Izola, Slovenia: Travel Guide & Things to Do!
The small town of Izola, located on the beautiful Slovenian coast, is considered by many as one of the best places to vacation in Slovenia. There are so many wonderful things to do in Izola. It boasts a picturesque old town with many interesting attractions such as historic churches, charming squares and museums. You will be able to stroll through a maze of stone streets and get to know a piece of Slovenia from one of its most beautiful sides. One of the prettiest places is the colorful harbor with its promenade, where you can enjoy good restaurants and cute cafés. Just a short walk away are some stunning beaches, perfect for a seaside vacation. The surrounding area of Izola is also well worth a visit and is ideal for a variety of activities such as boat trips, cycling and hiking.
In this travel guide, you will find all the important information and tips about Izola in Slovenia. We also show you great pictures, the best activities and attractions in Izola, share our experiences and reveal the best places to stay.
Good to know!
If you are still looking for a special place to stay in Izola, we can recommend the fantastic Hotel Marina in the best location at the romantic fishing port.
A unique attraction of Izola is the magnificent 130 km long cycle trail. It runs along the former Parenzana railroad all the way to Koper, Trieste and Porec.
Izola and its surroundings offer numerous opportunities for swimming and relaxation. Here is a summary of the most beautiful beaches in Izola.
During your vacation in Izola you can enjoy unforgettable day trips along the coast. The most interesting places nearby are Piran, Koper, Strunjan and Portoroz.
General Information about Izola
Izola, a town of 11,500 inhabitants, is located on a peninsula in the heart of the Slovenian coast, only 8 km from Koper in the north and 8 km from Portoroz in the south. The history of the town dates back to Roman times, when the area belonged to the colony of Aquilea. In the Middle Ages, more precisely in the 13th century, Izola was ruled by the Republic of Venice, which is reflected in the architecture of many buildings and monuments in the old town. Today, Izola is one of the smaller Slovenian resorts, but a real insider’s tip for a seaside vacation. The beaches along the coast are truly enchanting, and the unique Mediterranean flair in the historic center invites visitors to slow down.
The charming old town of Izola is particularly special. Its winding streets, colorful Venetian palaces and romantic fishing harbor create a picture-book setting. At the top of the town is the bell tower of the Church of St. Mauro, one of Izola’s most important landmarks, from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Adriatic. Thanks to its fishing tradition, the town also has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine. You should try the local specialties in the many authentic restaurants and charming cafés. The perfect selection of good accommodations in Izola finally makes a vacation complete.
The Best Things to Do in Izola
On a visit to Izola in Slovenia, you can look forward to a number of attractions worth seeing. Many of them are located in the city center, which can be explored on foot during a walking tour. But there are also many highlights and activities nearby. Here are some of the best things to do in Izola, including some insider tips:
Harbor of Izola
The charming little harbor of Izola is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the coastal town. This beautiful crescent-shaped fishing port is located right in the center of the town and offers a truly picture-book panorama. It is characterized by the many colorful houses that, together with the tower of the Church of St. Mauro and the turquoise sea, create an absolutely romantic setting. The harbor basin is one of the most scenic photo spots in Izola and a popular meeting place for locals and tourists. You should also stop by the small, picturesque Veliki trg Izola, with its cozy benches and fountain.
Tip: The popular Hotel Marina is located right at the harbor of Izola. Its location is unbeatable. It’s in the heart of the action, close to the beaches and the old town.
Izola Old Town
The charming old town of Izola is truly beautiful and a visit is one of the best things to do. It is the heart of the town and attracts visitors with numerous great attractions, historic buildings and romantic stone alleyways. It has remained absolutely authentic and exudes a unique charm. A walk through the center of the town reveals some of Izola’s most beautiful attractions. You will be amazed by impressive palaces such as the Besenghi degli Ughi Palace, the Manzioli Palace and the Lovisato Palace, as well as medieval churches such as the Church of St. Mary of Leto and the Church of St. Mauro. An insider’s tip is the Ljubljana Street, also known as the Artists’ Street, and the Izola Market, located on the edge of the old town.
Tip: On the second Saturday of every month there is a small flea market in the center of Izola on the Lonka square and in the Pietro Coppo park.
Svetilnik Beach
A highlight is the beautiful Plaza Svetilnik. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Slovenia and an ideal place for unforgettable days of swimming on the coast of Izola. Located on the picturesque promenade on the edge of the old town, it is an insider’s tip for combining sightseeing with swimming. Guests love the mix of concrete, stone and pebble beach, which offers ideal conditions for relaxing, swimming and sunbathing. In addition to concrete sunbathing areas, this gently sloping beach has many green areas and even free wooden sun loungers. There are several cafés and restaurants for refreshments and a children’s playground for families.
Tip: There are excellent accommodations for a vacation in Izola in the surrounding area, such as Premium Apartment Natura, a beautiful vacation apartment with a sea view.
Izola Promenade
The Izola Promenade is one of the most popular places in the resort. It runs around the town center, past the colorful harbor and on to the picturesque bays in the surrounding area. The many good restaurants and cafés that line the promenade are unique and make it one of the most beautiful attractions in Izola. Here you will be able to enjoy a wonderful view of the sea and to soak up the incredibly beautiful atmosphere. Along the way, there are also some pretty white-and-blue huts offering a wide range of local products such as handicrafts, lavender, oils and jewelry.
Church of St. Mauro
One of the most beautiful things to do in Izola is definitely a visit to the Church of St. Mauro. It is located at the highest point of the old town and is best reached on foot. The bell tower, built in 1585, is over 30 meters high and can be seen from afar. Built in 1356, the church has been renovated and enlarged over the years. The interior of the church is also well worth a visit, with 10 impressive altars, the Callid organ dating from 1796, and valuable paintings from the 15th century. Interesting guided tours of the church of St. Mauro are offered during the high season.
