Piran Overview

Unlike more modern towns on the Istrian Peninsula, Piran—chartered in 1384—has retained its Venetian charm with beautiful churches, winding cobblestone streets, and dilapidated medieval architecture. A short walk uphill from behind the red building at Tartinijev trg, the town’s central square, leads to the Gothic Church of Saint George (Cerkev sv. Jurija) and the 17th-century Saint George’s Tower, with a view of Piran and the Adriatic. (Open daily mid-June to Sept. 10am-1pm and 4-7pm; Oct. to mid-June 11am-5pm. Free.) From the tower, head away from the church and continue uphill to the medieval city walls to see Piran, in all its red-tile-roofed, Mediterranean glory. (Open Apr.-Oct. 8am-9pm; Nov.-Mar. 9am-5pm. Free.) On the way down from the city walls and St. George’s Church, take a left and explore St. Francis’ monastery. The central gallery now features art exhibits. Piran’s real attraction, however, is the sea. While the closest sand beach is in the neighboring town of Portorož, it’s possible to go swimming off Piran’s own rocky shores, and excellent scuba diving can be arranged through Sub-net, Prešemovo nab. 24, which runs certification classes and guided dives. (☎05 673 2218; www.sub-net.si. €30 guided dive, €40 to explore a wreck. €60 per rental piece. €220 beginner’s open water dive. Open Tu-Su 9am-7pm. Cash only.) The Maritime Museum (Pomorski Muzej), off Tartinijev trg on Cankarjevo nab., has three stories of exhibits on marine archaeology and seamanship, and an impressive collection of scuba diving suits as well as ship replicas. (☎05 671 0040. English captions. Open in the summer Tu-Su 9am-noon and 6-9pm, in the winter 3-6pm. €3.50, students €2.50.) July welcomes the Primorska Summer Festival, featuring outdoor plays, ballets, and concerts. Inquire at the tourist office for schedules.

 Youth Hostel Val (HI), Gregorčičeva 38A, has spotless two- to four-bed suites. From the bus station, follow the coast past Tartinijev trg as it curves away from the harbor; the hostel is three blocks up. (☎05 673 2555; www.hostel-val.com. Breakfast included. Reception 8am-6pm. Dorms mid-May to mid-Sept. €25; mid-Sept. to mid-May €20.) Waterfront cafes line Prešemovo nab., but   Tri Vdove stands out for its seafood dishes and sophisticated interior. Try one of the value meals (€12-14) with soup, salad, entree, and dessert. (☎05 673 0290. Entrees €5-38. Open daily 11am-midnight. AmEx/MC/V.) A Mercator supermarket, Levstikova 5, is a short walk behind the tourist office. (Open M-F 7am-8pm, Sa 7am-1pm, Su 8am-noon. AmEx/MC/V.) Buses go to Ljubljana (7-8 per day; €12). A minibus runs the length of Obala, from Lucija through Portorož and on to Piran (3 per hr., 5:30am-midnight, €1). Alternatively, a 25min. walk takes you from Piran to Portorož; facing the sea, head left. The friendly, English-speaking staff at the tourist office, Tartinijev trg 2., in the central square, provides bus schedules. (☎05 673 4440. 9am-5pm; later in summer.) Postal Code: 6330.