Piran, Slovenia is the best seaside destination in the country. The beaches are the biggest draw for holidaymakers, but there are more things to do in Piran than sunbathe and swim.
Therefore, we are highlighting the top attractions for you to put on your Piran things to do list!
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Why Visit Piran, Slovenia?
Charming. Lovely. Appealing. Enchanting. These are just a few adjectives that could be used to describe the peninsula town.
Situated between Italy and Croatia on the Slovenia Adriatic Coast, the town is surrounded on three sides by the tranquil turquoise sea.
For travelers visiting Slovenia, Piran is a top destination that shouldn’t be missed! We are sharing our list of the best things to see in Piran – plus other helpful Slovenia travel tips.
10 Best Things To Do in Piran, Slovenia
Most Piran holidays are spent on the Slovenia beaches and in the Adriatic Sea, but there is plenty of Piran sightseeing for those who need a break from the sun!
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Piran Travel Guide for your Slovenia Vacation!
#1 See the Sights in Tartini Square
Tartini Square is the heart of the Piran Old Town. A continuous flow of people pulses through the center before disappearing down the narrow streets.
From the vantage point on the top of the Piran bell tower, one can imagine how the square looked prior to 1894.
At that time it was an inner fishing port, filled with water and boats rather than shiny marble and festival tents.
What To See in Tartini Square
Not to be missed is the statue of Giuseppe Tartini. The bronze version of the Piran-born violinist and composer has been standing here since 1896.
Behind him is the Municipal Palace, which features a Venetian winged lion, marking a time of peace.
The building houses the Piran Tourist Information Office, where you can get additional information and maps.
The Venetian House is the most famous Piran building and oldest preserved structure on the square. Built in the 15th century in the Gothic-Venetian style, it features a unique corner balcony.
The other buildings that surround the square – a church and the birthplace of Tartini among them – are part of Piran history that dates to the 14th and 15th centuries.
Even older are the 9th century stone pillars at the base of the flag poles that mark the entrance to the square from the harbor.
#2 Stroll the Piran Harbor
Just beyond the entrance to Tartini Square, is the Harbor of Piran. The small oval-shaped marina is common of Slovenian coastal towns. Fishing boats line the semi-circular space, bobbing on the water.
Looking back toward Piran from the far end of the harbor, a multitude of sailboat masts curtain the town.
#3 Visit the Church of St. George
Seeing St. George’s is a must when visiting Piran! It’s impossible to miss the hilltop church, but we strongly recommend walking up to the church to get a better view.
Standing at it’s entrance, the Renaissance façade looms high overhead. The imposing effect was intentionally designed as a deterrence to possible invaders arriving by sea.
The attackers would certainly think twice about attacking a town that had a population big enough to deserve such a large church.
St. George’s was built on the site of a previous church at the beginning of the 1600s. It was named for the town’s patron saint.
The space above the door was built for his statue, but has never been filled – so it sits empty to this day.
Frescos and statues adorn the inside, which are well worth a look. However, the most notable piece of artwork is The Crucified from Piran – a realistic wooden sculpture of Christ on a cross.
Behind the church, built separate from it in 1608, is the iconic bell tower. It was styled after the campanile of St. Mark’s Church in Venice.
#4 Climb the Piran Bell Tower
Climbing the 146 steps of St. George’s Church Bell Tower provides spectacular views – and should be on every list of Piran things to do!
The 360 degree views extend over the Adriatic Sea and across borders to both Italy and Croatia.
Already built at the top of a hill, the bell tower reaches a height of 155 feet, with an additional 12-foot-tall copper version of Archangel Michael gracing the top.
Up-close views – and sounds – of the bells that clang every 15 minutes can also be seen from the platform.
#5 Take a Piran Boat Trip
Wondering what to do in Piran, Slovenia on a sunny, summer day? Set sail on a boat trip!
Sailing out on the Adriatic Sea provides the most dramatic views of the historic town. The vantage point highlights the dominance of the church that dwarfs the rest of the surrounding area.
