| Destinations | Primorska region

PRIMORSKA REGION (COAST, KARST AND GORIŠKA REGION)

Yellow is the colour of the sun that strokes the picturesque towns on the Adriatic coast. Its rays paint the beauty of the Karst region planted with olive groves and vineyards, with peach orchards and cherry trees. The wonders of the Goriška region include the beautiful Alpine peaks and valleys of the Triglav National Park, the enchanting winegrowing areas of Goriška Brda and the Vipava Valley.

 

 

COAST AND KARST

Every kilometre of the Slovene coast is a new surprise. Take the eighty-metre Strunjan cliff, the highest flysch wall on the Adriatic coast. Or the Sečovlje salt works, first mentioned in the 13th century, and nearby is a sanctuary for more than 150 bird species. Then the towns of Piran, Izola and Koper, drawing visitors with their medieval cores, while Portorož, though mentioned as early as 1251, offers numerous modern hotels with congress halls, a fully equipped marina, a sport airport, thermal baths, a casino, and a varied offer of cultural events.

 

Behind the Slovene coast is the Karst region. In the cellars of the stone houses excellent wines are poured and sold, and in the attics excellent prosciutto is cured in the bora wind. The Škocjan Caves, which are on UNESCO's list of natural and cultural world heritage sites, boast the 1400-metre long and 150-metre deep underground canyon of the Reka River.

 

Did you know that the noble Lipizzaner horse originated in Slovenia? Lipica, where the stud farm was established in 1580, is today a popular tourist centre with a riding school, hotels, a swimming pool, a golf course and a casino.

 

GORIŠKA

Here, numerous water sports are available, from kayaking and canoeing to rafting and canyoning. Visitors can also experience the valley with parachutes, hang-gliders, and mountain bikes.

 

The Posočje Region, which unveils breathtaking natural wonders at every step of the way, also stores shocking memories of the most atrocious battles of World War I. The most important heritage and memorials of the Battles of the Isonzo are now connected through the Walk of Peace and can also be seen at the Kobarid Museum, winner of several national and international awards.

 

Idrija is home to a world-famous lace making tradition, a mercury mine that was once one of the most important in the world, and Gewerkenegg Castle with its museum collections.

 

Picturesque Goriška Brda, to the north of the city of Nova Gorica, is a winegrowing area that produces some of Slovenia's finest wines. Nova Gorica is surrounded by many other sights of interest (Kostanjevica Monastery, Sveta Gora, Kromberk Castle). Towards the east is the green Vipava Valley, a well-known wine district above which paragliders and skydivers from all over the world spread their wings.

 

TOP 10 EXPERIENCES OF PRIMORSKA REGION

  1. Walk along the cobbled streets of Piran: the most popular coastal town in Slovenia is filled with restaurants, boutiques and the genuine seaside atmosphere.
  2. Visit Lipica Stud Farm: experience the magic of the snow white horses and get to know the history of Lipizzaner.
  3. Experience the majestic Soča River: seeing Soča River for the first time is an unforgettable experience. The magic of the emerald river is simply enchanting.
  4. Shop for Idrija Lace: world-famous Idrija lace is a unique fashion accessory and typical Slovenian product. Time-permitting, stop at Kenda Mansion for a unique lace exhibition.
  5. Visit Trenta Valley: as if taken out of a fairytale, the sight of Trenta leaves visitors speechless. High peaks looming above the winding road, woods and the Soča River. Its beyond description, one simply has to experience it...
  6. Descend into The Škocjan Caves: probably the most spectacular cave system in Europe. A network of caves, hollows and natural bridges is a delight for all nature lovers.
  7. Have a drink on the terrace of Grand Hotel Bernardin, Portorož: the view of the complete Slovenian coast opens below you, while you enjoy a nice cocktail or coffee.
  8. Take a ride along Istria Wine Road: while being a well-kept secret, one of the best wine regions in Europe is a home to hospitable locals and great food. Visit with a local driver/guide.
  9. Visit Štanjel: the stone city on a small karstic outcrop is scenic, heritage and simply amazing. Do not miss the Ferrari gardens.
  10. Stop at the eco-farm in Čadrg: a small dairy farm on the hills above Tolmin is known for its great cheeses, made with a knowledge of over 700 years of experience.

ACCOMODATION

SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS

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PRAETORIAN PALACE

The Praetor's Palace is the most representational secular building in the city. With its late Gothic Renaissance facade and different inner areas it reaches the top of secular palaces of its time in Slovenia.

