Romantic Isola is an old fishing village with a rich history. The name "Izola" means "island" and originally the town, surrounded by a fortress wall with towers, was actually located on an island and was connected to the mainland by a large stone bridge. But at the beginning of the 19th century, the wall was dismantled, and its material was used to fill the canal that connected the island and the continent.
However, the medieval inhabitants of Izola could well manage without communication with the mainland: in the northeastern part of the island there was a freshwater source, which provided sufficient water for the population of the city. Near the source, on a low hill, around 1175 was built a large church of St. Peter the Apostle - "San Pietro". In the following centuries, the townspeople put a lot of effort into decorating it. Around 1213, a Benedictine monastery was founded at the church. During the plague epidemics, the monastery served as a hospital for the sick and dying of this dangerous disease, which was a real scourge of the Middle Ages. Alas, these sights of Izola have not survived to this day: the church and the remains of the monastery were destroyed in 1978, and the fragments of historical buildings were used on rubble and building material.
The self-sufficient position of Izola largely contributed to the fact that in the Middle Ages the city acquired the reputation of a "city of rebels". In 1253, the townspeople proclaimed the independence of Izola from the authorities of neighboring Koper, and for a short time it had its own laws and authorities. This did not last long - in 1278 the city was captured by the Venetians. In the XIII-XIV centuries, Izola waged "city wars" with Piran and Koper.
The first fish processing factory on the entire Adriatic coast was built near Izola. The city still retains its importance as a port and center of the fish processing industry. The first step towards the development of tourism was taken in 1820, when thermal springs were discovered in the vicinity of the city.
The historic center of the city reminds of the fact that the city was once part of the Venetian Republic. The most beautiful building in Izola is considered to be the Besengi - degli Ugi palace of the 18th century - the best example of baroque in the whole of Slovenian Istria. The building of the 15th century Manzoli Palace, executed in the Venetian Gothic style, is also noteworthy. Above the rooftops of the old town, the bell tower of the 16th century St. Maurus Church rises, located at the tip of the former island - the architectural symbol of Isola. Narrow medieval streets, charming houses with red tiles create a unique charm for the city. Izola has a very beautiful embankment with a yacht dock. The city is popular with yachtsmen and is one of the few marinas on the Slovenian coast for rented yachts and windsurfing enthusiasts.
There is a passenger sea terminal in the city, tourist flights to Venice and other cities are carried out.
The town of Izola is a suitable place for relaxation for those who like not only to bask on the seashore, but also to stroll along the old streets in the evenings, go to shops or to the market. The city has a lot of restaurants with national, Italian and seafood, small cafes and pastry shops that are waiting for their customers day and night.
Isola is one of the European sailing centers and attracts sailors and windsurfers. The favorable location and constant wind create wonderful conditions here for practicing these sports. Izola hosts numerous festivals: music, art, jazz, sports, dance.
The resort is a great place for families with children: Izola has good pebble beaches, clear sea, green park, water slide, children's and sports grounds on the beach of Simonov Gulf. For those looking for unity with nature, there is a wild beach at the foot of the Belvedere hill.
Izola is a very cozy and hospitable resort for those who, perhaps, want a more peaceful (and affordable) vacation than in the noisy and fashionable Portorož.
An old town with a developed infrastructure. Open sea. The beach of St. Simon is quite crowded during the season, but there are many wild beaches.
Izola is a small old town with a developed infrastructure. It is much quieter there than in Portoroz: it is a suitable place for relaxation for those who want to bask in the daytime on the seashore, and in the evening to walk along the old streets, go to shops or to the market. The city has a lot of restaurants with national, Italian and seafood, small cafes and pastry shops that are waiting for their customers day and night. In addition, Isola is a center for windsurfing and yachting. The favorable location and constant wind attract lovers of these sports from many countries here.
