How to Spend 5 Days in Koper During the Climbing World Cup Koper 2024
While Koper hosts the Climbing World Cup 2024, take the opportunity to explore everything the city and its surroundings have to offer. Enjoy discovering local attractions, savoring culinary delights, and experiencing the stunning nature that surrounds our city.
DAY 1
Spend you first day by soaking up the atmosphere of the seaside!
Visit the Žusterna seaside urban park. It offers a vast array of opportunities for relaxation and fun beach activities. With new and safe access points to the sea, facilities for socialising, gathering and leisure activities, Žusterna is the perfect destination for a relaxing break. Koper also offers Žusterna Beach, which features an Olympic-sized freshwater pool, a smaller children’s pool with seawater, and a children’s playground.
In Žusterna, you’ll find Active Koper, a water sports center offering a variety of sea activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, diving, sailing, kayaking, and more. In the area you’ll also find the Beach Sports Center, which provides volleyball courts, trampolines, and a sandbox for children.
Just next to the city center is Koper City Beach, also known as »Mokra mačka«. It is well-maintained and clean, with a gentle entry into the water. For the youngest visitors, there’s a well-kept sandbox and a playground.
Koper has a long and storied fishing tradition, as the city has been closely linked to the sea and fishing for centuries. The traditional practice of fishing dates back to the Roman period, when fishermen supplied the city and its wider area with fresh seafood.
Today, fishing still exists in Koper, albeit on a smaller scale. The city has its own fishing harbour where local fishermen bring in freshly caught fish and other seafood. The most commonly caught fish species in the Koper area are sea bass, gilt-head bream, sardines and European hake, while mussels, squid, cuttlefish and octopus are the most popular among the other seafood catches. Near the fishing port, located near Ukmar Square, you’ll find numerous excellent restaurants where you can sample seafood delicacies.
How would you like to experience this long-standing tradition first-hand? Guided sea fishing tour (SeaFishingSlovenia)
Dive into the ultimate fishing adventure with SeaFishingSlovenia. Join a professional fishing team on a guided fishing trip that offers an unforgettable experience for beginners and experienced anglers alike. You will set sail from the Koper harbour into the open waters of the Slovenian portion of the Adriatic Sea, where you will have the chance to try your hand at catching your own fish, which you can later take home.
Book your experience at: https://seafishingslovenia.com/
The experience is available in Slovenian, English, Italian and Croatian and lasts 4-5 hours. The price of the experience is 80€ per person. The experience is open to groups of up to 4 people. SeaFishingSlovenia offers adventures throughout the year (Summer schedule: Monday – Friday: 6.30 – 10.30, Winter schedule: Monday – Friday: 7.00 – 12.00; Weekends and holidays: closed).
DAY 2
Spend your second day exploring the charming old town.
Take a stroll through the picturesque streets and discover the history of Koper.
Once an island, Koper has a fascinating history dating back to the Roman Empire. The original Greco-Thracian name of the island city was Aegis, later known as Capris under the Romans, Insula Capraria (Goat Island) under the Byzantines, and eventually Justinopolis under the Byzantines. The Venetians, who left the greatest imprint on the area, renamed it Capo d’Istria (Head of Istria), a name that persists to this day, along with its Slovenian version – Koper.
Take a walk to the Taverna, once a salt warehouse and a symbol of Koper’s long history of salt production. Head up Kidričeva street and check out the house a gheffo, a unique architectural blend of local architecture and oriental and Venetian influences. These houses are known for storey piers leaning on wooden support beams, which lend them a distinctive appearance and structural dynamism. Along Kidričeva street you will also find the Church of St Nicholas, built in 1594. It is consecrated to St Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors and fishermen. In the past, sailors who lived through the perils of the sea would bring various offerings to the church.
Then, head to Tito Square, framed by the magnificent Praetorian Palace, one of the most important historical buildings in Koper (guided tours of the palace interior are available). Don’t forget to check out the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and visit the city’s bell tower, which houses the oldest working bell in Slovenia, cast in Venice in 1333.
