These are the best places to travel this summer

Izola

Western Balkans Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in Izola

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Overview

Izola, a fishing port 7km southwest of Koper, has traditionally been considered the poor relation among the historical towns of Slovenia's short but crowded coastline. Perhaps this is why it is often bypassed by foreign visitors. And yet Izola does have a certain Venetian charm, together with a large marina, some narrow old winding streets and excellent restaurants and bars where you might linger. If Piran is solidly booked (or its prices too high), Izola makes a good, atmospheric fallback.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Besenghi degli Ughi Palace

    Besenghi degli Ughi Palace

    Izola

    Izola’s most beautiful building – albeit looking a little worse for wear – is this late-baroque palazzo below the Parish Church of St Maurus. Built…

  • Manzioli House

    Manzioli House

    Izola

    The Venetian Gothic Manzioli House was built in 1470 and was the residence of an Istrian chronicler in the 16th century. Today it houses the bureau…

  • Parish Church of St Maurus

    Parish Church of St Maurus

    Izola

    This renovated, salmon-coloured, 16th-century church and its detached bell tower are on the hill above the town. The views are the main reason to climb up…

  • Municipal Palace

    Municipal Palace

    Izola

    On Veliki trg is the Municipal Palace, which now houses offices of the local council. It was built in Gothic style in 1325; but the present baroque facade…

  • Church of St Mary of Haliaetum

    Church of St Mary of Haliaetum

    Izola

    This central church dates from around the latter 11th century and has been lovingly restored. It has no set opening times, but is generally left open…

  • Simon's Bay

    Simon's Bay

    Izola

    The best beach close to Izola is at Simon’s Bay, about 1.5km to the southwest. It has a grassy area for sunbathing.

Plan with a local

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Izola