INFORMACIJE O POTOVANJU

Koper is easily accessible. There are international airports nearby, and the town has a train station. Road connections (by car or bus) are excellent, and Koper can also be reached by sea.

Koper is located in Slovenian Istria, where the Mediterranean climate makes it an ideal destination year-round.

Summer is perfect for those who love high temperatures, the sea, sunshine, and water sports, while the mild winter offers a pleasant escape during the colder months, and spring and autumn are great for outdoor excursions, countryside visits, and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Koper and its surroundings host a variety of interesting events throughout the year, ensuring there’s always something exciting going on during your visit. Among the most well-known events are the gastronomic festivals Sweet Istria (Sladka Istra), an international dessert and pastry festival, and the Altroke Istra Gourmet Festival, a culinary market featuring Istrian dishes and local wines. Additionally, the Christmas celebrations (Fantazima in Koper), the Istria Carnival, and numerous other sporting, cultural and local tradition events are also highly popular.

In one day, you can explore the old center, visit a museum, have lunch at one of the restaurants, enjoy coffee at a charming café, and perhaps indulge in tasting local wines at the wine cellars and wine bars.

In the morning (Monday to Saturday), you can visit the market where local farmers sell fresh fruits and vegetables.

A leisurely walk by the sea is always enjoyable; you can even stroll all the way to the town of Izola. We also recommend visiting the award-winning park along the Semedela promenade.

The Škocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve, just a stone’s throw from the town, is also worth a visit. Here, you can admire diverse flora and fauna in Slovenia’s largest brackish marsh, and children can also enjoy horseback riding activities.

In addition to enjoying the town center, we recommend exploring the surroundings of Koper. Consider checking out other places within Slovenian Istria or venturing further into Slovenia. You might enjoy a hike to Slavnik or try your hand at fishing.

You can also opt for professional guided tours or follow tips for exploring various thematic trails such as hiking, cycling, or horse riding.

Those who appreciate Istrian gastronomy can delight in a variety of local delicacies, and visiting the Wine Fountain in Marezige can be a truly special experience.

During the summer, you can also enjoy a wide range of activities at the Active Koper Park and other sea-related experiences.

Koper is well-known for the events that take place in the town. Throughout the year, there are diverse events in and around the town, catering to all tastes. Available events:

• gastronomic events:  Altroke Istria Gourmet Festival, wine-themed feast of St. Martin – Martinovo, the Refosco Festival, and the Fig and Rosé Wine Festival,
• large events: Christmas celebrations with New Year’s Eve (Fantazima in Koper), Istrian Carnival,
• sporting events (the Grand Prix Slovenian Istra and the Istrian Cycling Marathon, the Istrian Marathon (running event), Eurofest – European Handball Festival, the Istria Cup Triathlon , etc;
• cultural events(Primorska Summer Festival, Summer Museum Night, FENS International Music Festival, MareziJazz International Big Band Festival, Folkest, Alpe Adria PUF Festival, Frivolus Street Artists Festival and others);
• local tradition events(From winemaker to olive grower, Scent of Istria, Countryside in the City, Koper in your hand, various local village festivals called “šagra” and others).

The old center is home to several cultural attractions, but we highly recommend a visit to Tito Square, where you can admire the beautiful palaces and the church with its bell tower. Don’t miss the most famous palace, the Praetorian Palace, which offers guided tours.

You can also buy tickets for the bell tower at TIC (Tourist Information Center), located in the Praetorian Palace. From the top of the bell tower, you can enjoy a stunning view of the town and the surrounding area.

The town also offers other fascinating squares, such as Carpaccio Square where the Taverna is located and Prešeren Square. Here, you can admire the beautifully preserved old Muda Gate from 1516 and the ornate Da Ponte Fountain. You can also take a walk along Čevljarska Street and explore the buildings near Brolo Square. If time permits, we also recommend a leisurely stroll through the lesser-known streets, where you can admire the town’s distinctive architecture and uncover its hidden gems.

We suggest you visit the Škocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve, Slovenia’s largest brackish marsh, where you can observe the interesting flora and fauna specific to this area.

Karst Edge is another unique feature, a landscape in the hinterland of Koper where the transition between Slovenia’s mainland and coastal regions occurs.

