town is known for its narrow streets and quaint piazzas.

Visit Titov trg (Tito Square) and admire the Stolnica, a Renaissance and Gothic cathedral, and the Pretoska Palača , a beautiful white Venetian palace in Gothic architecture. Then take a stroll through the town before ending your visit at the regional museum housed in the Belramonil-Tacco palace.

Continue on to Piran, where you can enjoy lots of water-based activities in the warm summer months. Snorkeling, diving, and boat tours are all popular activities in Piran.

For a unique adventure, take the glass floor boat tour, where you can see fish and other marine life beneath you. Afterwards, you can visit the town’s Museum of Underwater Activities or the aquarium. 

• Where to stay in Piran : Art Hotel Tartini (Piran)
• Alternative hotel: Second Life Hotel Zala (Piran) 

Slovenia Itinerary Day 7 – Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave 

On your return route to Ljubljana, you’ll have one more very memorable stop on your seven-day Slovenia road trip. 

The Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave are two of the most popular attractions in Slovenia. Often visited as a day trip from Ljubljana, the tourist attractions are on your way back from Piran to Ljubljana, making them the perfect stop on your final day in Slovenia. 

The largest cave castle in the world, Predjama Castle is an 800-year-old castle built into the mouth of a cave, halfway up a 123-meter cliff.

Along with the castle, you’ll want to visit Postojna Cave and explore the underground world in Slovenia. With mesmerizing cave formations, Postojna Cave is one of the most beautiful natural gems in the country. 

Only 45 minutes to an hour away from Ljubljana, after touring Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle, head back to the capital city, where you’ll spend your final night of this Slovenia itinerary.

• Alternative hotel: Grand Hotel Union Eurostars 

Is One Week in Slovenia enough time?

Realistically, one week is never enough time to explore an entire country. Even tiny countries like Luxembourg , deserve more time if you truly want to experience it to its fullest. 

However, knowing that unlimited time off for a family vacation or holiday isn’t a privilege that most of us have, one week in Slovenia is a good amount of time to see many of the best places in Slovenia to visit . 

What to do if you have more than one week in Slovenia

This itinerary can be done in one week, or you can add an extra day or two in each destination to give you more time to appreciate its beauty.

A full 3 days in Lake Bled would be ideal. You could also extend your time in Triglav National Park and the Soca Valley and take part in more of Slovenia’s stunning hikes that the country is known for .

If you have 2 full weeks, it will give you the opportunity to see the Eastern part of the country and visit other incredible places like Maribor and the Logar Valley, as well. Additionally, you could drop down and visit some of the best places to visit in Croatia , as well.

Be fair warned though, Slovenia is a stunning slice of paradise. So, this week-long Slovenia road trip will leave you wanting to come back again or extend your trip indefinitely! 

Have a question or comment about this Slovenia road trip itinerary? We’d love to hear from you! Leave your thoughts (or additions to this 7-day Slovenia Itinerary) in the comments below!

Like this one-week Slovenia itinerary? Pin our Slovenia Road Trip Guide to save it for later!

Did you know….

When you make a purchase or book hotels, tours, or other travel services, through our links, we receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only EVER recommend service providers, websites, or products we personally use when booking our own travels. Your support enables us to keep producing helpful travel content. Thank you!

• Book a  HOTEL
• Book a  RENTAL CAR
• Purchase  TRAVEL INSURANCE
• Book guided tours or excursions at  GET YOUR GUIDE   or  VIATOR
• Book  TRAIN TRAVEL IN EUROPE
• Book  BUS TICKETS IN EUROPE
• Book a  FERRY IN EUROPE
• Book a  DESTINATION PHOTOGRAPHER
• Buy  TRAVEL GEAR  on Amazon
• Buy a  PRIORITY PASS MEMBERSHIP  for airport lounge access

Presentation

Koper, the largest town of Slovenian Istria and the home of about one half of the population of the Municipality of Koper, is also the only Slovenian port; in addition, it also hosts one of the Slovenian universities.

The town of Koper is considered to be one of the oldest Slovenian towns, with its rich history dating back to the Middle Bronze Age.

Koper was first populated during the time of the Romans and used to be an island; after the Roman Empire, several reigns and countries developed in the area, which led to its different names. The original name of the settlement on the island where the town is located today was Aegida ; during the Roman reign, the town was called Capris and later Insula Capraria (Goat Island); the Byzantines called it Justinopolis , while the patriarchs of Aquileia gave it the name Caput Histriae (Head of Istria).

The Venetians, whose influence in the area was the most visible, named the settlement Capo d’Istria (Head of Istria); in addition to the Slovenian version ( Koper ), this is also the version that is still in use today, with Koper being a bilingual zone.

During the Venetian Republic (13th – 18th century), the town experienced a huge economic and cultural boom. The architecture of the town you can admire today bears witness to it, while the shape of the island was gradually lost during shrinkage of salt evaporation ponds (that were definitely eliminated in 1912).

After the fall of the Venetian Republic, Koper was dominated by the Austrians and, in the meantime, by Napoleon (for a short time); after changes experienced during and after both World Wars, Koper became a part of Yugoslavia and has been a part of the independent republic of Slovenia since 1991.

Koper Public Institute for Youth, Culture and Tourism Titov trg 3, 6000 Koper, Slovenija

• +386 (0) 5 664 64 03
• [email protected]
• Frequently asked questions
• In our vicinity

Subscribe to our Newsletter

• I agree to the Privacy Policy