Summer was a success, autumn smells of events

Tourism statistics for the summer season

Excellent attendance – especially before the peak season

According to the latest data from SURS, in August tourist visits to Slovenian Istria slightly declined compared to last year – by approximately 1.3% in arrivals and 2.2% in overnight stays. Nevertheless, the overall cumulative figure for January–August remains strongly positive: a total of 761,384 arrivals (+6.0%) and 2,488,739 overnight stays (+4.8%).

Particularly encouraging is the fact that the greatest growth was recorded in the pre-season – the spring and early summer months saw significant increases, confirming the success of our efforts toward sustainable tourism development and the distribution of visits throughout the year. Slovenian Istria is thus successfully positioning itself as a year-round destination, with a greater focus on quality, local experiences, and avoiding mass tourism during the peak season.

Foreign visitors continue to represent the largest share of guests (more than two-thirds of all overnight stays), while the highest growth this year was again recorded among domestic visitors in the spring months.

Activities of the Love Istria team

Joint presentation of the Love Istria project at STO

At the end of August, representatives of Ankaran, Koper, Izola, and Piran jointly presented themselves at a meeting of leading destinations organized by the Slovenian Tourist Board (STO). The focus was on the Love Istria 2025 project, which coordinator Luca Stančič Kodarin presented as an example of good cooperation, with an emphasis on joint digital transformation, the development of green products, and innovative promotion outside the main season.

The event was an excellent opportunity to connect with other destinations, exchange experiences, and strengthen the vision of joint and sustainable development of Slovenian tourism.

By the end of the year, Slovenian Istria will also establish a joint booking system, which will further connect the region and facilitate access to local offerings. More on this in the next news.

September in Istria: festivals of taste, rhythm, and tradition

A sports weekend ahead

The world’s best sport climbers are returning beneath Koper’s bell tower. Join the crowd of fans and feel the adrenaline rush at one of the biggest sporting events in Slovenia – the World Cup in Sport Climbing, taking place on Friday, September 5, and Saturday, September 6.

At the same time, Pregara will host Murramundo – the World Championship in Mora. From September 5 to 7, this Istrian village will be the venue for the 25th World Championship in mora cantada – an ancient Mediterranean game that has thrilled with energy, passion, and tradition for more than two millennia. About one hundred competing pairs from various European regions will arrive in Slovenia, including Sardinia, Catalonia, Corsica, Sicily, and Istria.

Sweet and sea flavors

Don’t miss today’s penultimate edition of the Altroke Istra Gourmet Festival, taking place this time in Markovec. Slovenia’s sweetest event, Altroke Sladka Istra, returns in just over a week! Koper will once again become a paradise for dessert lovers – with a rich offer of cakes, ice creams, local specialties, pastry masterpieces, and a diverse cultural program. More than 100 exhibitors, activities, and sweet corners for all generations.

On Saturday, September 20, the Izola North Pier will be transformed for one day into a gourmet stage with the Pier of tastes! Selected Istrian wines, freshly prepared food from local providers, music, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. Before that, you can visit selected local restaurateurs in Izola, who between September 12 and 28 will come together for the Days of Venetian Cuisine. They will prepare unique menus inspired by Venetian tradition.

At the end of the month, authentic flavors won’t be missing in Ankaran either – on September 26, IstrianGreenTable awaits you at St. Catherine’s. This culinary-themed event will feature stalls, a sustainable cultural program, and a focus on the green story, local specialties, and short supply chains. An ideal opportunity for a culinary walk with a view of the sea.

Musical delights

Classical music lovers can still visit the Tartini Festival today and tomorrow to enjoy top interpretations in the beautiful settings of Piran. Performing will be Ensemble 1756 and Ensemble Cenacolo Musicale.

For something completely different, on Friday, September 5, head to Izola, where Boris Novković will perform at 8 p.m. at the Arrigoni Summer Cinema. A day later, on September 6, Hangar Bar will host Bunker Fest, while on September 19 the stage at Arrigoni will be taken over by AC/DC Cover Band, UNFORGIVEN 4, THE LEGACY OF MOTORHEAD, and SAN SABBATH as part of the Metal Island concert.

For an unforgettable finale to September’s concerts, on Saturday, September 20, visit the Tartini Theatre in Piran, where Helena Blagne will honor the audience with her musical opus – celebrating 40 years of artistic creation.

Postcard from Portorož: 140 years of tourism

On World Tourism Day, September 27, Portorož will celebrate 140 years of tourism with a unique event at Trg prekomorskih brigad. Visitors will have the opportunity to send a special postcard from a place that has been welcoming guests from all over the world for more than a century.

The event will unite past and present: a fashion show of historical periods, performances by the Rosa Klementina and Anbot associations, the awarding of the Badge of Excellence in Tourism, and a concert by the legendary Faraoni will create an unforgettable atmosphere. To top it all off, the program will be complemented by selected Istrian delicacies.