Slovenia has one of the rarest landscapes with access to the Mediterranean as well as the Alps. This is due to its location in central Europe and the Adriatic coastline.
Head to the north of the country, and you will encounter the Alps or steer close to the south, and you will see the short yet bustling coastline for a beautiful yacht charter experience. Its proximity to Croatia and Italy makes it possible to explore several countries with a yacht charter.
Slovenian coast is lively with pretty coastal towns, such as Piran, Portorož, Koper and Izola. The coastal region also has some of the best wineries in the country. So, if you are stopping by, wineries should be on your list.
What is the Weather like in Slovenia Year Round?
Slovenia is probably the only European country that enjoys the best of both worlds, the Mediterranean and the Alpine. While you can enjoy the balmy weather on the beach, there are also mountains with snow all year around.
So, what's the weather in Slovenia? Slovenia enjoys a typical continental climate with warm summers and cold winters complete with snow in the Alps.
The Slovenian coast has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and cold winters. The average temperatures reach 20°C or 79°F in July and 0°C or 32°F in January.
On the other hand, the mountainous regions of Slovenia have moderately warm summers and light seasonal showers.
What is the Best Month to Visit Slovenian Coast?
There are not a lot of countries with a climate as diverse as Slovenia. For a small country, the climate difference can be significant from the coast to the mountain. Add to that the Burja, a strong wind that blows year-round. And hence, it is crucial to choose the appropriate time to visit Slovenia.
The best time to visit the Slovenian coast is between late spring and early Autumn, say May to October. Slovenian Coast is beautiful this time of the year (July and August). The temperatures can reach the 80s, a pleasantly warm climate with consistent sunshine.
August is the hottest month in Slovenia, with temperatures averaging between 75℉ to 83℉.
Summer is the peak tourist season on the Slovenian coast since it is the right time to hit the outdoors and take a dip in the sea. However, you can also visit in Spring and Fall, though the crowds are thinner. And the weather can be unpredictable in Spring.
Tourist Destinations Along the Slovenian Coast
Slovenia doesn't have as long a coastline, just 47km along the Adriatic Sea. With such a small coastline, Slovenia makes the best use of it, with many seaside towns dotting the shoreline. If you are willing to sail, a yacht charter is the best way to experience the Slovenian coast and enjoy all it comes with.
Here are some of the important seaside towns our yacht charter stops at:
Koper
Koper is situated along the Slovenian coast at approximately 5 km from its border with Italy. With a population of about 25,000, it is considered to be one of the main urban centres of the country. It is also one of the main road entry points into the country from Italy.
Summer is the best time of the year to visit Koper starting late June to later August. Some of the exciting places to visit in Koper include:
- 15th century Praetorian Palace
- Loggia in Venetian Gothic style
- 12th century Carmine Rotunda church
- Cathedral of St Nazarius
- 14th-century tower
Izola
To the southwest of Koper at around 7km is the old fishing town of Izola. The old part of the town now rests on what used to be an island surrounded by a wall. At the beginning of the 9th century, the wall was pulled down, and the remnants were laid between the mainland and the island of Izola.
Izola has Venetian charm, narrow winding streets, excellent food, and a good atmosphere.
Like other seaside towns, Summer, particularly July, is the best time to visit Izola. On average, Izola enjoys 317 hours of sunshine in July. Some of the exciting places to visit in Izola include:
- Besenghi degli Ughi Palace
- Parish Church of St Maurus
- Manzioli house
- Municipal palace
- Church of St Mary of Haliaetum
- Simon’s Bay
Piran
Initially a part of the Venetial empire and then Italy, Piran looks like a laidback Italian town rather than a bustling town on the Slovenian coast. And as such, the town was primarily Italian speaking till the mid-19th century.
The stunning coastal town is rich in history and retains its medieval charm. It is one of the best preserved historical towns on the Mediterranean coast. It is difficult not to fall in love with the winding alleyways, sunsets and gothic architecture.
Piran is also the seat of the Euro-Mediterranean University of Slovenia. Founded in 2008, it is one of the cultural projects of the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean.
Some of the interesting places to visit in Piran include:
- Tartini Square
- The Church of St.George
- The Bell tower
- The medieval walls of Piran
- The old town
Portorož
Portorož is a seaside resort and spa town situated along the Slovenian coastline. Located in Piran, Portorož means "Port of Roses".
Since the 13th century, Portorož has established itself as a place of healing. Mediterranean climate and its thermo-mineral water springs create an ideal condition for treating issues related to the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, respiratory system, gastrointestinal diseases and many others.