How to call
8-10-386-5-phone number
How to get there
The situation with transport in this city is peculiar. Due to the presence of a sea passenger port in Izola, you can easily get to Venice by buying a ferry ticket. Get to neighboring cities European countries you can take comfortable buses that run quite often. Of course, a railway crossing to Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia is possible, but it will cost much more. The air route to Izola is unlikely to be direct, in any case, you will have to cover part of the way by train or bus.
Search for flights to Ljubljana (nearest airport to Izola)
A bit of history
Slovenia is rich in small picturesque cities, equally calm and cozy, but with their own nuances. Izola is one such city. Isola means an island. So it was once. Originally an old fishing village, later - a town surrounded by a fortress wall - it was connected to the mainland by a large stone bridge thrown over a canal.
There is another specific chapter in the history of the city - participation in the so-called urban wars. Wars were fought with the nearest cities of Piran and Koper in the 13-14 centuries, they arose because of disagreements between the heads of these cities: none of them wanted to recognize their subordinate position to another.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the fortress wall was dismantled, and the material was used to fill the canal. At the same time, at the beginning of the 19th century, the development of tourism in the city began. The impetus for this was the discovery of thermal springs in the vicinity of Izola in 1820. Currently, Izola is an ideal place for a calm, measured rest: the cleanest Adriatic Sea, mild climate, a very spectacular promenade-promenade with a whole series of shops, restaurants and clubs, additional decoration of which are yachts moored in the harbor, many hotels of different types and levels , which are always happy to receive travelers, a large number of attractions.
Weather in Izola
Isola beaches
Isola is perfect for families and families with children. The climate of this resort is mild and good for the child's body, there are many attractions and entertainment for children on the city beach, pebble beaches. The disadvantage, perhaps, is that there is only one equipped beach in the city, so there are sometimes a lot of people on it. But in the immediate vicinity of the city, there are several wild beaches on which you can always find yourself - this is the beach of Simon's Bay, as well as the wild beach at the foot of the Belvedere hill.
Beautiful Isola (Italian)
Cuisine and restaurants
Many coffee houses and restaurants are always glad to welcome guests, life in them never stops day or night, there are cozy tables for everyone: for large companies, and for those who want to spend time in a romantic setting. The cuisine is varied, but as Isola is a seaside town, the emphasis is on seafood. I must say that they are very tasty here and are prepared in every imaginable way.
Windsurfing in Izola
Isola is a center for windsurfing and yachting. The favorable location and constant wind attract lovers of this sport from many countries here.
Popular hotels in Isola
Isola entertainment and attractions
The historical center has a lot to tell connoisseurs: for example, the fact that Isola was once part of the Venetian Republic, which left a certain stamp on the city architecture, and on the layout, and on the names of cathedrals, and even on the cuisine popular in the city.
The historical center of the city is the Big Square; in the 14th century, the building of the City Magistrate was built on the square in the Gothic style. Admiring this Gothic style will no longer work, since in the 17th century, in order to please the then fashion, the building was completely rebuilt in the Baroque style, which is very popular in Europe. Around 1175, the church of the Holy Apostle Peter - San Pietro was founded in the city. Loved by the townspeople, she was adorned with them to the best of her ability and ability. At the beginning of the 13th century, a Benedictine monastery was established at the church. The monks not only regularly served God, but also founded a hospital, where sick and dying people were admitted during plague epidemics.
The fate of this monastery and church and monastery is tragic: in our enlightened time, in 1978, that is, eight centuries after its foundation, the church and monastery were destroyed to the ground, and the fragments of these structures went to rubble for laying roads ...
The most beautiful attraction in Izola is considered to be the Besenghi del Helli Palace, built in the 18th century, one of the best examples of Baroque architecture. The Palace of Manzogli, built in the 15th century in the Venetian Gothic style, is worthy of close attention and has become a real decoration of the city.
But no matter how good individual attractions are, old narrow streets, red tiled roofs of various shapes, stone-paved sidewalks give the city a special charm.
