PANORAMIC VIEWS OF MEDIEVAL PIRAN

SPRING 2023: MARCH, APRIL, MAY and
AUTUMN 2023: SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER;
MONDAYS; FROM 10 AM TO 2 PM

I will present Piran in a completely different light. We embrace the town as it was once surrounded by walls. We admire the pearl of the Mediterranean from different perspectives than mass visitors, we ascend to the viewpoints that the classic Piran hides from many.

It is very photogenic when we look up. Near the walls, we descend along the road to Fiesa to the lake, right by the sea where we take a short break. We return to Piran along a path by the sea, then at the church of St. Jurij we enjoy the view of Tartini Square and the view of three countries at once, then we descend to Punta to the lighthouse, visit the 1st of May Square and the mysterious Jewish Square and then through the narrow streets we reach the central Tartini Square.

We stop at the hospitable restaurant Pirat Piran, where the “PIRATES” serve us delicacies from the sea: a delicious fish spread of cod and two excellent scallops. There is also a glass of good wine. Then we listen Istrian music and dance to its rhythm. We organise a dance animation with a fun game and a prize game for the next experience.

THE EMBRACE OF ŠENTJANE ABOVE PORTOROŽ

SPRING 2023: MARCH, APRIL, MAY and
AUTUMN 2023: SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER;
TUESDAYS; FROM 10 AM TO 2 PM

First we enjoy a soothing walk of Portorož by the sea, then we climb between the gardens to Beli Križ, from where we turn to Šentjane. The proximity of the sea and the view far to the Croatian coast gives this route a special charm.

We embrace Šentjane and from the top we observe the diverse cultural landscapes that surround us. From the top we admire the lively Portorož beach on one side and the calm green Strunjan valley on the other. The ascent rewards us with special views.

We stop for a wine break at the Bubola farm, in a small family wine cellar with our eyes covered we try local Istrian wines, the most famous Refošk and Malvasia. According to the taste and smell, we can determine which wine we like best.

In the Boem restaurant on Beli Križ, with a beautiful view of Fiesa, another guess of smells and tastes follows, this time the ingredients of a typical Istrian minestrone – Bobiči. The one who finds all the ingredients is given a prize for the next experience. We return to Portorož along Stara cesta (The old Road).

THE SECRECTS OF SEČA AND SALT PANS

SPRING 2023: MARCH, APRIL, MAY and
AUTUMN 2023: SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER;
WEDNESDAYS, FROM 10 AM TO 2 PM

The usually lively path along the Portorož marina across the Lucija camp takes us to the Cape Seča. We visit the private exhibition “Graššič” with more than 1600 cactuses. The stairs lead us to Forma Viva, where we admire an international exhibition of outdoor stone sculptures. We take a short break in the pleasant park.

We feel serenity, a view of Portorož from the other side, a fairy tale called the salt pans, a unique “bridgehead” of the channel of St. Jernej with old wooden vessels. We retreat to a different world and embrace the green piece of Portorož, the Seča peninsula, with views of the sea and salt pans.

When we reach the “top” of Seča, an interesting animation awaits us: Salt worker for one day, where we test ourselves as a team in saltworks. We put on a salt hat and salt shoes, so called taperine. We also draw a prize for the next experience.

The next stop is at Gramona Farm, where we listen to the host Nina, who vividly presents the story of the farm. We learn about the processes of harvesting and processing liquid gold. At the guided olive tasting we pamper ourselves with flavoured olive oils with orange and lemon. There is also bread with homemade olive spread. The bread is soaked in home-made olive oil, along with pickled olives, mozzarella and tomatoes, and a glass of good wine. Occasional accompanying activities are olive picking or observation of olive pruning.

THE FOOTPATH ABOVE LUCIJA TO LUCAN

SPRING 2023: MARCH, APRIL, MAY and
AUTUMN 2023: SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER;
THURSDAYS; FROM 10 AM TO 2 PM

First we enjoy a soothing walk of Portorož by the sea to the tennis courts. We see yachts in the Portorož marina and the boats of the locals in Fazan. We take the path past the blocks through the largest settlement in the municipality of Piran, Lucija, then ascend to Lucan near the Lucija school. We discover that the immediate surroundings of Lucija are very colourful and attractive.

We will look around the olive groves that adorn the Lucan hill, our view will also reach across the Seča peninsula with the Sečovlje salt pans in the background and the settlement of Lucija, camp Lucija, marina Portorož. On the other side of Lucan, we are surprised by the green Strunjan in all its beauties, salt pans, lagoons, landscapes. On this footpath, the Lucija area connects with the Strunjan area, and the views are phenomenal.

On the Strunjan side of Lucan, we relax on a meadow in an olive grove and eat an excellent “Istrian Breakfast”, which contains Istrian bread, Istrian salami, Istrian pancetta, cow cheese, cottage cheese, jam, honey, dried fruit, seasonal vegetables, and herbal tea.

