Like the rest of coastal Istria, Piran is Venetian at its heart. Though they went from Venetian domination to the Habsburgs, the people remained mostly Italian speaking. WWI left Istria to Italy; WWII left Trieste to Italy but the rest of Istria to Yugoslavia.
Yugoslavia then carved out northern Istria to give Slovenia access to the Adriatic. The rest of Istria went with Croatia. Italian speaking people exited en masse. Istria (not including Trieste) is now mostly populated with Slavic people. This happened less than 100 years ago!
Piran old town is situated on a low hill at the end of a peninsula, with a warren of medieval alleys and stairs going every which way. It attracts many day trippers. There was a cruise ship offshore, tendering its passengers ashore.
The next day we had a coastal wall to the cliffs of Strunjan, passing Strunjan saltpans along the way. There are big saltpans to the south. Salt used to be a source of income for Piran.
The clear waters of the Adriatic surround Piran. There are several harbours as well.
Local artists have enlivened the riprap seawall.
Our hotel was near the fish market (1st below)
We headed out for sunset views over the Adriatic and were not disappointed
And then returned to Tartini Square.
The next morning we embarked on the coastal walk from Piran to Strunjan and back. Is the Adriatic always this clear?
Oh my! Hurry across!
Walking through the village of Fjesa, we passed an olive grove.
We were surprised to see a big resort hotel, the Salinera Resort Strunjan and its beach. But later there was an extensive public "beach" area.
Next on the walk, we came to the Strunjan nature preserve and Historic Strunjan Salina (Salt Pans).
Adjacent is a small boat harbour.
We were again surprised by the expanse of facilities at the public Strunjan Promenade and Swimming Area. Tourists love to sun and swim.
Then up to the cliffs - good views back to Piran - before turning around at "The Point"
Lunch spot view.
And we're back in Piran.
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