Discover Izola through Barbara's eyes
Take a walk with Barbara along her home town, and feel the beat of the sea as well as the hospitality of the locals.
Go to the sea whenever you want to relax
»People usually associate beaches with summer and swimming in the sea. But I love the sea in every season and in every possible moment. I do not go to the sea only to swim in it; I also go there whenever I want to relax and take a few breaths. Actually, I prefer going to the beach in spring or autumn. The fresh sea-side air, sun rays that gently caress your cheeks, the smells of nearby trees. These are the moments when you stop for a moment, turn inwards and truly relax."
Barbara took Lara to Izola's renowned and iconic beach that lies on the Rooster's Cape (Petelinji rt), and people usually recognize it for its white lighthouse. The locals call it "plaža Svetilnik" (Lighthouse beach). But in summer, this location is much more than just another beach. This green area by the sea is the location of the Island Cinema film festival (Kino Otok) in spring, as well as a place for kids to play on sunny days; a place where everyone finds something for themselves.
"During low season, Lighthouse beach is always sunny. In the winter, when the bora wind shows its true colours, it sometimes becomes the place to go for kite-surfers from whole Slovenia.
"During low season, Lighthouse beach is always sunny. In the winter, when the bora wind shows its true colours, it sometimes becomes the place to go for kite-surfers from whole Slovenia."
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Did you know that divers found several up to 12-metre deep funnel-shaped basins on the otherwise level sea floor in front of Izola, which are sources of sulphur-rich thermal water? In 19th century, this area was home to Izola spa. Who would like to bathe in thermal water? Has the time come to reopen the Izola spa?
Meeting friends on the former railway track
"Like the lighthouse, Parenzana is not among the lesser known locations, but I still love to go there by bike. Since childhood I've been dynamic and active. And I especially like to enjoy in an activity. Parenzana is not a too difficult course, and I enjoy meeting my friend Aldo en route, who always offers me his home-grown vegetables. I also like to meet chickens – especially kids enjoy seeing them. Who would've thought that the former railway track is now a full-blown mini ZOO!"
Barbara took her visitor Lara and Lara's daughter on a trip along the walking and cycling course – the former Parenzana railway track. Of course, she didn't let out an interesting spot or two by the sea – in Izola, taking a photo with the traditional Izola boat, batana, is a necessary "pit stop".
"We are so lucky to live in a place where you only have 5 minutes from the sea to the nature. I love home-grown food. The fact that we have the possibility of eating local food is a big advantage – this connection between the coast and the countryside."
Get fresh fish from local fishermen
"I love Izola. I've been living here since birth – in the same house, even today. One of the things dearest to me is that the locals are so connected to one another that we like to spend free time together. And that's why I couldn't wait to take our guest to lunch to my fisherman friend."
Barbara fried a freshly caught fish for Lara in Izola's former main harbour, locally called "mandrač". Did a fisherman help her with frying?
"Since forever, Izola has been a fishing town, and this spirit is still present today. I really like the fact that everything is so pristine and authentic here. We should never forget our roots."
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Can you recognize a fresh fish at the fish market? Or you maybe just trust the seller? There are a few indicators as to whether the fish is fresh or not – we should always look at its eyes, scales, gills and meat. But the best indicator is of course the smell. A fresh fish has a pleasant smell and does not stink as many people think. The smell of a fresh fish is actually neutral or with a hint of the sea. Fresh fish will never smell unpleasant.
Going to Izolana to find the stories written by our town
»Another reason I really love my home town is that it is full of stories and history. I often have the feeling that we don't know how to present the latter to our visitors that well, and that also we ourselves sometimes forget. But if it weren't for that history, we would not be who we are today. Izolana is not merely the house of the sea; it is a house of the stories of our ancestors, our grandmas and grandpas.
Barbara showed Lara the rich history in Izolana – House of the Sea. And since Lara wanted to spend some moments in peace and quiet, they took a walk down colourful streets of Izola's town centre, since in Izolana one can leave their children with an animator to search for a buried treasure in Izola's museum.
"Raising kids in this town is one of the big advantages of our Izola, since you can come everywhere on foot, everything is at hand, as well as it is completely safe and has a homey feeling. I like to lose myself among colourful shutters of the town centre, listen to cheerful voices of kids that like to play in the street or chat with fellow local women. Sometimes I feel that our town still retains the spirit of my childhood – as kids, we also ran up and down every street, played at playgrounds and spent free time outside. And it is still so today. You don't see and experience that in the big cities."
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Izolana
You may have already heard of Izolana, but you may not know that kids can attend fun activities there by themselves, watched over by an animator. Through an interactive treasure hunting game Museum Detective, the kids get to know the rich history of Izola, which you will hear about even late into the night.
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