The Osp climbing wall – Mišja Peč, one of the most important climbing areas in Europe, is truly breathtaking, as are the natural bridges and rock shelters near Sočerga.

The Dragonja River Valley, which forms a natural link between the Karst plateau, the flysch-rich Istria, and the Adriatic Sea, is a perfect choice for nature enthusiasts.

Yes, there are museums in Koper. In the town center, you can visit the Regional Museum, the largest museum in Slovenian Istria, featuring rich collections spanning from prehistoric times to the Venetian era and more recent history.

The ethnological collection in the Venetian-Gothic house on Gramsci Square is also worth a visit.

More on: https: //www.pokrajinskimuzejkoper.si/.

The Tomos History Museum is also fascinating, showcasing a boutique collection of the famous motorcycles produced by the Tomos factory in Koper.

There are also interesting ethnological museums and collections in the surroundings of Koper.

At the House of Bardinac in Lopar, you can explore the Istrian black kitchen, a wine cellar featuring the oldest wooden wine press in Istria (dating back to the 19th century), and an exhibition showcasing local history.

In Krkavče, you will be delighted by the ethnological collection housed in a traditional Istrian house known as Vrešje House.

The private collection of military equipment and weapons belonging to Grozdan Pohlen in Hrastovlje is also worth a visit.

There are many interesting sacral buildings in the town and surrounding villages.

In the old town center, we recommend visiting one of Slovenia’s largest churches, the Church of the Assumption, along with the medieval Church of St. Blaise, the Baroque Church of St. Basso (which houses one of Slovenia’s oldest surviving depictions of Jesus on the Cross), the Church of St. Nicholas, and just outside the town, the Church of St. Mark.

There are many special churches in the surrounding villages, but the Church of the Holy Trinity in Hrastovlje is particularly noteworthy. Located on a hill amidst high defensive walls, it is renowned for its frescoes dating back to 1490 and is definitely worth a visit.

Other interesting sights include the Baroque church of St. Valentine with its leaning bell tower in Črni Kal, the Gothic church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Dekani, the sacral buildings in Koštabona, the richly furnished Baroque church of St. Michael in Krkavče, the church of St. Thomas in Osp, the church of St. Cross in Rakitovec and the church of St. Stephen in Zanigrad – a church with a Karst-style appearance in a special location.

In Socerb, you can visit the Sveta jama Cave, a karst cave with the only underground church in Slovenia. Visits are available only on Sundays at 14:00.

In Koper and its surroundings, you can enjoy fishing in the sea, rivers, and lakes.

You do not need a license for recreational shore fishing at sea, but you do need one for recreational fishing from a boat, in rivers, or in lakes. You can also buy your license online.

Recreational fishing in the surroundings of Koper is possible on the river Rižana and at Lake Vanganel.

In Koper, parts of the old town center are closed for traffic, making it a very pleasant experience for visitors to explore the town on foot.

There are several public car parks, located at the entrance to the town (offering park&ride schemes) and in the town itself, as well as in front of the major shops and shopping centers. There are also various parking garage buildings available.

To get around the town center, you can use Kurjerca, a small electric vehicle available daily between 8:00 and 18:00. You can stop the Kurjerca by raising your hand, or call +386 (0)51 488 000 to arrange a pick-up. The ride is free for all users.

The main bus and train stations are located next to each other on Kolodvorska cesta (train station at Kolodvorska cesta 2, bus station at Kolodvorska cesta 11).

They are about 15 minutes’ walk from the town center, and you can use public transport (buses and taxis) to get to different parts of the town.

Several taxi services operate in the town, with stops at the market, the train station and the passenger terminal.

Choose from the following taxi services:

• Taxi Cammeo,
• Taxi Capris,
• Taxi Laguna Koper,
• Taxi Meter Koper,
• Taxi Morje,
• Taxi Port Koper,
• Taxi Srečko,
• Taxi Transfer

There are several rent-a-car companies in Koper, including:

• Sixt Koper,
• Hertz Koper,
• Atet Koper,
• Central Rent,
• Avantcar Koper.
• Kayak

You can use Arriva ‘spublic bus services to get around the town, download an app or check the arrival/departure times of buses for specific routes on the website.

