Izola – Ankaran

From the prehistoric fort of Kaštelir, go on a tour of the charming village of Korte and get to know a glimpse of former life in the countryside. Would you like to go further along the coast and continue your journey to Ankaran by sea? There, a green Istrian gem is waiting for you, a fantastic location for taking some wonderful photographs. Indulge in the magic of nature – take a walk across the shell cemetery, set out to explore the kingdom of plant and animal species of the salty Mediterranean meadow or just relax your eyes on the beautiful green landscape of the Debeli Rtič Landscape Park.

9.00 Medljan
On the tourist farm, take a look at a typical Istrian kažeta, a place where agricultural tools were kept in the past, and local farmers found shelter from the storm or summer heat.

9.30 Korte and Kaštelir
The largest settlement in the Izola hinterland boasts beautiful views, preserved water sources and the archaeological site of Kaštelir.

10.30 Water springs
Along the way, visit Izola’s water sources, which were once the only source of water in the hinterland. Mandatory stop and visit to P’rila in Cetore and Frate in Korte. Both water sources have a characteristic structure: a tap for fresh drinking water and a trough for animals and for washing clothes.

Lunch

 

The second part of the itinerary – sea transport

To Ankaran by sea – transport by boat ordered via the WAYV app.
The WAYV app acts as an intermediary betwee shipping service providers and passengers who require transport by Slovenian sea. The use of the application is free of charge, the passenger pays only the price of transport, which is determined by the transport provider when submitting a transport offer.

13.30 Sv. Katarina
Next stop: Sv. Katarina, which is part of an archaeological site. Here were found the building remains of a Roman villa with a harbour, tegulae, pieces of plaster with painting and a coin.

13.45 Shell Cemetery
A beach with an interesting name is home to as many as 234 different species of mollusks, 71 species of snails and 30 species of birds that live in the Gulf of Trieste.

14.15 Salty Mediterranean meadow
There is a raised wooden learning trail on the unique riparian ecosystem and the only Mediterranean salt meadow in Slovenia. On display are the remains of shells and snails from the shell cemetery.

14.45  Valdoltra
Traces of an ancient settlement and also the remains of mosaics were found near today’s seaside convalescent home. Such a protected area of archaeological heritage comprises a large part of the Valdoltra Orthopedic Hospital complex.

16.00 Arboretum Debeli rtič
Explore the Mediterranean park with 230 different plant species from all continents and take a walk along the green learning trail of Hana the squirrel.

17.00 The Debeli rtič Landscape Park
One of the few naturally preserved parts of the Slovenian coast impresses with its flysch cliff, which has been protected as a natural monument of national importance since 1991. In the area there are also vineyards of the Istrian Vine, spreading across almost 70 hectares.