Take a stroll down Čevljarska street, where you can experience the rich history of Koper and marvel at the beauty of the city’s unique heritage. For centuries, this street has been a hub for the city’s trades and crafts, including numerous cafés and taverns.
On the Čevljarska street you can find Barba Sol, offering a unique tasting experience with more than 20 different types of salt, complemented by local wines and olive oil. Their salts combine the Slovenian tradition of sea salt with creative blends of local herbs.
Reservation is required at least 24 hours before arrival at getbarba@gmail.com
The experience is available in Slovenian, English, Italian and Croatian and lasts approximately 45 min. The price of the experience is 20€ per person. The experience is available for groups of 2 to 4 people. For larger groups, tastings can be arranged at a different location by appointment only. Barba Sol is open for tastings and product purchases throughout the year, from Tuesday to Saturday, between 9:30 and 14:00. Outside regular opening hours, visits are also possible by prior arrangement.
Continue to Prešeren Square, home to the Da Ponte Fountain, which served as a vital source of water for the city in the 15th century until the end of the 19th century. The square is partially encircled by the Muda Gate, the only surviving 16th-century city gate in Koper.
You can read more about the city’s history on the link: https://visitkoper.si/en/history/
DAY 3
On your third day, discover the flavors of our region!
You have two wonderful options for spending the day: (1) explore the tastes of local extra virgin olive oil and visit the Lisjak olive oil mill, or (2) embark on an exciting truffle hunt and prepare traditional Istrian fuži with truffles.
Learn the secrets of olive oil production, from olive picking to pressing and bottling. The Lisjak olive oil mill provides a guided tour of the facility, complete with an olive oil tasting experience. They will teach you the proper way to taste olive oil and share insights into the significance of this precious commodity in our region. In addition to tours, they offer tastings of typical Istrian food and their own sparkling wine crafted using the traditional method.
Book your experience at: matej@lisjak.com. The tours are available in Slovenian, English, Italian and Croatian and last approximately one hour. The experience is available for groups of at least 5 people and costs 10€ per person. The Lisjak olive oil mill is open to visitors all year round. Parking is available on site.
You can also take a look at their special offer – the VINTAGE GOURMET TOUR– at https://www.lisjak.com/si/vintage-tour/. A nostalgic journey in legendary Zastava and Fiat cars through the picturesque olive groves of the Slovenian Istria hinterland.
Slovenian Istria, especially the area of the Dragonja river valley, is abundant in truffles, which grow underground in symbiosis with certain species of trees. The unique climate and soils create ideal conditions for the both black and white truffles to grow. Local truffle hunters employ specially trained dogs to search for the coveted tuber – a practice that has become part of the local culture and heritage with its long-standing tradition. Truffles are not only a culinary delicacy, but also an important part of the historical and cultural heritage of our area.
Embark on a once in a lifetime truffle hunting adventure with a professional hunter and a trained dog. Come and discover the fascinating world of truffles with a truffle tasting experience. Find out what fresh truffles really taste like and learn to recognise artificial flavourings. The experience starts with a walk through the forest, where you’ll be joined by a truffle hunter and his dog. Together you will hunt for truffles, which you will later use in the preparation of the typical Istrian dish “fuži s tartufi” (pasta with truffles), based on an old family recipe.
For bookings (required), visit: https://istraterra.com/en/izdelek/truffles-hunting-cooking-tasting/
The experience is available in Slovenian and English and takes about 3 hours. Prices start at € 99 per person and depend on the number of participants. For more information and reservations, follow the link.
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DAY 4
Experience the Land of Refosco!
Have you ever visited the Wine Fountain in Marezige? Slovenia’s first Wine Fountain offers a unique and unforgettable experience for wine lovers and food enthusiasts. With a stunning view of the Slovenian coast, you can enjoy excellent wines from local wineries and traditional Istrian delicacies.
And there’s even more to discover in Marezige!