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PIRAN

Piran is the best preserved cultural monument of Slovenian Istria and the closest neighbour of Portorož, the luxurious city of flowers. Loved by the eyes of the people and by the eye of the camera, its image is known all over the world.

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SEČOVLJE SALINA NATURE PARK

The Sečovlje salts flats are the northernmost salt flats in the Mediterranean. The salt is produced in the traditional way based on a 700-year-old method that harmonizes man and nature. Over the centuries, a unique habitat has formed for halophytic plants and animals and migrating birds.

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SERGEJ MAŠERA MARITIME MUSEUM

The museum collects, studies and presents the maritime past of the coastal region and economic branches connected with the sea. You may peruse the archaeological collection on sea voyages and trade from pre-historical times up to the Middle Ages, as well as the collection of the remains...

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ISTRIA WINE ROAD

The region is mystical with its Mediterranean climate, plant life, and outstanding wines: the red Refošk, the golden Malvazija, and the aromatic Rumeni Muškat. Excellent olive oil is produced here, and from here the first cherries and early vegetables are sent to markets further inland.

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HRASTOVLJE, CHURCH OF HOLY TRINITY

On an elevation above the village of Hrastovlje stands a medieval stone branch church with an exposed apse. There is not a more thoroughly painted church in Slovenia. The artist of those somewhat awkwardly painted images is the inscribed Janez of Kastav.

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ŠKOCJAN CAVES REGIONAL PARK

The Park lies in the south-west of Slovenia, on the main Karst plateau, from which the word Karst originates. The Škocjan Caves hold a special place among the seven thousand caves in Slovenia. They comprise a network of eleven caves with hollows, swallow holes...

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ŠTANJEL, GARDEN BY THE VILLA FERRARI

The garden is the original work of the famous Slovenian architect Maks Fabiani. He helped the owner, his brother-in-law, Dr. E. Ferrari, to arrange it. They designed the garden between the two wars and were in the process of completing it all the way up to the tragic destruction of the village...

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THE LIPICA STUD FARM

The Lipica Stud Farm is one of the oldest stud farms in the world and the birthplace of the Lipizzaner. The over 400 year tradition of breeding these white horses has been preserved to the present day in the centre of the unique Karst landscape and represents one of the most beautiful...

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KOSTANJEVICA MONASTERY

Standing on a 143-metre high hill, Kostanjevica is the church and beside it is a Franciscan monastery. It is known for having a rich history and holds priceless treasures from the past. Kostanjevica has been in the care of the Franciscan brothers for about 180 years.

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ANTONIJEV ROV MINESHAFT – IDRIA MERCURY MINE

With the interesting commentary of a guide, visitors explore the underground world of the mercury mine. Here they find hidden pockets of cinnabar ore and droplets of mercury, learn about the method of mining mercury, and see the unique underground chapel.

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IDRIAN LACE

In addition to mercury, Idrija's reputation spread around the globe due to the famed Idrian lace. This excellent domestic handcraft, which in many cases exceeded the level of mere dexterous handiwork and passed in to the area of veritable visual creativity and ornamentation...

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SOČA GORGE

Under the Napoleon Bridge near Kobarid, the Soča River has carved a 200-metre long, 15-metre deep, and, at its narrowest section, only two-metre wide chute. Around 7 km north from Bovec, Velika Korita Soče has been formed by meandering turquoise torrents.

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SOLKAN BRIDGE

Solkan bridge is one of the most famous bridges in Slovenia. The bridge has the longest stone arch spanning over a river in the world (85 m) and the longest stone arch among all railway bridges. The bridge (220 m) was under construction for two years (1904-1905).

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GORIŠKA BRDA WINE ROAD

The Wine Road first takes you from the village of Plave to Vrhovlje near Kojsko, where there is a wonderful view over the Brda region, a vista of hills, churches, countless vineyards, and orchards of cherries, peaches, apricots, and figs.

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KOBARID MUSEM

Kobarid Museum displays exhibits on the events that occurred during World War I on the Isonzo Front. It covers two and a half years of static fighting and portrays in detail the 12th Isonzo battle. The latter is one of the major battles in the history of mankind having taken place in hilly terrain.

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KLUŽE FORTRESS

The Kluže Fortress ranks among the most imposing fortifications in Slovenia, particularly because of its picturesque position above the deep gorge of the Koritnica River. From May to October, the fortress is open for visitors to visit exhibitions and events.

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THE TRENTA

A horseshoe-shaped valley, cut deep into the mountains, opens up into wide gorges. Along these flow many water sources which feed the Soča River. From the source of the Soča River to Velika korita (the Great gorge) and Mala korita (the Small gorge) there are many typical houses with...