In addition to the excellent food, we also get coupons for five local experiences in the interior of Istria. Along with culinary pleasures, we listen to the “local Šavrinka”, who came from Pomjan to tell us stories. From Lucan we descend to Strunjan and then through the tunnel of the former narrow-gauge railway Trieste-Poreč, we come from the calm green Strunjan back to the lively and always sunny Portorož.

Today, Parenzana is a pleasant cycling path of health and friendship. After arriving from the tunnel, a mini quiz on Istrian cuisine awaits you. Whoever answers most of the questions correctly, deserves a reward for the next experience. We descend past the Auditorium to the starting point in front of TIC Portorož.

THE BEAUTY OF STRUNJAN’S NATURE

SPRING 2023: MARCH, APRIL, MAY and
AUTUMN 2023: SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER;
FRIDAYS, FROM 10 AM TO 2 PM

Strunjan, charming nature that enchants. We head across the Strunjan salt pans, the northernmost on the Adriatic Sea, visit the saltworks house, where we get to know the saltworks accessories and interpret the interactive exhibition of the Strunjan Landscape Park. We walk between the beach and Stjuža, the only sea lagoon in Slovenia and climb above the Krka health resort. We are accompanied by a view of the sea and of the city of Piran. The footpath runs along the edge of one of the highest cliffs in the Adriatic Sea. Then we follow the information boards to the Strunjan cross with a view of Mesečev zaliv, the most beautiful beach on the Slovenian coast. The panoramic view extends all the way to Triglav. A short break at the energy points at the cross, or a coffee break in a nearby bar or a visit to the Church of the Apparition of Mary, the most important pilgrimage point in Slovenian Istria.

The next ascent rewards us with a view towards the Strunjan valley and higher up to Izola. When you reach the top of Ronek, you can enjoy the view towards Piran and a little lower the view of Strunjan with all the sights.

At this vantage point, we are received by a local guide Mladen from Strunjan, who takes us along hidden paths past his olive groves to his homestead. We experience the highlight at the Knez farm, where we join a cooking workshop of home-made fuži and learn the preparation procedures. We do not eat our products but only evaluate them and whoever is the most creative gets the prize, the next experience. Istrian pasta-fuži with truffles is served by housewife Mirjana with a glass of wine and the story of truffles is presented, we find out how they ended up on our table.Truffles are usually sought after by dogs that are trained to do so. We are about to return while admiring the mighty pine alley.

BETWEEN THE BAYS TO THE LAKE FIESA

SPRING 2023: MARCH, APRIL, MAY and
AUTUMN 2023: SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER;
SATURDAYS, FROM 10 AM TO 2 PM

First, we enjoy a soothing walk of Portorož by the sea, then we climb between the gardens to Beli Križ, from where we descend along a goat path, which leads us through unspoiled nature and thicket to Lake Fiesa, right by the sea. While listening to the waves of the sea, we indulge in energetic meditation to awake all the senses. Following the paved path, we ascend towards Pacug and continue along the forest path, where we are accompanied by beautiful panoramas of mussel farms, Strunjan salt pans, and the Stjuže sea lagoon. We descend to Strunjan to the Salinera Resort, an ideal location for continuing meditation and relaxation in the park with energy points or a possible coffee break.

We continue past the Strunjan camp to the Giassi farm. The owner Franco shows us plantations of persimmons and artichokes and offers a variety of dishes and drinks made from them. He greets us with a welcome drink. His wife Marija also brings us an excellent home-made cold cut, with a glass of good wine. She  treats us with delicious persimmon desserts, crostata and smoothies. In the spring, however, we eat healthy fresh artichokes.

Through the tunnel of the former narrow-gauge railway Trieste-Poreč, we come from the quiet green saltworks Strunjan back to the fashionable lively sunny Portorož. Today, Parenzana is a pleasant cycling path of health and friendship. We descend past the Auditorium to the starting point in front of TIC Portorož.

Just the thought of walking by the magnificent cliffs, going through beautiful olive groves and enjoying incredible scenic views from above is very appealing to all of us.

But this is not just a fantasy anymore, these footpaths really do exist and they are waiting to be discovered by you! Take a breath of fresh sea air while exploring the hidden gems of Mediterranean spinneys.

You can experience all of this through our organised and guided Piran’s walking tours with tasting local food. We show to active and curious hikers many beautiful views and the green surroundings of the most touristy Slovenian municipality.

I list some “conditions for participation”, I will be happy for your reservations IF:

• you want to spend an active vacation
• you love an active lifestyle
• you are a hiker and love to move around in nature
• you do something good for your health, well-being, and body
• you adore the beautiful green views
• you like to take beautiful pictures (and share them on social networks)
• you like to be in a pleasant company and make new social contacts
• You are curious and love to learn new things
• relax (sometimes laugh) with a pinch of animation
• you like to taste local food at home locations
• you are fans and supporters of sustainable / green tourism

The palette of PIRAN PATHS WITH TASTINGS is a great opportunity and the right choice that will undoubtedly leave you with special memories and unforgettable experiences of stories created by nature in spring and autumn.

If you want a phone consultation before you go on a trip,
feel free to call me at (+386) (0)40 42 52 62