Goodbye Croatia, Hello Slovenia...
A straightforward trip takes us across the border into Slovenia, another EU country. The border crossing takes longer than it might because I take the shorter 'all passports' lane in error and then watch all the EU vehicles steam through their lane at a brisk pace. Still, good practice for what's ahead, I guess...😢
We drive to a largish site on the Slovenian coast at Ankaran, close to the port town of Koper. On arrival we discover that we have just missed a severe storm the previous night; there is devastation on the seafront part of the site, with large trees down and two crushed cars. Thankfully no serious injuries, we think. We set up well away from the slightly holiday camp feel of the front, which looks out onto the Koper docks. A glance at the map shows that Slovenia has a very small amount of coast and, of course, this has to provide for both ports and leisure activities.
We stay for three nights here and use the first day to visit the largest cave system open to the public in Europe, the Postojna Cave. The sheer scale and number and type of stalactites and stalagmites is almost mind blowing as we travel by train, then foot, into the cave system.
On our way back we visit the less visited but utterly captivating Å kocjan Caves. There are some stalactites and stalagmites here but the overwhelming spectacle is the massive underground chasm with the Reka river still churning its way hundreds of metres below as it continues to carve out the chasm. Wonderful and utterly unforgettable. No pictures allowed of this UNESCO site, though, so have a look HERE
On our last day here we visit the nearby towns of Koper and Piran. Koper is a thriving working town with a modern, large port which moves thousands of cars. We see stored Skodas (of course), VWs, Toyotas amongst other in the massive parks.
The old town is completely different: the historic Praetorian Palace and the cathedral form two sides of the main square, while we take a coffee in the elegant cafe that was the 1463 Loggia, opposite the Palace. Quite a find.
The Cathedral in the Old Town
View from the Loggia Cafe
Cruise ship in town
We continue to picturesque Piran with its beautiful Venetian Gothic square and architecture. There are more tourists here but it really doesn't take away the relaxed, slightly up market feel of this place. We take a nice Risotto at the Riva restaurant on the front near the old town.
Fishing boats still work from here
Venetian Style Square
A good day and a very nice farewell to the sea as we are heading north to Ljubljana, tomorrow. Next post from there, all being well, as I always say.
A straightforward trip takes us across the border into Slovenia, another EU country. The border crossing takes longer than it might because I take the shorter 'all passports' lane in error and then watch all the EU vehicles steam through their lane at a brisk pace. Still, good practice for what's ahead, I guess...😢
We drive to a largish site on the Slovenian coast at Ankaran, close to the port town of Koper. On arrival we discover that we have just missed a severe storm the previous night; there is devastation on the seafront part of the site, with large trees down and two crushed cars. Thankfully no serious injuries, we think. We set up well away from the slightly holiday camp feel of the front, which looks out onto the Koper docks. A glance at the map shows that Slovenia has a very small amount of coast and, of course, this has to provide for both ports and leisure activities.
We stay for three nights here and use the first day to visit the largest cave system open to the public in Europe, the Postojna Cave. The sheer scale and number and type of stalactites and stalagmites is almost mind blowing as we travel by train, then foot, into the cave system.
On our way back we visit the less visited but utterly captivating Å kocjan Caves. There are some stalactites and stalagmites here but the overwhelming spectacle is the massive underground chasm with the Reka river still churning its way hundreds of metres below as it continues to carve out the chasm. Wonderful and utterly unforgettable. No pictures allowed of this UNESCO site, though, so have a look HERE
On our last day here we visit the nearby towns of Koper and Piran. Koper is a thriving working town with a modern, large port which moves thousands of cars. We see stored Skodas (of course), VWs, Toyotas amongst other in the massive parks.
The old town is completely different: the historic Praetorian Palace and the cathedral form two sides of the main square, while we take a coffee in the elegant cafe that was the 1463 Loggia, opposite the Palace. Quite a find.
The Cathedral in the Old Town
View from the Loggia Cafe
Cruise ship in town
We continue to picturesque Piran with its beautiful Venetian Gothic square and architecture. There are more tourists here but it really doesn't take away the relaxed, slightly up market feel of this place. We take a nice Risotto at the Riva restaurant on the front near the old town.
Venetian Style Square
A good day and a very nice farewell to the sea as we are heading north to Ljubljana, tomorrow. Next post from there, all being well, as I always say.
No comments:
Post a Comment