The Balkan Peninsula is the cradle not only for many cultures, but also for civilizations. Its unique originality, beauty of nature, warm Adriatic Sea, thermal springs and amazing gastronomy attract tourists from all over the world here. Compared to other resort states of the peninsula, Slovenia can hardly be called a popular destination, but even from this it acquires a special charm.
general information
There is not a huge number of tourists here, and there are no widely advertised places. Silence and solitude reign everywhere. Resorts, judging by the reviews, are affordable for the average tourist. Many of them are great for families and children or seniors.
The geographical position is one of the main advantages of Slovenia. Recreation here is presented in a wide variety of areas, ranging from active sports to wellness. Slovenia is located in the Alpine-Danube region. From the north-west it is bounded by the Alps, from the south - by the Dinaric Highlands. The mild climate and the abundance of forests - beech, oak and coniferous - create ideal conditions for recreation.
Resorts of Slovenia
The length of the sea line is a little less than fifty kilometers. There are many developed resorts on the Adriatic coast of this country. The most famous of them are Portorož, Piran, Strunjan, Koper. They have a highly developed tourist infrastructure.
In this article we will tell you about one of the most popular resorts in Slovenia - Izola, a photo of which is presented below.
Location
This small town is located on the Adriatic coast, between Koper and Portorož. Unfortunately, this former fishing port is undeservedly deprived of the attention of tourists. It is impossible to meet crowds of tourists here. At the same time, Izola (Slovenia), a photo of the old town of which testifies to the Venetian charm of the buildings, is a worthy alternative to the more modern and promoted Koper or Piran. It can hardly be called a noisy tourist center. Izola (Slovenia) has only seventeen thousand inhabitants. There is no airport here. The nearest air gate, located in Ljubljana, is 113 kilometers away. A regular bus leaves the airport for Izola three times a day.
This small Slovenian town has a seaport from which tourists can get to Venice by ferry. Transport links to the nearest cities in many European countries are provided by shuttle buses. By train you can reach Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. But it should be borne in mind that train tickets are more expensive than bus tickets.
History of appearance
The territories in the vicinity of Izola in Slovenia were inhabited two millennia ago by the Histri, one of the Illyrians. They founded settlements here, the ruins of which can be seen in the village of Korty, located near the city. Here, from the surrounding hills, a beautiful panorama opens up to the smallest seaside town in Istria, which was once an island that was connected to the mainland by a large stone bridge. That is why Isola was so named. And although over time the island merged with the coast, life here today is inextricably linked with the sea and, of course, fishing.
In the era of the Roman Empire, on the site of the city of Izola in Slovenia, there was a large port of Aliaetum. In the Middle Ages, he was dependent on Koper. In the middle of the thirteenth century, independence was proclaimed in Izola, but two and a half decades later the town became part of the Venetian Republic. From the sixteenth century onwards, with the development of Trieste, the importance of Isola as a port began to diminish.
After the fall of Venice, the entire territory of Istria became part of Austria. This situation persisted until the First World War, after which Izola was already part of Italy, and after World War II - already Yugoslavia. Since 1991 Isola has been one of the cities of independent Slovenia.
Information for tourists
Isola has always been considered the "poor relative" of Piran and Koper. It was better known as the town of fishermen. However, mass tourism is actively developing here today. Holidays in Izola (Slovenia), reviews of which can be read below, is primarily a beach one. Although visiting local attractions will bring travelers no less pleasure than swimming in the sea and sunbathing for many hours.
The cobbled narrow streets of Izola's historic center are home to numerous art galleries, cozy cafes and restaurants. The city hosts cultural events all year round. In Izola, you can experience the true taste of local cuisine and the charm of Istria. The climate here is mild Mediterranean with warm summers and not very cold winters. As evidenced by numerous reviews about Slovenia, Izola is a vivid mosaic of history, traditions and welcoming local residents.
Since the city is located by the sea, sailing is the main attraction here. There are winds in Izola almost all year round. This has made the resort popular with windsurfers and yachtsmen.
City Tour
Tourists in Izola can take walks along the promenade. The promenade is two kilometers long. There are many rental points where you can rent a bike and ride it around the city. Many people rent a boat to go fishing.