Payment options:

• with the Koper Card Plus (the card can be purchased at the carrier’s sales outlets, at card machines and at sales outlets marked with the Koper Card Plus sign),
• cash (note: the driver can only accept cash up to €20); and
• by mobile phone (Moneta system – valid only if you have a subscription with a Slovenian mobile operator).

To get around the town center, you can use Kurjerca, a small electric vehicle available daily between 8:00 and 18:00. You can stop the Kurjerca by raising your hand, or call +386 (0)51 488 000 to arrange a pick-up. The ride is free for all users.

In Koper, you can rent town, mountain and/or e-bikes at various locations. These are:

• Beel, Pristaniška ulica 3;
• Active Koper – next to Žusterna beach (only during the summer);
• Turist Agency Istranka, Ukmarjev trg 7;
• Rent a bike Koper, Kidričeva ulica 45;
• Villa Domus, Vojkovo nabrežje 12;
• Koper Trips, Župančičeva 47;
• KPE, Pristaniška 27a,
• Rent a bike Pogačar, Kidričeva 45,
• UN rent a bike, Kopališko nabrežje 9
• Hiške slovenske Istre, Truške 1b, Marezige.

Cycling maps (as well as maps for hiking and other thematic routes) can be viewed on the website. You can also download an app to your smartphone, and physical maps are available at TIC.

The coastal towns are well connected by bus (see https://arriva.si/ for more information), but for short distances you can also take a taxi.

The distances between the towns are as follows:

• Koper – Izola approx. 10 km,
• Koper – Strunjan 14 km,
• Koper – Portorož 16 km and
• Koper – Piran 23 km.

In Koper and its surroundings, you can savor Istrian delicacies such as fuži (a type of pasta) with truffles, eggs with wild asparagus, prosciutto, bobiči (a typical Istrian stew), and other authentic Istrian dishes.

As in other Mediterranean coastal cities, you can indulge in fish dishes and other seafood delicacies prepared with local olive oil. And of course, quality homemade wine pairs perfectly with them.

A meal is not complete without typical Istrian desserts such as fritule (a donut-like pastry) and kroštoli (angel wings).

Koper and its surroundings offer a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. Here you can taste grapes, cherries, figs, khakis, strawberries, tomatoes, peas and many other seasonal delicacies that will enchant you with their authentic taste.

You can taste the best local wines at the Vinakoper House of Refosco and at the small Okusi Istre shop in the town center on Kidričeva Street.

A special experience is wine tasting at the Wine Fountain in Marezige village, where you can enjoy not only the wine but also the beautiful view.

You can also sample wines from local winemakers in their wine cellars, or opt for the annual selection of the municipality’s best wines and purchase the current Mayor’s Wine at Tourist Information Center (TIC).

The list of winemakers in Koper is available here.

Slovenian Istria is renowned for its high-quality olive oil. Each year, producers in Koper receive international awards and recognition for the top quality of their olive oil. You can taste and purchase these directly from the growers or at specialist shops and souvenir shops.

The current Mayor’s Oil of the Municipality of Koper can only be purchased at the Tourist Information Center (TIC).

A list of local olive oil producers can be found here.

Like any authentic Mediterranean town, Koper has a market where locals regularly gather and socialize. Saturday mornings are particularly vibrant, attracting the most visitors.

Local farmers sell their produce at the market stalls, offering mostly fruit and vegetables that are difficult to find elsewhere.

The market is open Monday to Saturday (except public holidays), from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is located at the entrance to the town, on Pristaniška Street.

The Parenzana/Porečanka, also known as the “Path of Health and Friendship,” spans 130 kilometers along a former railway line that once connected Trieste and Poreč.

The route winds through charming old villages and towns, meanders between lush vineyards and olive groves, and traces the scenic coastline. It is characterized by varying altitudes and features well-maintained, illuminated tunnels. Along the route, you can also discover old stations and remnants of locomotives.

The route is well-maintained and suitable for both cycling and walking.

A map of the route is available on the website and in physical form at the Tourist Information Center (TIC) located at Titov trg 3.

In most parts of the town center, you can use the Koper Wi-Free public Wi-Fi network. To access 24-hour free internet in Koper, type “Koper Wi-Free” into your search engine or visit their website and follow the instructions.

Additionally, many restaurants, accommodations, and shopping centers in the area also provide free internet access to their guests.

