Škrline waterfalls

The Škrline waterfalls belong to the green hinterland of Slovenian Istria, the small stretch of Adriatic coast in the southwest of the country. Away from the beaches and the salt pans, the land rises into low flysch hills, cut by streams and small valleys that run towards the sea. Among them is the Dragonja, the river that forms the border with Croatia and enters Piran Bay close to Sečovlje. The waterfalls are among the quieter natural sights of this area, and their appeal lies in their small scale and secluded setting rather than in great height.

The rock here is flysch, alternating layers of sandstone and marl that weather easily, which gives the streams a stepped bed. Where water meets harder layers, it drops in small cascades and gathers in shallow pools below. The flow depends heavily on rain, so after a wet spell the falls are lively, while in a dry summer they can shrink to a trickle. Spring and the weeks after heavy rain are therefore the best time to go, and autumn can also be rewarding when the leaves colour.

The surrounding vegetation is characteristic of the sub-Mediterranean zone: oak and hornbeam woods, scrub, old terraces that once held olive trees and vines, and shaded ravines with moss and ferns. The mix of woodland and farmland supports birds, butterflies and small mammals, and a walk here is a chance to see the inland side of Istria that most seaside visitors miss. Paths are simple, sometimes muddy and uneven, so sturdy shoes are advisable, and the walk is suitable for most people with an average level of fitness.

There are no big facilities at the site, so it makes sense to bring water and some food and to take rubbish home. The nearby Sečovlje Salina Nature Park offers a very different landscape, and Portorož airport at Sečovlje is the base for tandem skydiving, which is another reason people come to this corner of the coast. A visit to the falls pairs naturally with an hour among the salt pans and a meal in one of the villages of the area.

The Škrline waterfalls suit walkers, families and anyone who enjoys a short, quiet outing away from the busier coast. Because trails and access conditions can change, check local information or ask at the salt pans before setting out, and avoid the area after very heavy rain, when streams rise quickly and the banks become slippery.