Seagrass for eternal youth

 The sea is relaxing in all seasons, but especially in summer when we can swim … If you have ever gone swimming in the area of the coastal road, you have run into Posidonia oceanica. It is a sea plant that resembles grass, so some call it seagrass. This seagrass, however, is very special: it is present only in the Mediterranean Sea, absorbs carbon dioxide (even more than trees!), and releases oxygen. That’s why we also call it “lungs of the Mediterranean.” Posidonia protects a large number of marine microorganisms. The underwater meadow of Posidonia in the area by the former coastal road between Izola and Koper is part of the European Natura 2000 network. It is an important ecological area with a natural value of national importance.  

Dr. Ana Rotter is a researcher at the Marine Biological Sation Piran, and in her work, she encounters various secrets of the sea and marine life. She’s particularly interested in microorganisms, as this is a relatively unknown area, especially regarding their positive effects on human life. She believes that thorough studies of microorganisms may lead to new medication, better active ingredients in cosmetics, and even dietary supplements.

Ana let us in on a special Posidonia secret: not only is this seagrass an oxygen factory, but it’s also becoming more popular in the beauty industry …  

A while ago, researchers from Sicily collected Posidonia that got washed up on the shore. They sent it to laboratories and began using it to create cosmetic products. “I’m using a cream made from Posidonia right now!” Ana told us with a smile.  

Watch the video.

Dr. Ana Rotter

For a good harvest, you need love

Izola is characterized especially by the sea and delicious seafood. Its obligatory accompaniment is also the fresh local vegetables, grown by farmers on Istrian soil. The seasonal market Ruba sz moje njive (Stuff from my field), which is part of the Zero Kilometre initiative, has been present for several years. The initiative encourages local restaurateurs to use locally-grown seasonal produce. You might even run to chefs from your favorite restaurants while shopping at the market.

However, you will meet Brigita from the Barbo Farm as she is there every week. She let us in on the secret of a good harvest. The Barbo Farm has been dedicated to agriculture for years. They are happy to have a good location with a favourable climate, they would just like to have a little more rain in the summer. They are extremely happy to produce enough food for themselves and to be able to sell it, as home-grown fresh vegetables are an indispensable part of a quality diet. She and her husband hope that the new generations will continue to nurture the love for the land.

Support the initiative of Kilometre Zero: »From field to plate« by visiting the seasonal market Ruba sz moje njive (Stuff from my field) until the end of this month.

Do you want to know Brigita's secret? Watch the video.

Brigita Barbo, Barbo Farm

Die Zufriedenheit der Gäste ist, was zählt

Das Hotel Delfin ist nach einer sehr guten Lage am Meer bekannt, unmittelbar an Izola Marina, wo Sie Ihre Lungen mit frischer Meeresluft auffüllen können und beim Sonnenuntergang wunderschöne Farben vom Meer bewundern. Mit den Gästen gesellt sich man schon mehr als 35 Jahren und nächstes Jahr wird das Hotel schon das 40-jährige Jubiläum feiern. Ein angenehmes Klima und Schwimmbäder ermöglichen dem Hotel, dass es das ganze Jahr durch lebt. Im Kneipp Garten von Heilpflanzen und Kräuter werden Sie Ruhe finden, die wir in unserem Lebenstempo alle brauchen. Daša Ždrnja aus Hotel Delfin enthüllte uns ihr Geheimnis und das ist, dass sie gute Gäste haben, die schon von Anfang an gerne zurückkehren.

Möchten Sie mehr erfahren? Schauen Sie das Video an.

Daša Ždrnja, Hotel Delfin