The more modern development began in the late 19th century with the creation of the first health resort, the Palace Hotel. Portorož has a humid subtropical climate, i.e., warm summers with constant sunshine. Some of the exciting places to visit in Portorož include:
- Church of St Bernardine
- Forma Viva, the open-air sculpture exhibition
- Valeta tunnel
- Palace Hotel
- Holy Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
What are the Beaches like in Slovenia?
Although Slovenia has one of the smallest coastlines, it is riddled with pebbly beaches and hidden cliffside bays. So before you imagine palm trees and endless sandy beaches, remember that the coast is mostly rocky and pebble beaches.
Hence most beaches you see are artificial creations like jetties and concrete slabs. These make sunbathing and swimming possible. Here are some of the famous beaches on the Slovenian coast:
Lighthouse Beach in Izola: Lighthouse Beach is a great family beach, complete with a playground and a cosy area to top up your tan. It is also easily accessible from the city centre and sits opposite the Izola lighthouse.
Fiesa Beach, Piran: Situated at a 15 min walk along the promenade, Fiesa Beach is a rocky beach with plenty of shade. The calm currents at Fiesa Beach make it an ideal location to snorkel, canoe, stand-up paddleboard and other water sports. It also has a tree-covered section for sunbathing.
Žusterna Beach, Koper: A 20 min stroll from the city centre, Žusterna Beach is a typical beach complex commonly found in Southeastern Europe. It has the main bathing area with two swimming pools, one Olympic-sized and one saltwater complete with lifeguards. Though ideal for swimming, you can also find kayakers and paddleboarders.
Portorož Central beach: Portorož is a resort town, and hence, you will find the beach packed with seaside resorts, restaurants, and bars. As one of the only sandy beaches in the country, Portorož is an artificial sandy beach.
Wine and Dine on Slovenian Coast
Slovenia has some of the best restaurants, including hole-in-the-wall eateries. These swear by local cuisines and offer delights made from local ingredients. Here are some restaurants you may want to try during your yacht charter experience.
Food is one of the ways you can best experience a country in all its glory. Slovenia has some of the best restaurants, from hole-in-the-wall eateries to Michelin gourmet restaurants. These swear by local cuisines and offer delights made from local ingredients. Here are some restaurants you may want to try during your yacht charter experience.
Rizibizi
Tucked between Portorož and Piran, Rizibizi is one of the Slovenian coast's finest dining options. Offering local cuisine, Rizibizi is a haven for foodies. Their most famous dish is the six-course meal with a truffle flavour in every meal.
Montagu
Montagu is a rather new entry that means serious business when it comes to steak, especially the Argentinian Black Angus. Though it may be expensive, you can find cheaper options like burgers or salads. Or you can experience local wines and cocktails on its sprawling beachfront terrace.
Cantina Klet
Cantina Klet is a small wine bar that sits under a grapevine canopy on Trg 1 Maja. Though they serve local wines, you can also find well-priced beers too. Also, don't forget to try their variety of fresh seafood dishes vis their self-service window.
Pirat
While not a fine dining option, Pirat has a fan following of its own. It is well known for its seafood options, from grilled seabass to fresh fish carpaccio accompanied by some local malvazija.
Capra
Capra is a new indoor-outdoor venue that serves as a cafe, bar, and all-in-one. Its ambitious menu covers a broad menu from pasta to seafood and delicious dessert. Or you can lounge and enjoy some creative cocktails.
Marina Restaurant
As its name indicates, Marina restaurant offers a wide variety of seafood at reasonable prices, lobster with pasta, fish soup, salt-crusted seabass, etc. They also have a good selection of meat dishes too. Don't forget to try their pork fillet with olive polenta and fresh truffle.
Pri Mari
A small hole-in-the-wall eatery run by an Italian-Slovenian couple, Pri Mari serves the most inventive dishes in town accompanied by a good selection of local wines. However, you may want to make your reservations ahead since space is limited.
Gostilna Bujol
Though not often visited by tourists, it is famous among the locals for its rustic menu. They have a wide selection of fresh fish offered, fried or grilled, from mussels and calamari to cod.
Istrska Klet Slavček
Situated within the 18th-century Carli Palace, Istrska Klet Slavček is one you do not want to miss. They offer authentic home-cooked foods like roast pork, hearty soups and stews accompanied by wine from a barrel.
Gostilna Sidro
Overlooking Izola's harbour is Gostilna Sidro offering fresh fish and different varieties of seafood. And all that for a pretty reasonable price.