Discover a 150-year-old refošk vineyard! The Bržan winery is located on the top of the Marezige hill, with a beautiful view of the Bay of Koper, the city of Koper, Trieste, the Alps and the Dolomites. Their vineyards are in close proximity to the homestead, including a 150-year-old refošk vineyard, which you can book a tour of in advance. Treat yourself to a very special experience that includes a tasting of sustainably produced fine wines, paired with local cuisine.
Reservation is required at least 24 hours before arrival at nada.brzan@gmail.com
Tours are available in Slovenian, English, Italian, Croatian and Serbian and last about an hour. The price of the experience is about 25€ per person. The experience is open to individuals and groups of up to 30 people. The Bržan winery is open to visitors all year round. Free parking is available on their premises.
The Red Fairytale Farm in Marezige also invites you to a special tasting!
This experience offers the perfect introduction to the world of high-quality virgin olive oil and Istrian olives. The visit starts with a tour of the olive groves, nestled in the unspoiled Istrian nature. You will learn about the production process, from the careful harvesting of the olives to modern, non-invasive techniques that blend tradition with sustainability. You’ll be introduced to the various olive varieties, their life cycle, and their significance to Istrian heritage.
Admire the ancient groves, taste the fine olive oil, unique spreads and pickled olives, and take photos of the beautiful scenery.
You can make your reservation at: https://oliveoilredfairytale.si/sl/tasting/#booking
The tours are available in Slovenian, English and Italian and last from 60 to 90 minutes. The price is 19€ per person. RED FAIRYTALE Tourist Farm is open to visitors all year round. Free parking is available on site.
DAY 5
Spend your final day at the Karst Edge!
The Karst Edge is a paradise for nature lovers and those looking to actively spend their free time. Marked hiking and cycling trails wind through picturesque villages, passing hidden waterfalls and historical sites. Climbers will be thrilled by the numerous climbing areas that offer challenges for all skill levels. For more information about activities at the Karst Edge, visit the Karst Edge Visitor Center, located just below the viaduct.
How to Explore the Karst Edge? We recommend taking a hike along the trail: Under the Climbing Route (P3). This moderately challenging path follows forest tracks and trails and is also suitable for families.
You’ll start your journey in the village of Osp, one of the oldest villages in Slovenia, renowned for some of the most important climbing areas in Europe. Continue your path to the Socerb Castle, also known as Castle Strmec, which dates back to the 9th century. Nearby, you’ll find Sveta Jama Cave at Socerb, a karst cave featuring Slovenia’s only underground church (tours of the cave are available every Sunday at 2 PM).
When you reach Črni Kal, take time to visit the Črni Kal Fortress, which offers stunning views of the Koper Bay and surrounding villages. Nearby, you can also explore the Benko House, the oldest preserved farmhouse in Slovenia, and the Church of St. Valentine with its tilted bell tower.
Other hiking and cycling trails in the Karst Edge area:
Po poti okrog Tinjana (K2)
Po poti istrskih vasic Kraškega roba (K3)
Od kraškega roba do praga Čičarije (K4)
Na Socerb po lep razgled (K9)
Na cvetoči Slavnik (P1)
Po poti dediščine Hrastovelj in okolice (P2)
End your day with some Istrian cuisine. Visit the restaurant Gostilna Pod Slavnikom, located in the village of Podgorje, and indulge in local specialties such as venison or wild boar prosciutto and bear salami. With prior reservation, you can also enjoy exclusive dishes like bear steak in cranberry sauce with homemade gnocchi. They also serve pasta, including fuži with truffles and homemade ravioli with porcini mushrooms.
Enjoy a Relaxing Day at the Karst Edge
Start your day with a visit to the Karst Edge Visitor Center, where you can enjoy the stunning views. Then, drive down to the village of Osp, located beneath the viaduct, and visit Villa Xaxat. Nestled between the villages of Osp and Prebeneg, where the Istrian world meets the Karst, this idyllic estate, surrounded by a garden and embraced by nature, offers a charming blend of the past and present. Villa Xaxat provides a gourmet experience known as Istravagando, where you can explore and taste local wines and savor traditional Istrian dishes. The experience also includes a tour of an ancient wine cellar. Reservations are required and can be made at: info@xaxat.si
