If you plan on basing yourself in Ljubljana for a while, there are plenty of opportunities for day trips around Slovenia. Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Vintgar Gorge and Slovenia’s wine region are all within easy reach. A little further away is Venetian-influenced Piran on the Istrian coast.
I had hoped to visit Piran when I was in Slovenia the year before, but after a couple of unexpected events, I had to change my plans. Now I know what I missed out on, I’m even more disappointed I couldn’t visit. I’ve travelled quite extensively around Slovenian Istria and Piran is by far the most beautiful town in the region.
Piran has been ruled by just about everyone at some point in time. The Romans, Slavs, Franks, Byzantine Empire, Venetians and the Austro-Hungarians all influenced the city in various ways. As little as 100 years ago, Piran was 95% Italian, and the city continues to have a strong Italian influence, with Italian among the official languages of Slovenian Istria.
Tartini Square is the main square in Piran, where you’ll most likely start your city tour or stop to relax in a cafe.
If you walk up to St George’s Church above Tartini Square, you get amazing views of Piran and the coast, especially at sunset.
Don’t want to drive? A day trip tour from Ljubljana to Piran combines the coast with Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle. Transport, guide and most of the logistics sorted.
What to Do in Piran
Even on a short day trip, you’ll have plenty of time to see everything. Wander the backstreets, climb up to St George’s Church for the views, have a coffee in Tartini Square and watch the world go by.
Travel tip: Read my Ljubljana boutique hotel guide for ideas on where to stay and a rundown of the central neighbourhoods.
The town has a small aquarium and a few museums if you need to fill time, but honestly, Piran is the kind of place where you can just exist for a few hours. Sit by the water. Eat some seafood. Pretend you’re somewhere in Italy for half the price.
Swimming in Piran
Piran doesn’t have a sandy beach, but you can still swim. The shoreline is concrete with steps and rails for getting in and out, and you can jump straight into the water if that’s more your style. The water is perfectly clear, and it’s a lovely way to cool off on a hot day.
If you want something more beach-like, nearby Fiesa has a small stretch of sand. It’s where the locals go, though it’s not the prettiest beach in the world.
Sunset in Piran
Piran faces west across the Adriatic, so you get proper sunsets over the water. The kind where the sky turns orange and pink, and everyone stops what they’re doing to watch. Find a spot along the waterfront or head up to St George’s Church for a higher vantage point.
If you’ve timed your day trip badly and missed the last bus back to Ljubljana, there are worse places to be stuck. Book a room, have a long dinner by the water, and watch the sun go down with a glass of local wine. The coast has a completely different feel after the day trippers leave.
Tip: If you have the time and a car, Trieste and its beautiful Miramare Castle are only 30 minutes across the Italian border. Some visitors combine the two for a longer day out.
How to Get to Piran from Ljubljana
By bus: Buses run frequently from Ljubljana bus station to Piran, taking around 2 hours and costing around €8-12 each way. Book tickets through the Ljubljana bus station website or buy on the day. Buses arrive at the Piran bus stop by the coast, just a short walk from Tartini Square. Be warned that buses can fill up, especially in summer. Don’t plan on taking the last bus of the day unless you’re prepared to stay overnight.
By car: Piran is a 90-minute drive from Ljubljana on the motorway. You’ll need an e-vignette to use Slovenian motorways. A weekly vignette costs €16 and can be purchased online or at petrol stations. Without one, you risk fines of €300 or more. Cameras catch everything.
For a more structured visit, a walking tour of Piran (from Ljubljana) with a local guide will fill in the history you’d otherwise miss on your own.
Parking in Piran
Piran’s old town is essentially car-free. You can’t drive in without a permit.
Park at the Fornace garage just before the town. It costs €2.90 per hour or €29 for the day, but a free shuttle runs every 15 minutes to Tartini Square. Or you can walk. It’s about 10 minutes along the water, and the views are worth it.
If you’re staying overnight, ask your hotel about parking vouchers. Some offer significant discounts.
More in Slovenia
Piran makes for an easy day trip, but it’s just one option. If you’re trying to decide how to spend your time, I’ve pulled together the best day trips from Ljubljana, including Lake Bled and the underrated day trip to Maribor. And if you’d rather stay in the city, you can see a surprising amount of Ljubljana by bike.
