Izola Marina

Izola Marina sits on the northern edge of the old town of Izola, on the short stretch of Slovenian coast in Istria, and is the main base for pleasure boats in the town. Izola was once an island, and the name itself comes from the Italian word for island; it was joined to the mainland in the nineteenth century, and the old town still has the compact, tightly packed feel of a place that grew on a small rock. Fishing and fish processing shaped Izola for generations, and although the old cannery economy has changed, boats still work from the harbour.

The marina provides berths, fuel and services for visiting yachts and local boat owners, and it is a convenient stop for sailors cruising the northern Adriatic between Trieste, Piran and the Croatian coast. The setting is relaxed. Masts line the quay, cafes and restaurants overlook the water, and a promenade runs along the waterfront toward the old town, with palm trees and benches facing the bay. For visitors who do not sail, the main pleasure is to stroll the quay in the early evening, watch boats come in and choose a seafood restaurant.

The old town, a short walk away, has narrow lanes, Venetian-style houses and small squares, with the church of St Maurus rising above the roofs. Close to the marina are other sights in the town: the Inner harbor where the working fishing boats tie up, Izolana - The House of Sea, the Pier of Tastes, and the nearby Parks and beaches. Further out, the Kaštelir Archaeological Park and the Simonov zaliv Archaeological Park show traces of Roman-era settlement along this coast. The surrounding Michelin-awarded restaurants and wine-growing hills make Izola popular with food-minded visitors.

The best months for the marina are late spring to early autumn, when the sea is warm and sailing events and festivals fill the calendar. In winter the town is quieter and the bora wind can sweep the bay, but the waterfront walk is still pleasant on sunny days. Izola Marina suits sailors, couples and anyone who likes a working harbour with some Mediterranean character. It is less crowded than neighbouring Piran, and the coastal cycle path links it with Koper and Portorož along the former railway line.