Tip: An insider’s tip is to climb the 99 steps to the top of the bell tower. The best view of Izola and its picturesque surroundings can be enjoyed from the top.
Izolana Museum (House of the Sea)
The Izolana Museum, also known as the House of the Sea or Muzej Parenzana, is an true insider’s tip in Izola. Hidden away in the old town, on Ulica Alme Vivode, this small but fine museum is a must for anyone interested in the history of Izola. Families with children will also enjoy this interactive museum. With the help of photos, videos, a 3D map and many exhibits, such as the 35 wooden boat models, visitors are taken back in time. There is a lot of information about salt mining and traditional fishing. Many of the exhibits are hands-on and can be touched!
Bele Skale
One of the most outstanding natural sites in Izola is Bele Skale beach. The imposing wave-like rock formations are unique and create a gigantic backdrop to the turquoise blue sea. This natural cove is located to the south of the resort and is a real insider’s tip away from the typical tourist paths. This magical place also promises relaxing days of swimming in an unspoiled landscape, and is particularly popular with those who prefer a quieter pace. Some come here especially for snorkeling, as there is plenty to see underwater. Dogs are also allowed on this stretch of coast.
Tip: Plaza Bele Skale is located below the Belvedere Resort and can be reached from there via a fairly steep but short hiking trail.
Plaza San Simon
The Plaza San Simon is considered one of the most beautiful bays south of the city center. Especially for families with children, this beach is the first choice. Here you can enjoy a magnificent pebble beach surrounded by a Mediterranean landscape. Concrete sunbathing areas and green spaces invite visitors to relax and sunbathe. Another highlight is the big red water slide, which is great fun for children. The tourist infrastructure is also perfect. There are plenty of sanitary facilities, a wide range of entertainment, and you can rent surfboards and stand-up paddles. There is also a nice restaurant behind the beach that provides good food and drinks.
Tip: The 3-star Dependences – San Simon Resort is very popular on this stretch of coast. Especially recommended are the superior double rooms overlooking the sea.
Besenghi degli Ughi Palace
The Besenghi degli Ughi Palace is a historical jewel in Izola. It is located in the historical center of the town and can be easily reached by walking through the picturesque streets. Built by the famous Istrian Besenghi family between 1775 and 1781, this well-preserved palace is one of the most beautiful examples of late Baroque architecture. Also worth seeing is the stone lion on the corner of the building, which is said to date back to the 13th century. Today the Besenghi degli Ughi Palace is the seat of the Izola Music School and unfortunately, it is not possible to visit it currently from the inside.
Šalet Tunnel
A special feature of Izola is the Šalet tunnel, a 214-meter-long car-free tunnel, which connects the coastal town of Izola with the neighboring town of Strunjan. It is part of the famous Parenzana Trail, a beautiful cycling and walking path built on the route of the former “Parenzo” railway, which served as an iron railway tunnel between 1902 and 1935. Today, many who cycle along the coast towards Strunjan and Piran pass through this spectacular section. The entire tunnel is illuminated and offers cyclists a welcome cool-down, especially in the hot summer months.
Strunjan Nature Reserve
A visit to the Strunjan Nature Reserve is one of the best things to do near Izola. The spectacular Moon Bay is the most famous attraction in the reserve. A special characteristic is the unusual crescent shape of the bay, which can be admired from the beautifully designed hiking trail along the 80-meter-high cliffs. Perhaps the best view of the bay can be enjoyed from St. Cross. There is also a secluded natural beach below Moon Bay, which has become a popular tourist spot. Also worth a visit are the nearby Strunjan Salt Pans, where salt is still being mined to this day.
Tip: A short hike from the parking lot in Strunjan will take you to this dream beach. For the descent into the bay, sturdy shoes are recommended.
Best Day Trips from Izola
Not only is Izola beautiful, but the surrounding area also offers many exciting places to visit and things to see. Here are some of the best excursions you can make nearby:
The coastal towns near Izola are well worth a visit. Piran, Koper, Portoroz, Strunjan and the Italian city of Trieste are particularly interesting.
Recommended is also visiting the impressive Postojna Caves, a huge stalactite and stalagmite cave about 60 km from Izola, and the imposing Predjama Cave Castle.
An insider’s tip is a day trip to Lipica, a large stud farm with Lipizzaner horses. You can see the horses in the paddock and take a guided tour of the stables.
From Izola you can also take wonderful excursions to the nearby Istria in Croatia. The coastal town of Umag is only about 25 kilometers away!
Where to Stay in Izola
Izola is a beautiful resort town on the Slovenian coast, so you will find some excellent accommodation there. From beautiful hotels on the promenade to great apartments and guesthouses, there’s something for everyone. If you are looking for recommended places to stay in Izola, we can give you these hotel tips… It’s worth a look!
- Charming 4-Star Hotel: The Hotel Marina is a perfect choice for a vacation. It is located right in the center and a beautiful beach is not far away.
- Nice holiday Home: The Boutique House Rustikana is located in the hinterland of Izola and impresses with its pool, fantastic location and beautiful views.
- Beautiful Apartments: The Premium Apartment Natura is a beautiful apartment with sea views. The magnificent main beach is also not far away.
- Fabulous 3-Star Hotel: The Dolcemente Garni Hotel is recommended for a short break in Izola. It is located in the center and offers a delicious breakfast.
Find the best accommodation in Izola:
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