KOPER

Koper with its historic town centre on a former island and a vast hinterland, delimited by the Karst edge on the east and Šavrinsko hills on the south, is one ot the most picturesque and attractive areas in the northern part of the Istrian peninsula. Koper's natural, historic and cultural sights attract numerous visitors and offer a multitude of opportunities for trips to the close surroundings – Piran, Izola, Portorož and also to the Karst area, Brkini, the Trieste hinterland and the neighbouring Croatian Istria.
   
The layout of the old town is still a precious jewel of Mediterranean urban planning. Two of the most important squares are Prešeren square and Carpaccio square, but the centrepiece is without doubt, the central town square with its renovated Praetorian Palace, Loggia and the cathedral with its Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque shapes, inscription plates and rich heraldic decoration.

The main tourist and entertainment centres to have developed in this area are in nearby Žusterna and Ankaran, where there are hotels, discos, dance floors and other facilities intended for entertainment and relaxation. Recreational joggers, cyclists and strollers will undoubtedly enjoy the long path which circles the town and continues to Žusterna and further on to lzola, running beside the sea all the way. Water sports have an important place among sports activities in this area, so the large number of regattas in the Koper bay, some of which are even internationally known, is not surprising. The town has also bulit a small marina with all the necessary accompanying facilities and services. Many a visitor will find the town's surroundings and countryside especially attractive. Climbers may enjoy the vertical walls near Črni Kal and Osp, the latter said to be one of the most popular free-climbing centres in Europe. For hikers and those attracted by hiking, Koper's hinterland has excellently marked mountain trails, which are suitable for all ages. The views from these paths are unforgettable.
   
The fact that the cultural activities in Koper are very varied and rich is consequent unsurprising. »The Primorska Summer Festival« injects a real burst of life with its cultural events, enriching the summer of both guests and native inhabitants of the Slovene coast and the Koper area with a large theatrical programme and other performances. It's really a must for culture buffs. The most important seasonal events are also: »Folkest« in July (for lovers of folk music of both the tradition kind and also featuring more modern interpretations and fusions) and »The Koper Night« with magnificent fireworks at the end of July. In Koper, cultural interest may also be satisfied by two museums, a rich library with an important department on the surrounding area, several galleries, a cinema and a theatre, so that everyone will be able to find something they like.
  
Another Koper's characteristic is it's cuisine and the wines, which can all be tasted in so-called »osmice« (meaning eight days) organized by many wine producers from November to June.

There are many quality hotels in Koper. You can choose between Hotel Koper****, Garni Hotel Pristan****, Hotel Aquapark Žusterna*** and Hotel Vodišek***. You can also decide to stay in one of many private pensions and motels. Those who love entertainment should either visit Aquapark water complex in Koper or try their luck at Casino Portorož in Portorož.

City of Koper represents one of the centres of excellence on TUDESLOVE II cultural route while some of its sights are found on Romanesque route TRANSROMANICA and gothic route GOTHICmed.

Tourist information centre Koper/ The Praetorian Palace
Titov trg 3
SI- 6000 Koper, SLOVENIA
Phone: +386 (0)5 664.64.03
Fax: +386 (0)5 664.64.06
E-mail: tic@koper.si
Web: www.koper.si
Opening times
Mondays- Saturdays: from 9:00 to 20:00 (October- February; from 09.00 to 17.00)
Sundays: from 13:00 to 20:00 (October- February; from 13.00 to 17.00)