The settlement stretching along the Slovenian Coast between Izola and Piran was formed in the valley of river Roja, encompassing the salt pans and on the nearby hills. This part of the coast was proclaimed a nature reserve in the year 1990. It occupies 160 hectares of land area. Beside the four kilometres of coast, which is unique on the whole of the Adriatic Sea, the typical flora and fauna of this region is worth mentioning. The estuary part of the river Roja was turned into salt pans already in the middle ages. Today, alas, only a tiny fraction of these, is still active. In the direct vicinity to the salt pans, a kind of a lagoon Stjuža, is encountered, once purportedly very rich with fish.

When the steep, granite cobbled path, leading to the north, is overcome, the St. Mary Ascension Church is reached. The legend is saying that on the night between 14th and 15th August in the far year 1512, the Mother Mary appeared to two vineyard watchmen. She begged them to relay a message to authorities regarding the renovation of the church, which was in very bad shape. In the following years the church was enlarged. In the year 1520 it was adorned with the painting “Apparition of St. Mary” by Francesco Valerio. Eventually the church became the most important pilgrimage centre of the entire Istria.

At the seaside, gazing towards Piran, there is the villa of the famous violinist Giuseppe Tartini (1692 - 1770), which sadly cannot be admired in its original state. It is surrounded by a park, which is a true specimen of the Mediterranean vegetation. Today the villa serves as a building intended for protocol purposes.

A visitor to Strunjan can take a stroll on various agreeable paths. In a short time, he can reach Portorož through the tunnel of the former narrow gauge railroad, connecting Triest with Poreč. From Salinera, he can walk along the shoreline to Fiesa or even Piran. And if he turns around, the path along the beach, could lead him to Izola. From the pilgrimage church, a comfortable path leads to the Cross, which watches from the cliff high above over all seafarers.

In Strunjan, there are beside everything listed, also three hotels with renown restaurants, and several taverns, able to propose to a demanding guest a variety of the Mediterranean cuisine, tennis courts and mini golf. Open air pools, summer baths, proudly waving the “Blue Flag”, and especially acknowledged thermal spa, nicely round up the proposal of our location.