Ways to Explore Izola
Izola, once a fishing town, still carries the charm that can be felt in its narrow alleys, by the old harbour – the mandrač – where fishing boats and traditional vessels greet you, where the scent of seafood drifts from the restaurants, and where the iconic chimney of the former Argo factory still silently tells stories of the past.
To help you fall even more in love with our town and experience its true authenticity, we invite you to explore it – on a guided tour, through an outdoor adventure game, with a visit to the Izolana Museum, or on your own – with our recommendations, tips, and a map.
Tailor-made guided tours
Set off to explore the town with a licensed guide: discover Izola’s main landmarks, hear anecdotes and historical curiosities – some completely unknown. The tour adapts to your wishes and interests – are you curious about the town’s fishing history, or perhaps about the stories of the winged lion and its influence on Izola’s development during the Venetian Republic?
Along the paths of the Serenissima
Listen to the stories written in Izola by the Venetian Republic and see the sights that still bear witness to its influence. You’ll discover what in Izola is distinctly Venetian, where the Podestà lived and what his role was, and how the winged lion of St. Mark left its marks on the town.
The guided tour also offers exclusive access to the Podestà Palace, currently closed to the public as it undergoes restoration.
In the footsteps of our “nonnas”
Be inspired by the stories of the women workers and fishermen who shaped Izola’s life in the past. The tour begins at the Izolana Museum, where you’ll learn about work in the former factories and fishing practices, before continuing to the mandrač, passing the statue of the Šavrinka, the shipyards, and finally the iconic chimney of the former Argo factory.
The guided city tour – thematic or classic – lasts 1 hour and can be conducted in Slovenian, English, or German. It is suitable for groups, including smaller ones, of up to 50 people.
The game allows you to enter as many as three buildings that are otherwise not freely accessible.
Izolana Museum – the House of the Sea
All the secrets of the sea and the spirit of Izola’s past, hidden among the narrow streets of the town, are revealed at Izolana – the House of the Sea. The museum is the perfect starting point for further exploration, offering many historical and cultural insights for your stroll through Izola and its surroundings.
Despite its boutique size, Izolana showcases a diverse range of collections as well as interactive content that tell the story of Izola’s history and heritage in a modern way.
At Izolana you can see models of traditional vessels, a restored pasara boat, a scale model of Izola, and a projection that takes you on a journey through the town’s history.
Self-guided city tour
Regardless of the options available, you can always choose to explore the town on your own. In this case, we suggest visiting the Tourist Information Centre first, where friendly staff will provide you with a city map and highlight the must-see spots.