Near the tip of the peninsula, it is possible to glimpse the entirety of Piran Town. In one line of sight, we could see from the lighthouse on the point to St. George’s on the hill to the walls standing formidably on the hillside.
#6 Admire the Piran Rock Art
Like much of the Adriatic coastline, Piran beaches are made of rocks (and concrete), not sand. Without a true sandy beach, the breakwater rocks are where tourists sunbathe by the sea.
However, the City of Piran has invited artists to chisel the rocks into sculptures. Artists tap on their hammers steadily to create designs in the limestone rocks.
#7 Watch Piran Sunsets
Watching the sun set is one of the top Piran, Slovenia things to do – and the Medieval walls are the place to do it!
Through the arches of the remaining hillside town walls of Piran, visitors have picture-perfect view of the setting sun over the sea. St. George’s Church and the Piran Bell Tower capture the last light of the day.
The defensive walls of Piran that were built on Mogoron Hill between 1470 and 1534. The fortifications include eight towers and mark the eastern edge of town. We believe the elevated platform is the best place to watch the sunset in Piran.
That said, the walls are not the only place to watch sunsets. We also enjoyed the view from St. George’s Church and from the Plaza Piran beach.
#8 Stand at the Point of Piran
Standing on the tip of the peninsula is one of the fun things to do in Piran, Slovenia. A unique church – that also serves as a lighthouse – sits on the point.
Built in the 13th century, St. Clement’s Church was renamed Our Lady of Health Church in the 17th century to protect Piran from the plague.
Today, the church enjoys healthy doses of sunshine and glows in the light of the setting sun.
#9 Take a Coastal Walk from Piran to Strunjan
The Strunjan Nature Park, a protected natural reserve, is just 2.5 miles east of Piran – and one of the naturally beautiful places to see in Slovenia.
A trail follows the rocky Slovenian coastline to the Strunjan cliffs that are covered in trees, olive groves and vineyards. Read more about how to take the walk from Piran to Strunjan!
#10 Relax at Piran Beaches
The beaches on the rocky Piran shoreline are what attract many visitors to the coastal destination – and spending time on the waterfront shouldn’t be missed.
Plaza Piran is the public beach on the north side of the peninsula and is mostly a concrete platform. It’s the closest beach – but there are better beaches nearby.
Beach Fornace to the south and Strunjan Beach to the east are fantastic beaches in Piran to visit during your vacation!
Map of Piran Attractions
Use this link to Google Maps for an interactive, online version of our Things To Do in Piran Map.
Planning a Trip to Piran, Slovenia
Those traveling from abroad should start their Slovenia trip planning with our guide on How To Plan a Europe Vacation.
Planning on visiting more than just Piran on your trip to Slovenia? You can also get started with these popular Slovenia travel articles.
- Things To See in Ljubljana
- What To Do at Lake Bled
- Hiking Trails at Lake Bohinj
- Visiting Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle
- How To See Skocjan Caves
Planning a Multi-Country Trip: Slovenia and Croatia
Many who travel to Slovenia also visit Destinations in Croatia. We share tons of advice for what to see and do on our Croatia Travel page.
Pro Tip: Deciding between visiting Piran or Rovinj, Croatia? We love them both! Read about our impressions of Rovinj, Croatia.
European Travel Planner
As you make your trip plans, staying organized is key! Stay on top of all the details of your travels with our Printable Travel Planner.
Tours and Day Trips from Piran
Visitors with just one day in Piran could easily see all the sights on our list. However, travelers who are staying longer can easily fill their Piran itinerary with more top area attractions.
Old Town Tour with Wine and Food
One of the best tours in Piran, a local guide leads the way through city, while sharing stories of the past and interesting historical details.
The tour ends with a fun wine tastings – as well as samples of traditional Istrian fare (like my favorite truffles and Istrian olive oil). Reserve your spot!