Isola combines Pannonian, Mediterranean and Alpine cultures, which is felt not only in the urban architecture, but also in the local cuisine. Since this is a seaside town, the main dishes in many restaurants contain seafood. Judging by the reviews, the local wine is very reminiscent of the original Tuscan counterparts.
Walking around the city, you must definitely walk to its historic center. Isola has observation deck with an amazing view. Children will love the visit to the dolphinarium. There is a casino in the city, and shoppers can shop in shops and souvenir shops.
Beaches and sea
Judging by the statistics, holidays in Izola are gradually becoming more and more popular. And this is not surprising. The warm Adriatic Sea, clean pebble beaches, delicious local cuisine, a wide range of entertainment - all this attracts people with a wide variety of interests to the resort.
This resort is often called "an oasis of Mediterranean leisurely pace". Simonov zaliv, Svetilnik and Bele Skale are the most popular beaches in Izola (Slovenia). The photos below confirm their incredible beauty. They are ideal for families with children. In general, kids tolerate the local climate very well. Isola's central beach is free. It is located next to the historic city center. It is a well-equipped beach, but it is almost always overcrowded with tourists. There are several attractions, playgrounds and recreational areas directly next to it.
City beaches in Izola (Slovenia) are small-pebbled.
Simonov zaliv is considered the best. It is located within walking distance from the city center. Its advantage is low tourist traffic. There is a great park near the beach.
Bele Skale, located at the foot of the hill, is wild. There is no specially equipped swimming area, umbrellas, sun loungers, so those who prefer calmness and solitude come here.
The beach is located at the foot of the hill of the same name. There are no equipped places to relax with umbrellas and sun loungers, but you can enjoy the tranquility and privacy.
The EU Blue Flag is consistently celebrating the ecology of Izola, and this Mediterranean resort will delight even the most discerning tourist. All the beaches are clean and the sea is amazingly clear. Sometimes you can see dolphins from the shore, and if you're lucky, even whales.
Hotels
Izola is becoming an increasingly popular destination in Slovenia every year. There are not as many hotels here as in neighboring Koper or Piran. And those that exist are concentrated mainly in the city and in the surrounding Yagoda. A feature of local hotels is the lack of a comprehensive meal plan: tourists are provided only with breakfast, and for lunch and dinner they will have to go to nearby restaurants, which are excellently fed, and the prices are quite affordable.
The best hotels in Izola (Slovenia) are the four-star San-Simon Resort, Hotel Marina 3 *, Belvedere Casino Resort 3 * and Hotel Delfin. In high season, room rates jump up. This is due to the limited number of hotels. Therefore, many tourists prefer to book rooms in the spring.
Almost all Izola hotels offer free Wi-Fi, well-developed infrastructure, air-conditioned rooms with traditional filling. Many of them have large grounds, completely landscaped, with a swimming pool and free parking.
Private housing
Some Russian tourists prefer to rent apartments for a vacation. In Izola, too, if you wish, you can stay in one of the hotel complexes or rent an apartment from a private owner. In the city center, renting a two-room apartment costs about 50 euros per day. A more spacious dwelling with a living room, two bedrooms and a terrace, which can accommodate up to four people at the same time, will cost from 70 euros and more.
According to reviews about Slovenia, Izola is not a very expensive resort. There are both elite housing and democratic options that are available to tourists with an average income.
The property
Apartments in Izola (Slovenia) have a different price level, depending on the class and area. Those who value space and luxury can purchase duplex apartments (160-200 sq. Meters) for about 300-450 thousand euros. Housing is simpler, for example, a kopeck piece with an area of 34 sq. m, will cost about sixty thousand cu. e. The average price range of real estate in Izola ranges from 120-200 thousand. Townhouses here cost about 280-490 thousand USD. That is, although there are higher prices.
