During the predictable
tempo of everyday, a vacation at the Slovene Riviera can be invigorating. Walks
by the sea, excursions to the outskirts of Istria, exploring the abundant
history and secret corners of the Slovene Riviera in ancient towns of Piran, Izola
and Koper, and mingling at recreational or educational workshops are
adventures, tailor made for people in their golden years.
After a successful career, there comes a time
when many seniors can spend their time the way they choose. Research focusing on
the lifestyles of seniors have established the three fundamental reasons why
seniors take breaks, go on excursions and undertake travelling. The first
reason is to escape the routine. The second is the opportunity to spend time
with their families, be it grown-up children or grandchildren, and the third is
relaxation, the understanding of which can be quite subjective. Some will
already be satisfied by walks by the sea, while others prefer hiking, cycling
or even take part in extreme sports.
Slovenia, the perfect place for seniors
A number of years ago, the
Slovene Tourist Board (STB) carried out a research to find out what seniors
from abroad think about Slovenia and its tourist offer. It was discovered that
their general impressions were quite positive (84%), which is why it was
concluded that the tourist offer for seniors in Slovenia is appropriate.
Slovenia is most valued due to its nature and opportunities for recreational
activities (hiking, walking, running, cycling, swimming and golfing), while seniors
also enjoy the spa and health resort offer, sightseeing in towns along with
their cultural programmes, while they have also expressed interest in medical
tourism. All of this coincides with Slovenia's advertising campaign, which
portrays it as a “green, active and healthy” destination.
Nowadays, seniors are fit,
and as a result, holiday offer targeted at seniors must include a diverse
assortment of activities. After retirement, some people want to make up for
what they had missed before due to lack of spare time. Senior tourists are
usually well acquainted with competitor services on the market, while pricing
usually plays the crucial role in their decision-making processes.
A certain segment of
seniors just wants to enjoy life. Their expectations are high, which is why
they will seek tourist advice and expect quality, comfort and pampering, and
look for content-rich programmes.
In programmes intended specifically for this
target group, travel agencies try to include sights, landmarks and places which
might be of particular interest to them. Good transport connections without
major jams, well-organized catering services, sightseeing with entrance fees
already included in the package price, friendly companions and experienced
guides are vital.
Slovene Istria inspires both in spring and autumn
Every year, seniors can
choose among a number of different excursions and trips. Some will decide for a
quiet holiday at the Slovene Riviera with evening entertainment and organized
programmes, and others will prefer to discover new places and cultural sights
nearby. While certain seniors are finally faced with an opportunity – they possess
the time, will and energy – to undertake longer travel.
Seniors prefer to visit the Slovene Riviera
during spring and autumn months when temperatures are still pleasant, the
weather is friendly and not too hot and prices are more affordable. From March
to June, the weather is perfect for seniors who prefer to pursue recreational
activities, love long walks or guided excursions in the arms of nature along
with the fresh and healing sea air. In September and October, when persimmons,
olives and grapes are harvested, excursions into the outskirts of Slovene Istria
are very popular.
It's an active but at the same time more relaxed vacation out of sight of the
summer hustle. Programmes for people in their golden years are carefully
prepared and rich in terms of content. Before or after the main tourist season,
individuals are most interested in staying in mid-priced hotels along the
Slovene Riviera.
Discovering energy and other natural resources
An
excellent starting point for a relaxing and recreational break is the Salinera
Resort, surrounded by the evergreen Mediterranean vegetation and bioenergy
park. The Salinera Resort is also a great starting point for long walks, trips
and the exploration of natural wonders. It is a part of Nature Park Strunjan
and the Strunjan Valley. In fair weather, the exquisite viewpoints at Nature Park Strunjan offer a
spectacular view all the way from the Gulf of Trieste to Mount Triglav. Strunjan salt pans have been known for
traditional salt production in the area at least from the 13thcentury, while today, they are protected as a natural and cultural monument. The sea lagoon is a shallow that
was formed by the Strunjan River depositing sediment. After the construction of
the embankment, the lagoon remained connected to the sea only by a canal that
is part of the Natura 2000 network. The
Strunjan cliff is a living sculpture carved by the sea. The cliff is 80
metres high, while its vegetation-covered edge and 200-metre sea belt have been
proclaimed a nature reserve.
Authentic hospitality and tradition
Seniors
love the town of Izola. The San Simon Resort is located by a hiking trail
between Izola and Strunjan. In its
immediate vicinity is the archaeological park San Simon, which attests
to the rich cultural heritage in the area. Simon's Bay
(Simonov zaliv) was mentioned in sources as an archaeological site as early as
16th century. In the area, remains of a Roman harbour and a part of a Roman
villa stretching over a surface of 3,000m² have been found. Surrounding the
villa, the remains of a water distribution system can be seen;
clay pipelines extending underground which supplied
the villa complex fresh water.
Another tourist favourite is the Parenzana, the so-called Trail of health and
friendship, which vies through old towns
and villages, along the sea and through vineyards and olive tree plantations,
through short, illuminated and neatly arranged tunnels – crossing valleys and
hills.
The centre of the authentic
Istrian town of fishermen is
the Izola “Mandrač”, an inland port
deeply carved into the old town’s centre at the western coast. Along its rim,
the most important public buildings were located throughout history, like the
Manzioli and Lovisato mansions, the Church of St. Maur and St. Mary of Alieto.
The town is shot with narrow streets, shops of local
craftsmen and
artists and is
known for its lively bustle from early morning hours when
fishermen are waking up until late evening when visitors are drawn by the
town’s hustle, fragrant smells of Istrian cuisine and concertos by local
musicians.
The culture and pearls of Piran
Slovene Istria will also satisfy the curiosity and desire for culture
with six culture trails around Piran, Portorož and their outskirts, which
enthusiasts can visit either on foot or by bike or car. Each trail encompasses short
and interesting descriptions of natural and cultural sights, and each
follows a certain theme.
The culture trail encourages visits to museums, galleries,
exhibitions and various collections, the Salt trail focuses on the
history of salt panning as the most important branch of economy in the history
of Piran and its significance to the development of health tourism, and the
Sacral trail will lead visitors on a journey through the sacral heritage,
which is quite abundant in this area. The Historic trail will turn back
time and portray the development of Piran and its surroundings, the trail
along the Austro-Hungarian Riviera will revive the times of the
Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and Portorož as the cosmopolitan destination of the
then elite, and the Boškarin trail leads through the picturesque and
diverse Piran outskirts and describes the difficult life of the “Šavrini”.
Content with safe, accessible and quality offer in hotels along the Slovene Riviera
Even the hotel offer in
Slovenia has long been adapting to the senior generation, which is becoming one
of the main target groups in local tourism. The approach when a single product
would satisfy every audience no longer survives, and seniors undoubtedly
represent one of the audiences which should be provided an adapted assortment
of products and services. The hotels in Bernardin, San Simon and Salinera offer
safe and quality services with plenty of activities tailored-made for those who
wish to come in contact with nature and are interested in accessible hiking
trails, nature parks and cultural sights as well as those who want to
experience a bit of pampering by the pools and at wellness centres.