Just a stone’s throw from Slovenia’s border with Italy, Ankaran is a picturesque coastal town overlooking the Gulf of Trieste. It’s the northernmost settlement on the Slovenian Riviera and has been a popular holiday destination since the 19th century when its ancient monastery was converted into a health resort.
One of Ankaran’s most famous cultural attractions is the Monastery of Saint Nicholas, which was founded by Benedictine monks in the 11th century. Admire its ornate, whitewashed facade and learn about its use as a military hospital before becoming a popular summer resort for tourists from Trieste.
A short drive from the heart of Ankaran is Debeli Rtič Landscape Park, which encompasses a pristine stretch of coastline, wildlife-filled wetlands and an underwater reef. Soak up the spectacular views from the vineyards and olive groves that descend to the Gulf of Trieste and come face-to-face with sea horses, spider crabs and loggerhead sea turtles in the surrounding waters.
Getting there
Ankaran is around an hour’s drive from Ljubljana and 1.5 hours from Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect to Piran while the centre of Ankaran is compact enough to explore on foot.