David V.
Google
Piran is a small, colorful coastal town that sits right on the Adriatic Sea. Stroll the city streets, take your pick from numerous seafood restaurants, and walk along the medieval walls for one of the best views of the city.The labyrinthine streets in the core of this Venetian city invite inspired wandering. The Renaissance-era Saint George’s Church crowns the hill and provides the most beautiful sunset views.
The blue Adriatic surrounds the medieval centre, providing a spellbinding backdrop for walks along the promenade.
One’s itinerary for Piran usually starts with visiting the central Tartini Square, with colourful houses and a harbour alive with swaying boats. Then, give in to the pleasure of getting lost in the extra-narrow streets, occasionally coming upon pretty little piazzas with cozy cafes. Like Dubrovnik, Piran has ancient walls that offer nice views of the city and the sea. Beach-wise, you can take a dip right outside the city centre at a simple town beach.
From the majestic St. George’s Cathedral that overlooks the city from atop its hill to the golden sunsets that illuminate Piran Port, every corner invites you to soak in its beauty and enjoy the tranquil pace of life, reminiscent of the days when this area was a thriving port of the Venetian Empire. Nevertheless, Piran is much more than a picturesque destination: it is a place steeped in history and importance. Its medieval walls, which still surround the city, and its lively central square, devoted to the famous violinist Giuseppe Tartini, narrate centuries of cultural and commercial encounters that have woven a bridge between East and West.
Tartini Square: Piran’s hotspot.The epicentre of Piran is Tartini Square, a large, bright space named after the violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini, originally from the city. His statue stands in the centre of the square, surrounded by historic buildings such as the Town Hall and the Venetian House, a beautiful example of Venetian Gothic architecture.
Narrow streets lead off from there, inviting you to lose yourself and explore unexpected nooks and crannies. During the summer, the square comes alive with open-air markets, music performances and terraces where you can enjoy a coffee while watching the area’s hustle and bustle.
Port and promenade: sunsets and the scent of salt
Piran Port is another must. During the day, the port vibrates with the hustle and bustle of fishermen unloading their catches and the markets offering fresh produce, while in the evening, the atmosphere transforms. The restaurants and bars that line the promenade have terraces from where you can enjoy the sunset, which tinges the water and the colourful façades with golden tones.