There are three beaches in Koper: the town beach, also known as Mokra mačka (Wet Cat) near the town center, the beach in Žusterna and the Urban Seaside Park in Žusterna. The latter two are approximately a 15-minute walk from the town center.

All beaches are family-friendly. The town beach and the Urban Seaside Park have pebbles and offer natural shade, while the beach in Žusterna is concrete and features a swimming pool.

Sunbathing and swimming are also possible along the former road between Koper and Izola, which has been closed to traffic since 2017.

At the end of Semedela promenade, there is also a dedicated dog beach, equipped with all necessary amenities to ensure a comfortable experience for dogs to cool off.

Yes, Koper is suitable for people with reduced mobility.

The streets are well-maintained, but the cobbled streets of the old center can be challenging for some. Unfortunately, some parts of the town are less accessible due to stairs.

The paths along the coastline, both along the town bay and the route to Izola, are well-maintained and accessible for people with reduced mobility. There is also a panoramic lift at the beach or near the passenger terminal, providing access to the old town.

Kurjerca – a small electric vehicle available daily between 8:00 and 18:00, is also suitable for people with reduced mobility. Kurjerca can be stopped by raising your hand, or by calling +386 (0)51 488 000. The ride is free for all users.

Koper boasts stunning views from several vantage points, including the bell tower, the observation point above the Bastion Fortification, and the coast and Markovec hill.

The countryside also offers breathtaking views, with some of the best spots including:

• Marezige (especially by the Wine Fountain),
• Socerb (from the castle you can admire a beautiful view of the Gulf of Trieste and the Gulf of Koper),
• Boršt (views of the Starec stream valley on one side, and vistas of Koper, Trieste, and, on clear days, the entire Gulf of Trieste on the other side)
• Čentur (view of the Vanganel valley and the sea),
• Glem (view of the Gulf of Koper and the Gulf of Trieste, all the way to the Kamnik-Savinja Alps),
• Krkavče (view of the surrounding hills and villages),
• Šmarje (view of the surrounding hills and villages, the Bay of Koper and the Gulf of Trieste),
• Slavnik (the highest peak in Slovenian Istria, with views of the Bay of Koper, the Bay of Trieste, the Alps, Kvarner Bay, and even Venice in clear weather),
• Fortress above Črni Kal (view of the Rižana Valley, Karst Edge, the Gulf of Koper and Trieste, Tinjan and the Črni Kal Viaduct),
• Koštabona (view of the Dragonja valley),
• Tinjan (view of the Gulf of Trieste, the Gulf of Koper and Karst Edge),
• Hrvoji (in clear weather, the bell tower offers views of the Bay of Koper and the Bay of Trieste, and as far as Kvarner Bay in Croatia).

Yes, Koper is a dog-friendly town.

There is a special beach at the end of Semedela promenade, equipped with all necessary amenities to ensure a comfortable experience for dogs to cool off.

Dogs can also exercise and socialize in the dog park located near the town center. Additionally, there is a fenced lawn for walking your furry friends with drinking fountains in the park along the Semedela promenade.

As a tourist in Koper, you can contact the Emergency Medical Services (T: +386 (0)5 6647 440). On weekdays, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., you can get help at Health Center Koper (Ljubljanska cesta 6a), and at night, on weekends and public holidays at the Izola General Hospital – Emergency Center ( Polje 40, Izola).

The on-call dental clinic (T: +386 (0)5 6647 399) is open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Health Center Koper (Dellavallejeva ulica 3, Koper).

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines can only be obtained from pharmacies, and some other medicines from medical supply stores.

Yes, there are. In addition to specific rules on food containing alcohol and on the places where alcohol is sold, there are time limits and other restrictions or prohibitions on the sale and supply of alcoholic beverages and beverages with added alcohol. The sale and supply of these beverages is prohibited:

• To persons under 18 years of age;
• To persons who may reasonably be expected to pass them on to individuals under the age of 18;
• To persons showing obvious signs of alcohol intoxication;
• To persons who can reasonably be expected to pass them on to persons who show obvious signs of alcohol intoxication;
• At automatic self-service machines;
• At certain times and in certain establishments, in accordance with the laws in force.

Tobacco products can only be bought by people of legal age (over 18) and are available at petrol stations, convenience stores, kiosks and some restaurants.

Smoking is prohibited in enclosed public and work areas.