Excursions

Umag - Umago: This attractive seaside town is only 5 km away from Sveta Marija na Krasu. You can enjoy a walk around the pretty old town centre, located on a peninsula and visit historic sites like the Cathedral of Mary’s Ascension and St. Peregrine or the tower that dates from the time of the Republic of Venice.
Find out more at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umag

Grožnjan - Grisignana: One of the most picturesque towns of the Istrian hinterland is an artists’ colony, which boasts many galleries and artists’ studios, as well as several gastro pubs. Summer musical evenings bring to this already lovely place a special kind of magic. A visit is an absolute must! It will only take a 25 min car journey (18 km).

Hum - Colmo: This tiny settlement on a hill above the source of the river Mirna holds the title of the smallest town in the world. The main attractions are its diminutive size and medieval architecture. An enchanting legend holds that Hum was built by giants using the stones left over from building other towns in the valley of river Mirna… It will take about an hour to reach your destination (65 km).

Other interesting destinations in Croatian Istria include:
Rovinj - Rovigno is a romantic and picturesque city on the Istrian coast, with narrow stone streets, colorful Venetian-style buildings, and a picturesque harbor.
Poreč - Parenzo is famous for its Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and also offers beautiful beaches and a lively nightlife.
Limski Kanal is a beautiful natural bay with crystal clear waters, surrounded by wooded hills and sea caves.
Pula - Pola is the largest city in Istria and offers ancient Roman ruins, including the famous Roman amphitheater, as well as beautiful beaches and a vibrant cultural scene.
Another interesting place to visit is the Forest Park Golden Cape, located in Rovinj and reachable in about 30 minutes by car.

Aquapark Istralandia If you are enjoying holidays with your children, a day filled with fun is guaranteed at Aquapark Istralandia. It will take no more than 20 min to get there (17 km). You can find more information at https://www.istralandia.hr/en/,

Where to visit on the Slovenian side of Istria:

Piran - Pirano: Having grown up in Piran, I can heartily recommend visiting this unique fishing and salt producing town once part of the Republic of Venice. It will charm you with its colourful houses, lovely Tartini square, named after a famous composer and violinist, its view from the Church of St. George, the narrow, cobbled streets, and hidden gardens. In the past, Piran experienced the building of several fortification walls following its growth and expansion. Today a significant part of the walls is still well-preserved, including 7 town gates all of which are well worth a visit. Piran is 19 km away from Sveta Marija na Krasu. Find out more at http://www.lepote-slovenije.si/piran/

Portorož - Portorose: On your way to Piran you can choose the coastal road which will take you through Portorož, a long established and popular tourist and spa town on the Slovenian coast. Enjoy a cup of coffe on a sunny terrace or have a stroll to a near-by Bernardin. It is 15 km from Sveta Marija na Krasu.

Sečovlje Salina Nature Park: The road to Portorož and Piran will also take you past the saltpans near Sečovlje, the only remaining one of the 3 Piran saltpans, part of which is still used for salt production. Salt harvesting in Piran has a very long tradition. The Sečovlje salpans in current form date from around the 9th century. You can visit a shop selling salt based beauty and food products as well as home accessories. In the summer months you can get pampered in Thalasso spa Lepa Vida (13 km). More information at https://www.soline.si/en.

From Portorož it is only a short drive along the coast to Izola and Koper (20 km and 23 km from Sveta Marija na Krasu respectively), another two historic seaside towns you might like to visit or venture further inland in and visit Slovenia's world famous Postonjska jama cave (79 km) or its lovely and relaxed capital Ljubljana (126 km).

Discover Slovenian Istria

For cyclists:
slo-istra bike - Slovenian side of Istria
Istra bike - Croatian side of Istria