In September I will be flying into Ljublijana and will have a day and a half there before going to Lake Bled. After checking out the city of Ljublijana, I was wondering about a day trip to the ocean. I will have a car. I am interested in taking a swim, walking the city, enjoying any local markets and architecture, and taking in a local cafe meal (not a big museum person). What city would you recommend?
Trieste,
Piran,
Rovinj,
Opatija, or
Island of Krk.
Thank you!
Trieste is the only proper city on your list, although short on beaches. I would combine it with nearby Piran for a bit of beach time and a more intimate setting in contrast to the grandiose city center of Trieste.
Rovinj is also a lovely town, although not too dissimilar to Piran and further south, making driving times longer, especially since you would have to wait at the border twice. It may be a breeze, but there very well may be long queues.
Rovinj is well worth a visit- beautiful small town by crystal clear sea, perfect for a day trip. Lots of nice restaurants to relax and ejoy a meal and the excellent Croatian wine by the harbour.
I believe Rovijn is far too far for a day trip.
Trieste is a wonderful city but no beaches. If you went to Trieste overnight you could combine that visit with a trip to Miramare Castle and see the waterfront at Grignano. Still not a beach. The closest beach is not on your list - Koper (Kapodistria, literally the Capital of Istria) is where Triestines go when they want a beach.
In my view, 1-1/2 days is not too long in Ljubljana. It's a very congenial city with a lot of potential for wandering around, some museums, a castle, a market. If I absolutely felt I needed an additional experience in that area, I'd choose either Piran or Trieste. I do like Rovinj, but it's too far to go on a day trip. And I would definitely pick Zagreb over Opatija; they'd require rather similar travel time, I believe.
If you're flying into Ljubjlana from a long distance away and may experience jetlag, I urge you not to plan to leave the city before you head to Bled.