The price range for cottages within the city is much higher. The sale value of a private house can start from the level of 295 thousand USD. e. The price of luxury mansions reaches a million euros, and sometimes even more.
sights
There are many historical and architectural monuments in Izola in Slovenia. The most notable landmark of the city is the Church of St. Maurus. It is located at the highest point of the ancient island and gives the city its characteristic charm. The church was erected in the middle of the XIV century. Its architecture combines two styles: Baroque and Renaissance.
Most of Izola's attractions are located in Piazza Manzioli. Here you can see the church of St. Maria, which is distinguished by an octagonal composition and a vaulted ceiling in the form of a cross, the palaces of Manzioli and Lavisato, one of which houses a large library of manuscripts and books, and the other houses a music school. On the outskirts of Isola, there are the ruins of a Roman villa and an old port.
In Slovenia, on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, there is a small fishing town with a romantic name and rich history.
ISOLA HISTORY
Isola was first mentioned in 932 in the Venetian charter Liber Albus like a settlement Insula, in latin Island... Indeed, this small town was located on an island inhabited by people already at the beginning of our era. Basically, they were istra- the indigenous population of the peninsula (hence the name of the peninsula - Istria). From the 1st century A.D. this part of the peninsula became part of the Great Roman Empire, in the middle of the 5th century the Romans were ousted by the Huns led by Attila, after the Huns, Istria was controlled by the Franks, and in the 7th-8th centuries AD the Slavs came to the peninsula.
On the left are two former islands of the Slovenian coast: Koper (Kapodistrias) and Izola Until the 13th century, Isola was ruled by the patriarchs of Aquileia, but a self-sufficient geographical position the city led to the fact that he gradually acquired the reputation of "city of rebels". In 1253, Isola declared independence from the neighboring city of Aegis (present), and for a short time it had its own laws. But it could not last so long, and in 1278 Isola, having signed an agreement with the Republic of Venice, became its part. The island was surrounded by a stone wall with defensive towers and connected to the mainland by a large stone bridge. Izola is home to the large port of Aliaetum and the first fish processing factory on the entire Adriatic coast.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the fortress wall with a bridge was dismantled and an artificial isthmus was poured from this material, which connected the island with the mainland.
The importance of Isola as a port began to decline only at the beginning of the 16th century, when it began to develop rapidly Trieste(by the way, the former Slovenian town of Trst). When the Venetian Republic collapsed in 1797, Izola was annexed to the Austrian Empire. In the period from 1809 to 1813. the city was controlled Napoleonic troops, but after 1813 (oh, those Russians), he again withdrew to Austria-Hungary.
When the First World War ended and the Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed, the Istrian peninsula, together with Izola, went to Italy, while the rest Dalmatia became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (later the Kingdom of Yugoslavia). And only after the Second World War, with the signing of the Paris Peace Treaty of 1947, Isola became part of the Socialist Republic Yugoslavia, and after the collapse in 1991, the last - part of the independent Republic of Slovenia. Today the population of Izola is about 10 thousand people, and the city is officially considered bilingual: Italian is equal in rights with Slovenian.
WHAT TO SEE IN ISOLE
The city has preserved many historical and cultural attractions that bear witness to the city's past. The historical center of Izola is its central square(Veliki trg), surrounded by old buildings. The first building of the city magistrate was built here in 1325. Now the remnants of the Gothic style can be seen only inside the building; from the outside, the house was completely rebuilt in the Baroque style in the 17th century.
The main square of the city of Veliky TRG on the map The bell tower of the Church of St. Maurus (San Mauro) rises above the red-tiled roofs of the old town. The bell tower, attached to the church in 1585, has long become an architectural symbol of the city. The first temple on this site was erected back in 1356, and the current church was built in 1547-1553. The church is decorated with magnificent frescoes from different eras (the oldest date back to the 15th century), marble altars and a magnificent organ with 15 registers (1796).
Church of St. Maurus on the map The palace of the famous and wealthy Istrian family - Besenghi degli Ughi was built in 1775-1781 by the famous Italian architect Filippo Dongetti. The palace is one of the finest examples of late Baroque in all of Slovenia. The palace has preserved a rich library, numbering more than 3,000 books, including perfectly preserved copies of the 16th-18th centuries.
