Making the most of Piran
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Piran becomes very busy during summer, when most cruise vessels anchor offshore and tender passengers into the inner marina.
Probably the most beautiful of Slovenia's coastal towns, Piran occupies a tiny promontory reaching into the sea. It resembles an Italian seaside town without all the Italian visitors, for good reason: from the late 13th century until the end of the 18th century, Piran belonged to the Venetian empire.
Piran's walled town stretches along its slender peninsula like an open hand, greeting visitors at another enchanting Venetian outpost on the Istrian coast. Medieval lanes twist inwards towards the main square.
Getting around
Piran is compact enough to walk from end to end in 30 minutes.
Food and shopping
Be sure to see Tartini Square, the central space at Piran's heart. A huge bronze statue of the famous violinist who gave the square its name stands at its centre. This idyllic spot suits lunch, a simple coffee or a little people-watching. The whole town has the appearance and atmosphere of a vast open-air viewing gallery.
Money
Slovenia joined the Eurozone on January 1st, 2007 and now uses the euro (€, EUR) as its currency.