24hr Guide to Piran: Where to Eat, Drink and Sleep

The PachaMama Pleasant Stay guesthouses and apartments are on a typical narrow street of Piran that will make you feel like a local. Walking distance to the beach and main attractions, it’s a perfect starting point when exploring the city. If a sea view is on your list of musts, try Hotel Piran. This upscale boutique hotel is fit to host even the most demanding guests. Let the staff spoil you with a delicious breakfast served on the terrace, which also boasts a sea view.

Spend the morning surrounded by nature. Soak up the sun while sunbathing and swimming on the beach that stretches around Prešernovo Nabrežje, the town’s promenade. If you’re not a beach person, head to nearby Piran Salt Pans at Sečovlje Salina Nature Park. On well-kept paths throughout the park, observe men harvesting salt the same way they have been doing it for hundreds of years. Visit the salt shop at the park or in the city, where you can buy salt flower, a high-quality salt perfect for gourmet cooking. Next, visit the Maritime Museum and get familiar with sea life at the Piran Aquarium.

For lunch, try the daily catch at floating restaurant Ladja Podlanica. Aboard the boat, you’ll feel the rocking of the waves while you try daily specials or a la carte dishes. If you prefer a delicious pizza from a wood-burning oven, try Pizzeria Petica. After lunch, explore the town. Walk up to the Church of St. George, where the view stretches all the way across the sea to Croatia and the Alps on the inland side on a clear day. Head back down to the Tartini Square, named for famous Piran-born baroque violinist Giuseppe Tartini, where the Town Hall and Benečanka are just two of the many beautiful houses worth admiring. Make a short stop at Caffe Galeria Piran to taste what many consider the best coffee in town. Then, wander through the narrow streets of Piran. Walk up the IX; Korpusa, the most artistic street in Piran; and peak into Nika’s Tiny House to see the young local artist’s beautiful driftwood creations.

Dinner at Pri Mari is a must when visiting Piran. The delicious pasta, daily fresh fish and tender steaks are among the best in town. After dinner, walk to the lighthouse, which is the most romantic spot to watch the sunset. Evening entertainment is plentiful in Piran, especially in the summer. Tartini Square hosts a variety of events, and small concerts at the local bars are always delightful. Take a walk along the promenade to Cafinho, where the friendly staff will gladly serve you a cold beer or delicious cocktail. After a pleasant evening, head back to your accommodation and let the relaxing sounds of the waves rock you to sleep.