-Europe.Slovenia.Koper-
Only an hour’s drive away from the capital city of Slovenia, Ljubljana – Koper was our first stop on our day trip to the Slovenian coast. You can expect leisurely strolls through the old town.
If you are here by cruise ship – it is a 15-minute walk to the main square in Koper. It is a walk up or walking across the road and taking the panoramic elevator up is another option. The elevator is for free.
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Table of Contents
What to see in Koper
Titov trg / Tito Square
The square itself has many impressive buildings such as the Praetorian Palace, the Cathedral and the Bell Tower next to it and the Palace Loggia opposite.
Praetorian Palace
The Praetorian Palace houses the Tourist Information center and a pharmacy at the ground level. The first floor houses municipal related halls. Can you spot the statue of Lady Justice at the top ?
Bell Tower of Koper
The highest building there is the Bell Tower at 54 meters in height. Paying 5 Euros gains entrance up to the 43m high viewing platform.
* Bell Tower is currently closed until end of April and will re-open beginning of May 2024.
Prešernov trg / Prešeren Square
To get from Tito Square to Prešeren Square head south toward Čevljarska ulica. This square has a quaint fountain and one of the remaining preserved Renaissance gate to the city – Muda Gate.
Da Ponte Fountain
The largest city fountain in Koper has a unique design. This is an aqueduct that carried water from the hills to the last point.
The Muda Gate
It is the only one of twelve city gates which is still preserved and worth noting.
Things to do in Koper
Wine Tasting and Tours
This region has vineyards and is known for its tradition to grow wine. Here are a few Wine cellars to visit the Brič Estate
Taste the olive oil
This region produces olive oil of the virgin kind. Get some bottles for home or as gift. Check out the wine bus tour to bring you to the vineyards and olive groves.
Beaches in Koper
Koper city beach
Entrance is free to the beach. There is also a playground for children. Lifeguards are on duty during swimming season. In addition there are toilet and changing cabins facilities. Beach-goers can rent deck chairs with umbrellas as well.
Žusterna Beach
Further away about a 15 mins walk from Koper city, is the other beach. Toilet facilities available as well as rental of deck chairs and water activities like SUP-boards, kayaks and the likes.
There is a paid entry to an Olympic pool and a children’s pool and playground.
Dog Beach
Separated away from the two beaches is a beach for dogs! It lies at the end of the Semedela promenade.
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What's Nearby... (Day Trip Ideas)
I must say the fountain in the square looks quaint. I did spot the lady at the Bell Tower. The architecture is very captivating. I would surely like to bring back some olive oil, love the flavour. And yes, a wine tour would be interesting as well.
We have not yet done a cruise with stops in Slovenia. But it looks like Koper is a good cruise port stop. I love when there is so much to do in the city centre. And would always look for a wine tasting tour. Great that it is only a 15 minute walk if you wanted to enjoy the beach on this port day.
Koper looks like a beautiful city. Actually, one part of the climbing Worldcup takes place in Koper and I have been toying with the idea of visiting for years. I might go – now that I know that there is also some nice sightseeing.
The region is nice and I encourage you to spend a few days there
Koper looks like a great city to visit, especially that it doesn’t seem very touristy at all. I like that it’s small and you can explore it easily, by foot. I would definitely like to do wine tasting there, I joined a webinar during the pandemic about the wines of Slovenia, and my curiosity was raised. Love the cute architecture of the city centre, especially the fountain.
I like that the city has a designated beach for dogs and toilets on the other two beaches for changing clothes. The historical town looks nice and it’s a short walk from the cruise ship. It’s great that they have wineries nearby, too.
The cruise with stops in Slovenia looks interesting! I particularly love the old and unique architecture of the Da Ponte Fountain and the Muda gate. I would spend time taking photographs here to capture all the angles. Lovely! Koper looks like a lovely historical city with wineries closeby. 🙂
Happy to know that the tower will be open again by May. Also, having a beach for dogs sounds exciting. I want to learn more about it since as a furmom it would be nice to know dog-friendly destinations.
Ooh! I’d love to take a cruise along the Slovenian coast. It looks beautiful! I’m a big fan of wine tasting, and it’s a bonus that they have olive oil tasting (I think more folks need to invest in quality olive oil!). I’d really like to visit the beaches, and although I don’t have a dog, I’d welcome seeing them there.