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Slovenia is a country rich in natural beauty, and for a reason, we don’t write Slovenia here; we write sLOVEnia. The good news is that Slovenia is a very small country (approximately 20,000 square kilometers), so you can explore every corner. Perfect, right?
Although here in Croatia we usually make jokes about the size of Slovenia, we must agree that its size makes it very easy to travel there. Furthermore, driving through Slovenia, you can’t help but notice how it is a very safe and clean country, which is not surprising considering how highly our neighbors in Slovenia love discipline, work, sports, an active lifestyle and nature.
Slovenia is located in Central Europe, bordering Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. The currency is the Euro, the climate is Mediterranean, and the official language is Slovenian (English will also be perfectly fine).
By the way, did you know that Slovenia’s Adriatic coastline is only 47 kilometers long? And somewhere along those 47 kilometers lies Koper, a port city that I will introduce you to in this travel guide.
Admire the Praetorian Palace & Tito Square
For a touch of Venice in Koper, visit the Praetorian Palace. This well-known attraction is located on Titov trg (Tito Square), in the heart of the old town, right across from the Loggia (another famous building). The square is named for Tito who was the president of Yugoslavia, which once included, among others, Slovenia and Croatia.
The Praetorian Palace is a must-see attraction on the main square. It was built in the 13th century but was given its current look in the 15th century. Thus, it’s a nice blend of Gothic and Venetian styles. It has arched windows and a lovely, open staircase.
Also, be ready for the winged lion that will welcome you in the heart of the Praetorian Palace. Don’t worry, it’s just a statue.
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Climb the Bell Tower in the Cathedral of the Assumption
What kind of European travel list would it be without a cathedral on it? Koper’s Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary was built in the 11th century, but it had several reconstructions, resulting in an impressive blend of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance styles.
I recommend that you climb to the top of the 54-meter-high bell tower after exploring the church’s interior and admiring the beautiful murals.
If my math is correct, there are 204 stairs to climb to its panoramic 43-meter-high platform, but the reward is a beautiful view of Koper and the Adriatic Sea. Of course, don’t forget to take a selfie too.
This is Slovenia’s oldest bell still in service and it was constructed in Venice around 1333.
Enjoy Škocjanski Zatok
Here is a slightly different proposal. Slovenia is a country rich in natural beauty, and our Slovenian neighbors like active vacations and connection with nature. While we Croats drink cocktails by the Adriatic Sea and, you know, just enjoy the shade in the summer, the Slovenians jog.
Therefore, I suggest that you set aside one day for Škocjanski Zatok, the largest wetland in Slovenia. Especially if you visit Koper with your family.
Škocjanski Zatok is a nature reserve with diverse flora and fauna, including rare and protected species. The promenade is lovely, and while sightseeing, you can watch birds in their natural habitats, admire rare vegetation and enjoy untouched nature.
If you have children, they are likely to enjoy horseback riding. Long story short, Slovenia is one of those countries where you should connect with nature and make some unforgettable family memories.
Learn About Koper’s History at Koper Regional Museum
Of course, there’s no better place to learn about a city’s history than in its museum. And the Koper Regional Museum knows everything about Koper: from antiquity to the present.
To help you learn more effectively, there are numerous works of art, historical objects, photographs and documents.
If you are not a fan of museums, then Koper Regional Museum may sound boring at first. but, if you have children, here is a pro tip: pay for one of the organized tours with guides, quizzes and 3D glasses for them while you relax and drink coffee. That is what we call a win-win situation, right?
Walk Through Muda Gate
If you want to enter Koper in style, go through the Muda Gate, which was formerly the city’s major entry and is now one of its most popular attractions. It was created in the 16th century to restrict the flow of people and goods into the city. Cool, right?
When you pass through Muda Gate, you will be greeted with an explosion of Slovenian colors, streets, art and charm.
Enjoy the Charm of Preseren Square
There is no more poetic corner of Koper than Preseren Square. Of course, it is named after the Slovenian poet Prešeren.
There, snap a picture by the Da Ponte Fountain, drink coffee in one of the charming cafes, take a walking tour, admire the colorful facades and, of course, buy a few souvenirs. I mean, how are you going to get back among your relatives and co-workers without souvenirs?
Meet History at Taverna Koper
Walking along the Adriatic Sea on Piazza Carpaccio, you will come across Taverna Koper, a former salt warehouse that today hosts several cultural events.
Also, here is a fun fact: in 1182, Koper received a monopoly for the salt trade in Istria as a sign of gratitude for taking the “oath of allegiance” to the Doge of Venice.
Ride a Bike Along the Slovenian Coast
If you want to live as much like a local as possible during your vacation in Slovenia, rent a bike and ride down the Slovenian coast. It is always lively and full of people you can enjoy the beautiful view and fresh air.
When you get thirsty from cycling don’t worry; there are benches and rest areas along the walk where you can purchase coffee, chocolates and drinks.
And if you do so, don’t forget to burn those calories if you really want to live like a Slovenian. Because “mens sana in corpore sano” is a slogan in Slovenia.
Take a Day Trip to Postojna Cave
As a unique experience that delighted me, I also recommend a guided tour to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle. Especially, again, if you come with children. It’s definitely something you don’t see every day.
In Postojna Cave, enjoy the train ride through the cave, explore one of the world’s largest karst cave formations, admire the huge stalactites and stalagmites and don’t miss the chance to see the human fish.
Did you know that in the past, it was believed that the human fish was actually a descendant of dragons? Even today, it is believed that there is something unusual and mythical about them.
Of course, be prepared for lower temperatures during this adventure because it is quite cold in Postojna Cave. Also, did I mention that Postojna Cave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Take a Day Trip to Ljubljana, Trieste, Lake Bled or Skocjan Caves
Koper is a beautiful city, but I won’t lie, there are more beautiful places in amazing Slovenia. But, as I already said, Slovenia has a huge advantage: it is very small, and you can explore every single corner. Do not miss the capital, Ljubljana, a beautiful European city.
If you prefer nature, take a day trip to the magical Bled Lake, which I have already written about. This is one of the biggest Slovenian attractions.
Also, consider the amazing (but really amazing) Skocjan Caves. And if you have children, take them to Lipica to see the famous white Lipizzaner horses. It is the original Lipizzaner stable and the largest Lipizzaner stable in the world. I promise you will create unforgettable family memories here.
I also recommend day tours to Izola, Portorož, Piran and the Italian city of Trieste. Or consider some of the cruise ship options.
From Koper: Piran and Panoramic Slovenian Coast Tour
Also, given that Slovenia is so close to Croatian Istria, I recommend that you “take the wrong path” and “accidentally” wander in our stunning Croatian Istria. Oops! I mean, it happens, right?
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