Beseñi degli Ugyi Palace on the map Only the Palača Manzioli in Lovisato can be compared to the Beseñy Palace in beauty. Built in the 15th century, the palace is a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture.
Manzogli Palace on the map In 1849, a plague raged in Europe. In this regard, the small church of St. Lawrence on Dante Street was consecrated anew, dedicated to the heavenly defender of the plague, St. Rock.
Church of st. Roca on the map In 181 AD, after the founding of the Roman colony of Aquileia, most of Istria came under Roman rule. This was immediately reflected in the intensive settlement of the coastal zone and inland areas. In the 20th century, during archaeological excavations in the bay of St. Simon, the remains of a Roman seaside villa with households were found. buildings and a harbor. Today, the restored walls of the buildings, the remains of the water supply system and the mosaics of the corridor connecting the villa and the harbor are part of the Archeological Park Simonov zaliv. Due to its archaeological, historical, artistic and other exceptional features, the Simonov Bay Park was declared a cultural monument in 1999 national significance.
Archaeological Park Simonov Bay on the map Isola is very popular with yachtsmen and windsurfing enthusiasts. The city also has its own passenger sea terminal, from where tourist flights to Venice and other cities of the Adriatic coast are carried out.
The historical and cultural attractions of romantic Isola attract thousands of tourists every year. But old narrow streets, red tiled roofs, low houses of various shapes and sidewalks paved with medieval stone give the city a special charm.
Old streets of the city Isola on the map
A small old town located on the Adriatic coast, 10 km from Portorož and 6 km from. Romantic Isola is an old fishing village with a rich history. The name “Izola” means “island” and originally the town, surrounded by a fortress wall with towers, was actually located on an island and was connected to the mainland by a large stone bridge. But at the beginning of the 19th century, the wall was dismantled, and its material was used to fill the canal that connected the island and the continent. The city still retains its importance as a port and center of the fish processing industry. The first step towards the development of tourism was taken in 1820, when thermal springs were discovered in the vicinity of the city.
Today Isola is a water sports center popular with yachtsmen. Izola hosts numerous festivals: music, art, jazz, sports, dance. And lovers of antiquity will discover many historical sights in a small, cozy Izola. The most beautiful building in Izola is considered to be the Besengi - degli Ugi palace of the 18th century - the best example of baroque in the whole of Slovenian Istria. The building of the 15th century Manzoli Palace, executed in the Venetian Gothic style, is also noteworthy. Above the rooftops of the old town, the bell tower of the 16th century St. Maurus Church rises, located at the tip of the former island - the architectural symbol of Isola. Narrow medieval streets, charming houses with red tiles create a unique charm for the city. Izola has a very beautiful embankment with a yacht parking lot, a huge number of shops, restaurants and cafes. The inhabitants of Izola are distinguished by their special hospitality. The resort is a great place for families with children: Izola has good pebble beaches, clear sea, green park, water slide, children's and sports grounds on the beach of Simonov Gulf. For those looking for unity with nature, there is a wild beach at the foot of the Belvedere hill. The cafes and restaurants on the Isola promenade offer a wide variety of seafood dishes. Discos and nightclubs are waiting for the young. In general, Izola is a very cozy and welcoming resort for those who, perhaps, want a more relaxing holiday than in a noisy and fashionable one.
It is the second largest city on the coast with a magnificent promenade and marina. The town itself was once an island, but later it was connected to the land with the help of a dam. The historic center of the city reminds of the fact that the city was once part of the Venetian Republic. The town of Izola is a suitable place for relaxation for those who like not only to bask on the seashore, but also to stroll along the old streets in the evenings, go to shops or to the market. The city has a lot of restaurants with national, Italian and seafood, small cafes and pastry shops that are waiting for their customers day and night. Isola is a windsurfing center. The favorable location and constant wind attracts lovers of this sport from many countries here.