Slovenian Istria does not disappoint, even
in autumn. Cladded in yellow-red colours, it invites you to experience
everything it has to offer, from sports activities to the exploration of
cultural and historical heritage. Fans of film art are in for a treat and
children too will enjoy very special adventures.
Wandering from the Sea to the Olive Groves and
Vineyards
The autumn days are an excellent opportunity to
discover numerous cycling and hiking trails in the countryside of Slovenian
Istria. The Goat Challenges allow the particularly interesting discovery
of the Koper countryside, where you can get to know many hidden corners. The
trip is designed as a riddle with Histra the goat helping you. You will
experience the most beautiful views, picturesque trails past vineyards and
olive groves and learn about local myths and legends.
The Virtual Istrian Marathon is held between 15
October and 15 November with time measured on the section of the Seča Circular
Footpath organized on 7 November at the My Seča Run event.
The Izola countryside is very picturesque, too. Go up
the hills surrounding Izola and admire the wonderful views. The trails promise
an extremely dynamic and picturesque terrain of the city hinterland, and in
fine weather, there are views of the interior of Istria, the coastal zone, the
Gulf of Trieste, the Julian Alps and the Carnic Alps and Dolomites. The longer uphill path leads you along roads and paths all the way to the Baredi
settlement or even to Šared village, showing you interesting archaeological
sites and once significantly important water resources. The shorter, three-hour trail up the hill offers an option for those who would like to
finish the hike a little sooner but still want to learn about the attractions
of the Izola countryside. The Strunjan Valley trail is also beautiful,
letting you discover the story of the Parenzana narrow gauge railway and
the Strunjan Nature Park and go up the magnificent Strunjan cliff. The path of the Sun begins in the Izola hinterland and takes you further
and further, all the way to Gažon village, the settlement of Srgaši and Grbci.
With numerous hiking trails and excursion options in
beautiful green surroundings, between trees and vineyards, the Ankaran
peninsula is an excellent destination for actively spending your free autumn
days. You can walk along the Bebler path, admire the view from the
Sanator hill and explore the cemetery of shells and the saltmarsh, or go along
the paths of the border guards from Debeli rtič cape all the way to the
Kaštelir nad Elerji prehistoric fort.
The autumn days are also ideal for cycling by the sea.
All Year E-biking is an agency offering a number of bike tours with electric
bicycles across Istria. You can have a short trip with an ideal two hours of cycling, visiting Portorož and Piran, which includes a tasting of local wines.
A longer version takes you on an idyllic ride through the Istrian countryside.
They will take you past the Sečovlje salt pans, along the forgotten valley of
the Dragonja River and the peaks of Slovenian Istria with beautiful views
reaching all the way to the Alps and Dolomites. It includes an Istrian snack
and wine tasting and other local delicacies.
The Interactive Discovery of Cultural
and Historical Heritage
For all those who would like to get to
know one of the main attractions of the Koper city centre – the magnificent Praetorian Palace – there is a special app that will take you to the past
in a virtual experience. The main attractions of Koper can be learned in a fun
way through a fun game or the A Hunt for Justice app.
If you want to further spice up your
visit to Slovenian Istria, you can try the escape adventure The Disappearance of the Tartini Violin, which is an excellent game for the
whole family discovering Piran in a fun way. It is an interactive game with
elements of the escape room on the streets of the town and 3D avatars of
enriched reality, putting your mental skills, ingenuity and mutual cooperation
to the test.
The Days in the Colours of Children
In the Adria Ankaran complex,
adults can enjoy a wellness centre while children get wonderful memories in the Jumpyland family park with imaginative (and safe) play. During the
holidays, the complex will also offer children's activities, which is an
excellent idea for quality leisure. The children will be creating, playing
interesting games and discovering their talents under the guidance of
experienced animators. They will socialize with their peers and make new
friendships.
You can try horse riding in
the Izola hinterland during your visit to the family farms. The Medljan farm offers a riding school, a tour of the farm, accommodation and delicious
Istrian meals. You are also welcome on another family farm, also located in
Cetore village, where the Hippos Association operates. The farm is a
true experience especially for families with children, as they can get
acquainted with various domestic animals there and learn about proper care and
approaches. The Association also carries out a classical horse riding school
and horse-based therapy.
Tastes of Autumn
The unspoiled nature of the Ankaran Peninsula offers
complete relaxation and a retreat from everyday worries. Good food from locally
grown vegetables and fruits, homemade local wine and olive oil, and hospitable
staff are a proven recipe for a unique gourmet experience. The Villa Andor Mediterranean restaurant awaits you with the aroma of Mediterranean herbs and
local cuisine, intertwined with the freshness of modern dishes.
If you are going to spend your autumn days in the
hinterland of Izola, we recommend that you refresh yourself in the Gostilna Korte inn, which offers a wealth of flavours of Istrian cuisine. The Pier of Tastes is held in Izola on the first Saturday of November, where you
can enjoy a variety of seafood dishes, as well as dishes from the Istrian
hinterland. The event at the customs pier will be thematically dedicated mainly
to fish, the queen of Izola, and as such will announce the culinary campaign
called the Days of the Kingdom of Fish between 12 to 28 November.
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Prepared by: Ankaran Municipality
In cooperation with: Koper Public
Institute for Youth, Culture and Tourism, Izola Tourist Board, g.i.z., and
Portorož Tourist Board, g.i.z.