Hi everyone,
I’m a local from Piran, and over the years I’ve met quite a few Rick Steves travelers exploring this part of Slovenia. Many people visit Piran (and love it), but often don’t realize how different the inland part of Slovenian Istria feels compared to the coast.
Just a few minutes from the sea, the landscape changes into:
rolling hills with olive groves and vineyards
tiny stone villages where daily life still moves at a slower pace
narrow back roads with wide views across the countryside and toward Croatia
One of my favorite views is from the hills above Seča, overlooking the salt pans. From up there, you really see how the landscape, the sea, and the salt fields all connect. It gives you a much better sense of the region than only seeing the coast at sea level.
What many travelers enjoy most is that this area is not about rushing from sight to sight. It’s about the spaces in between — small roads, local stories, family-run wineries, and places you would never find on your own.
If you’re planning time in Piran, Portorož, or even Trieste, consider setting aside half a day or a full day to explore the countryside, not just the coast. It adds a completely different layer to your experience of Slovenia.
Happy to answer questions about the area if it helps with your planning.
— Saša, Piran
Posted by
Detroit, MI
29 posts
Are There trains to the smaller villages? We can't afford to rent a car but would love to see the area.
Posted by
OP
Piran, Slovenia
3 posts
In the regions that I suggest visiting, there are no longer trains, but it is interesting that Trieste and Poreč were once connected by a narrow-gauge railway, the so-called Parenzana. This railway line was 123 kilometers long,(76,5 mi), constructed in two years (1900–1902) and opened on April 1, 1902. It operated for about 33 years, from 1902 until 1935, and connected Trieste, the Istrian hinterland, and Poreč. Today it is a recreational trail for walking and cycling that links three countries — Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia
Posted by
OP
Piran, Slovenia
3 posts
You can also visit by electric bikes, which can be rented in Piran or Portorož, or by local buses, which unfortunately do not run frequently to small villages. You can also inquire on site with local providers about private guided tours or transportation.