Izola offers a vibrant selection of culinary, sports and music events throughout the year. Experience the authentic atmosphere of the former fishing town at traditional celebrations, catch a concert to your taste, or join one of the many sporting events across the Slovenian Istria.
Culinary events in the »street food« style take place on the customs pier in Izola and are marked by an excellent gastronomic offer from Izola and the surrounding area.
On the Pier of tastes, you have the opportunity to try Istrian flavors in one place.
Check out one of the events HERE.
Every year, the Refuscus Mundi - World of Refusco - International Wine Festival is held in Izola, in Manzioli Square and in the Manzioli Palace, dedicated to the wines of the Refusco grape variety. The festival is an important meeting point for winemakers to showcase the full potential of refusco to their audiences.
The wines are mainly presented by winemakers from the Slovenian wine-growing regions of Slovenian Istria and Karst, but also by their counterparts from Italy and Croatia.
The start of the race goes back to 2014. By 2016, it was called the Grand Prix di Isola. The aim was to connect all four coastal municipalities of Izola, Koper, Piran and Ankaran. With the growth of the Slovenian Istria brand, the race got its new name, the Grand Prix of Slovenian Istria.
The race annually announces the start of the cycling season and further enriches the winter holiday atmosphere in Slovenian Istria.
More info: https://www.visitizola.com/en/events/the-grand-prix-of-slovenian-istria
Culinary Days
In Slovenian Istria, the seasons do not change only in nature, but also on the plate.
As spring awakens, nature offers its first gifts – wild asparagus. Their slightly bitter yet distinctive aroma marks the beginning of the culinary year. During the Wild Asparagus Days (27 March – 12 April), local chefs transform them into dishes that evoke freshness, green landscapes, and a sense of new beginnings.
With longer days and warm evenings, the sea takes centre stage. The Squid Days (22 May – 7 June) bring the relaxed rhythm of summer – simple yet perfect flavours that are both familiar and comforting, alongside surprising new interpretations.
As summer धीरे fades into autumn, the culinary scene becomes more refined and profound. The White Sea Fish Days (30 October – 15 November) highlight respect for the sea and its gifts. Freshly caught fish, prepared with care and expertise, tell stories of tradition.
As the year draws to a close, it is time for something truly special. The New Olive Oil Days (15 January – 31 January) are more than just a culinary event – they are a tribute to Istria. During this time, olive oil is no longer just an accompaniment; it becomes the heart, the character, and the signature of each dish.
The Izola Spring Cup Regatta is the strongest Olympic and other sailing regatta in the Eastern Mediterranean and one of the most powerful spring regattas in Europe.
Thanks to the popularity of our spring regatta, the sailing conditions, the accessibility of the Slovenian coast and the openness of our borders with Europe are favorable. Most of the credit for making the Izola Spring Cup well established is due to the members of the Burja Sailing Club, who have persisted for thirty years and invested time, experience and work in this event.
Link to the event: https://www.visitizola.com/en/events/sailing-regatta-izola-spring-cup
As one of the biggest running events, the Istrian Marathon connects the four coastal towns: Koper, Izola, Piran and Ankaran. This mainly sporting event also promotes tourism and sustainability as well as a healthy lifestyle and outdoor leisure time activities in the clean and wholesome Istrian environment.
The runners can enter either the Marathon (42 km), a Half Marathon (21 km) or a recreational race (10 km). The start and the finishing line are set in one of the four Istrian towns.
Orange wine? That’s right. Orange wine! Orange wines are produced using a procedure usually reserved for red wine production. It is, however, a traditional procedure, for in the past white grapes were left in contact with grape skins over a longer period of time, which gave the wine a deep colour reminiscent of old gold or amber.
The Orange Wine Festival (OWF) is a presentation of white wines, produced through a procedure of prolonged maceration. This annual festival takes place the last Friday in April and attracts numerous wine lovers. The festival in Izola has already become one of the most important venues promoting the sustainable, eco-friendly regional wine production and especially the ever-growing family of winemakers, devoted to the production of orange wines. Every November the International Orange Wine Festival moves to Vienna.
Every year we enter the high season with an event, particularly well known among foodies and Mediterranean food lovers. In mid-June, the narrow streets of the old town host local producers. At their stalls, visitors can get a taste or buy homemade wine, olive oil and many other culinary specialties from the Slovene Istria. Be sure not to miss the opportunity to taste the deliciously fresh fish from the Adriatic Sea.
This two-day event features a number of small concerts at various venues across town. The Olives, Wine and Fish Festival usually takes place in the end of May in Izola.
Link to the event: https://www.visitizola.com/en/events/olives-wine-and-fish-festival
The seaside town of Izola comes alive as a true cinematic island just before the main summer season. The Mediterranean character of the Kino Otok film festival reveals a fine balance between relaxation and temperament that works like a charm – anyone who has ever experienced it will surely want to return. Form its first edition in 2004 it has been a festival in the true sense of the word, a place where filmmakers and enthusiasts meet, with an excellent selection of films and renowned guests from around the world.
PROGRAM:
During the summer, Izola will be filled with the mouth-watering aroma of seafood, while the streets and squares wil be brimming with life and music. There will be many music performances as well as sporting events and cultural activities aimed at preserving traditions and customs. The visitors are sure to experience something new at their every turn – from the initiation ceremony for young scullers to the old boat regatta and the presentation of various fishing tasks and equipment. Heaps of fun, a note of typical Istrian humour and a plate full of fish are the perfect recipe for a festival that has been attracting tourists from around the world for decades.
The Istrian Cycling Marathon is the largest recreational cycling event in Istria. It impresses with its unique environment, vibrant lanes for all tastes and levels of preparedness, beautiful panoramas and a varied accompanying program. Every years the start and finish are take place in one of the Istrian cities.The event is scheduled to take place on the first weekend in October.
Every year the memory of the distant 23 October 1380, when the Genoese fleet sailed before Izola, is remembered in Izola with a Celebration of the legend of Isola.
According to legend, on this day the helpless townspeople resorted to prayer in the church, and a white dove flew from the church over the Genoese fleet. Sv. The Maver covered Izola with a miraculous misty cloud to protect her, and the Genoese, convinced that they were approaching the mainland, followed the dove, which in fact led them far out into the open sea. The dove returned to the church and dropped an olive branch from its beak in a sign of peace and security. Since then, the dove with an olive branch in its beak has been represented by the municipal coat of arms of Izola.
Among the cities that were under Serenissima - the Venetian republic - various games with a focus on rowing regattas will be organized in order to maintain friendship between the cities of the northern Adriatic.
Over the winter months, Izola is illuminated with festive lights that bring the holiday spirit to town. Izola transforms into Ice Island - a place that has something for everyone. Experience the joys of ice skating, attend one of the many concerts or catch up with your friends over a delicious mug of mulled wine.
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