Izola was calling to him

Upon entering the antique shop on Manzioli Square, one immediately feels the warmth and a sense of mystery at the same time. It is a space where each object carries a story, and Sergio Kraljič is happy to tell them and take you on a journey into another time. Sergio also told us a story that unknowingly brought him to Izola. Years ago, after a difficult life period, he felt the need for a new beginning. He felt an inexplainable attraction to Izola – as if the town was calling to him.

“Izola touched my heart right away. I later found out that my parents got married here in Izola.” 

That was how Sergio understood that this secret part of his parents’ life was why he had come to Izola. At Manzioli Square, where he opened an antique shop, a new chapter in his life began. Manzioli Square is a place where something is always happening. It’s a meeting point for the locals and one of the most popular places among visitors of Izola. It’s a place where you can feel the authentic atmosphere and homeliness of Izola. Sergio says he loves the square, and he paid homage to it with poetry hanging on the door of his antique shop. 

Watch the video, feel the magic of the square and the nostalgic ambiance of Sergio’s antique shop. 

Sergio Kraljič, Antiquarian



Izola's street jam session

Six years ago, Marina came to Izola from Sweden to discover her roots. Her mother comes from Izola, and as a child, she left her birthplace so move to the North. A musician and singer, Marina fell in love with Izola instantly, and her planned vacation, which was supposed to be just several months long, turned to Living in this fishing town. She never again returned to her Sweden home.

"In addition to everything that happens to you in this town – from tastes to the sea, shade and the smell of trees, nice people ...  With a little bit of luck, an evening walk along the streets of the old town centre can turn into a genuine jam session with local musicians, who celebrate music, wine and especially friendship!"

Marina Mårtensson



Farm instead of a sail boat

At first, Marko lived with his family in a city, and in the eighties, they traded the hustle and bustle of the city for a peaceful life in the picturesque Izola countryside. When his family was deciding where they'd be spending more time together, thus deciding between buying a sail boat or a farmstead, they all voted for the latter. And this decision was the beginning of a beautiful story of the Medijan farmstead.

"Immediately after settling in, we started raising cattle, which we switched for raising horses after expanding our land. This also marked the transition to a tourist farm and an equestrian school. Until recently, all the culinary secrets were being diligently kept by my grandmother (locally called "nona"), who gradually started to reveal them to my wife, Marina. By visiting our typical Istrian farmstead, you too can get to know and taste them."

Marko Kodarin



 Do you know what emits that light in the sea at night?

The mother of the sister Enya and Amelie comes from Izola, while their father comes from France – that is also where they got their beautiful names from. They live together in Izola, and their favourite time of the year is summer, of course. They favourite beach for swimming is San Simon, where youngsters gather in the afternoons.

"Each year, we get to know new friends with which we enjoy the summer days. We don't just swim at the beach, but also go cycling together, skateboard and generally enjoy our time outside, since the days are longer, and we can be outside longer. Our secret is that we have a special garden together in Korte, just for ourselves – we take care of it ourselves, and we enjoy working it. Not just by the sea, it is also lovely at the countryside. Oh, and there is another secret we just remembered ... We love night-time swimming – do you wanna know why? Because the plankton in the sea glows at night. This is so beautiful!"

Amelie & Enya



Flowers are the soul of a house

Silvestra is a huge flower lover which can clearly be seen when looking at her "blooming" windows on the Tartini Street. She is very proud of her street, and she is very glad that all the neighbours get along nicely and live in the spirit of mutual connectedness.

"Tartini Street is the most beautiful street in Izola, where a lot is going on. Together, we attend the culinary contest "Šalšijada" and similar events in the town, and we also organize joint celebrations and erect triumphal arcs. Apart from our street, I also love flowers, which adorn my apartment, my windows and my field. People are amazed at how I'm able to keep having them, and how I take care of them. During winter, when it seems that the flowers will die, I attentively take care of them, and in spring, they return the love by lush blooming. As everywhere else, love is the most important ingredient when taking care of flowers. And never forget; flowers are the soul of the house."

Silvestra Gruden



»Hello, my land!«

Aldo from the Istriana farmstead has been a farmer for many years. First, he was farming in addition to having a job, but now, he is a fully devoted farmer. He takes care that his grandchildren eat healthy food, and in addition, his good will and healthy produce are keeping the visitors to the local Stuff from my field marketplace (Ruba sz moje njive). The main part of his land, where he is mostly growing vegetables and some fruit, is situated beneath Dobrava in Izola, while his olive trees are located in the vicinity.

"A farmer who works the land needs to be present in full – throughout the whole day – it cannot be just a part-time job. Only the right attitude and willingness to work will result in the right products; therefore, I greet my farm with "Good morning!" every morning, and I tell it "Good night!" every evening. Just as a young woman is beautiful, so is my land."

Aldo Ček