Istria Cooking Class
Get a hands on experience in Istrian cuisine. Guests will learn about the typical ingredients used in Istrian cooking.
Then, under the guidance of a local, participants prepare a gourmet Istrian meal while sipping local wine. Get more info!
Salt Pans on Electric Bikes
Tour the Istrian coastline to Bernardin, Portorož and the Secovlje Salina Nature Park Salt Pans by e-bike!
A local tour guide leads the way to historic landmarks – and the day ends with wine and local snacks. Find out more!
Accommodation in Piran, Slovenia
During our visit to Piran, we stayed in a great Airbnb Apartment. We typically like to book apartments for longer stays – as it’s nice to have a kitchen to make simple meals and the extra space.
However, for shorter stays, be aware of the fees…as they can add up quickly if just staying a few nights. Vacation rentals are available on both Airbnb and Booking.com.
Hotel Fiesa
One of the best things about Hotel Fiesa is the waterfront location on north side of of the peninsula.
Guests love the modern rooms with sea views. From the hotel, it is just a short 15 minute walk to the heart of Piran via the seafront promenade.
Hotel Piran
A 4-star property, Hotel Piran is located on the water in the heart of town. Guests can reserve a room with a balcony with a sea view, but there is also a rooftop bar. The included breakfast get high marks, too!
Art Hotel Tartini
Located on the scenic harbor steps from the beach with Tartini Square views, Hotel Tartini is a boutique property spectacularly designed by local artists. Guests love the funky details and excellent staff.
Be sure to read our Tips on Finding the Best Hotels for Cheap!
How To Get to Piran, Slovenia
Unless you’re sailing, the best way to get to Piran is by car or bus. There is no airport in Piran, Slovenia.
The closest airport is in Trieste, Italy (about an hour away by car) – but there are not great public transport routes between the two cities.
You can also fly to the Ljubljana Airport (which is 2 hours away by car) or take one of the numerous connections from Ljubljana to Piran by bus. Find the best flights using our Tips for Cheap Airfare.
Renting a Car
For the most freedom on your journey, you can rent a car. Here we share tips on finding the Best Car Rentals.
Ljubljana to Piran Day Trip
Staying in Ljubljana, but want to see the coast? Getting a glimpse of the Adriatic Sea is one of the best day trips from Ljubljana!
Check out these highly-rated tours on Viator: Piran and Portoroz Half-Day Trip and the Slovenia Coast and Karst Trip.
What To Pack for a Trip to Piran, Slovenia
Now that you know what to see and do in Piran, it’s time to pack your bags! Dread packing? We make it as easy as possible with our FREE Packing Checklist!
Travel Shoes
Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable travel shoes. I (Sarah) like these shoes by Columbia and these flip flops. Kris prefers wearing Merrell trail shoes and these flip flops by Sanuk.
Slovenia Beach Gear
Make sure to pack beach essentials – like your swimsuit, a good pair of polarized sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.
A fun vacation beach hat is a good idea, too! And, if you plan on swimming, make sure to pack a pair of water shoes.
Travel Camera
Rather than relying on your phone, upgrade to an actual camera for high quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel, which takes amazing pictures and ranks as one of the best budget cameras for travelers.
Day Bag
Whether taking a day trip to Piran or spending a week on the seaside, travelers need a good day bag for the trip!
We use these small backpacks to stow our essentials – like keys, wallet, phone, camera and guidebook. Use our tips to find the Best Day Bag for Travel.
European Trip Insurance
If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip to Slovenia, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Slovenia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Want More Tips for Visiting Slovenia?
Great! We love traveling around Slovenia and have detailed articles that feature the country’s best destinations.
- Best Viewpoints of Magical Lake Bled
- 1 Day in Ljubljana
- 3-Day Itinerary for Lake Bohinj
- Top Things To See in Marvelous Maribor
- Tips for Visiting Kranj
- Glamping in Slovenia
- What To Do in Bela Krajina
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