Strunjan, a place of magic flora and fauna - Hoteli Bernardin
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Strunjan – an unspoiled town in the embrace of nature and energy

Strunjan is a coastal town in the municipality of Piran, situated between Piran and Izola. It was formed in the valley of the river Roja, along the saltpans and in the nearby hills. The favourable natural conditions of the peninsula of Strunjan, especially the sea climate and its leeward position, made it possible for man to settle here and develop traditional economic activities in harmony with nature. The oldest evidence of settlement on the peninsula of Strunjan  dates back to the classical age and was found in the area of St. Basso and cape Ronek: a Roman villa rustica (an estate with a farm house and adjoining buildings), the piers of an ancient port, which are now submerged because of higher sea levels. In archive sources the area is first mentioned in the 11th century, when the patriarch Popone from Aquileia left it to the Aquileian monastery of St. Mary. In 1284 sources mention the town name Strunjan for the first time (in its Italian version Strugnano).

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The local population cultivates grapes, produces wine, grows fruit and early vegetables. The valley of Strunjan has numerous orchards of persimmon and in November they also organize the Persimmon feast, where they present this fruit and its culinary uses.

Nature and energy

It is touristically less developed than the nearby Portorož. It is dedicated especially to those who wish a calm and relaxing vacation. Strunjan has tended beaches in Salinera resort and Terme Krka, where the beach Talasso is partly concrete and partly stone. During the summer many local and foreign visitors come. Under the cliff of Strunjan you can find the loveliest part of the Slovenian coast, Moon bay or bay of St. Cross. Close to the cape of Strunjan is the church of the Apparition of the Virgin Mary and the former Benedictine monastery. A part of the area of Strunjan has been protected since 1990 when it was declared a natural reserve. The Nature park is the longest natural coast in the Gulf of Trieste. One of Strunjan’s best attractions is the Salinera Bioenergy Park, which has 12 energy points that positively affect psychological and physiological well-being.

Climate

Strunjan has a low rainfall rate and characteristically mild winters with high, but still moderate summer temperatures. The number of sunny days is high. The average annual sunshine duration is 2346 hours. Rainfall rate is low, between 1000 and 1100 mm yearly. If you opt for a visit, check the weather forecast and switch to live stream – webcam 

Beach

The Salinera Resort beach is located among pine trees, Mediterranean greenery, and grass, and is right next to the Salinera Bioenergy Park and its 12 energy points. The beach of the Salinera Resort are located among pine trees, surrounded with Mediterranean vegetation, where 12 energy points are located. The energy points, which are an integral part of the park, have a positive impact on mental and physical well-being. 

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Things to do

There is a wide range of choices, just pick a suitable one for you.You can choose from activity options for families, couples, seniors, groups of friends or athletes.


Padling   Cycling   Mini Golf
Volleyball   Kayaking   Nordic walking
Windsurfing   Tennis


Visitors can choose among numerous hotels, apartments. Culinary specialities can be tasted in the best restaurants offering a wide choice of local food delicacies. Spend time on the beach or enjoy in your favourite activity to make your day memorable.  

Location

Things to experience

Nature park Strunjan

The flysch coastline of the peninsula of Strunjan has many riches and beauties, both natural and man-made. On one side of the reserve you can find steep 80 m flysch cliffs with a natural beach, on the other the terrain descends through sunny hills and cultivated fields towards the south where we can find the river Roja, the marine lagoon and the operating saltpans. With clear skies the views from the many lookout points in the park are amazing, as you can see the entire gulf of Trieste and all the way to mount Triglav.


The cross of Strunjan

A path leads us from the church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary to the Cross of Strunjan, which has been erected in 1600 on the edge of the cliff and has been watching over all seafarers ever since. In the past the ships passing here used to sound their horn as a greeting to St. Mary and the sailors crossed themselves and asked her to grant them a safe return home. It is said that on August 15 th many years ago St. Mary miraculously appeared in the exact spot where the cross is standing today. Along the entire length of the cliff can be seen horizontal layers of marlstone and sandstone and the geological and geomorphological phenomena are also interesting.

Narrow gauge railway tunnel

The visitors of Strunjan can walk along many interesting paths. Portorož is also a short walk or bicycle ride away, where you will pass through the tunnel of the defunct railway Parenzana, which in the past connected Trieste and Poreč.

A pinch of saltpans

The saltpans of Strunjan are the northernmost and smallest saltpans in the Mediterranean, where salt is still harvested with traditional methods as it has been for more than 700 years. Man transformed the shallow waters of the bay of Strunjan into saltpans by building embankments, channels and shallow pools. In the saltpans of Strunjan salt is collected only during the summer in the smaller crystallisation pools, but it needs constant care during the whole year.

A marine lagoon thriving with life

Stjuža is the only marine lagoon in Slovenia. Its name originates from the Italian word “chiusa”, meaning “closed”. It was formed by the river of Strunjan, which deposited sediments in its mouth. After the embankment was built more than 400 years ago, the lagoon remained connected to the sea only by the flow channel. There are no currents or larger waves in the lagoon and the water flow depends completely on the low and high tide. As its average depth is approximately 0,5 m, the water cools down and warms up very quickly.

The church of the Assumption

It is located on top of a steep granite paved path, which leads to the north. According to legend, on the night between the 14th and 15th of August 1512 St. Mary appeared to two vineyard guards. She asked them to advise the authorities to repair the church which was in bad conditions. There is a very rich cultural heritage connected to the legend of the apparition, pilgrimages, processions and miraculous savings. It contains memoirs, songs and is supported by numerous illustrative paintings and votive images, which are still preserved in the church. The event of St. Mary’s apparition is celebrated with a boat procession, which takes Mary’s statue from Izola to her church in Strunjan.

Bioenergetic park Salinera

Embraced by nature, among pine trees and lush Mediterranean vegetation, are 12 energetic points. The park is located at the heart of the resort. The energetic points in the park have a positive effect on the physical and mental wellbeing.

Persimmons

For the past few decades persimmons have had a special place in Strunjan’s peninsula. The persimmon (Diospyros kaki) came to Strunjan from Italy.  The persimmon orchards of Strunjan produce one third of all the produce in Slovenia and at the beginning of November the already traditional Persimmon feast is held here.

Gifts from the sea

In the past, fishermen in Strunjan caught their fish with a trawl fishing net. Today the fishermen fish in the coastal zone of the Nature park only a few months a year. Smaller boats and nets are used to catch smaller quantities of larger fish. Among the catch the most common species are the following: sole, cuttlefish, gilt-head bream, European flounder, common Pandora, sea-bass, scorpion fish and flathead grey mullet. Besides fishing, shellfish farming is also an extra source of income for the locals.


Hotels and apartments in Strunjan