Overlooking the Gulf of Trieste, Izola is a charming fishing town in the Slovene Istria region. It was originally established on an island in the 7th century by refugees from Aquileia and later came under Venetian rule before being handed to the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation in the late 18th century.

Things to do

Spend a day strolling the streets of Izola to admire its architectural landmarks, such as the beautifully preserved Baroque palace of Besenghi degli Ughi and the Venetian-Gothic townhouse of Tommaso Manzioli. Dominating the skyline is the Church of St. Maur’s Gothic bell tower, which was constructed from Istrian stone in 1585 and offers sweeping views across Izola.

If you’re interested in the maritime history of Izola, pay a visit to the House of the Sea – Izolana, a family-friendly museum dedicated to the town’s seafaring ancestors. Learn about the ancient maritime activities of the Istrians and the importance of shipbuilding in the region, which enabled Izola’s fishing industry to flourish. As you browse the exhibits, the kids can play “Museum Detective” while searching for hidden treasures.

A highlight of visiting Izola is enjoying its Adriatic Sea beaches, which range from patrolled coves to wild stretches of sand dotted with archaeological remains. Soak up the scenery while exploring the coast with standup paddleboarding or scuba diving excursions or see the remains of a Roman port within Simonov Zaliv Archaeological Park.

Getting there

Izola is around 1.5 hours from Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect from the Slovenian capital to Koper, from where buses travel onwards to Izola. The centre of Izola can easily be explored on foot while the surrounding area is bicycle-friendly.