5 short trips less than 90 minutes from Koper

If you are looking for a short escape by the sea or in the Kars region, day trips from Koper are a wonderful way to explore Slovenia’s coast and surrounding countryside. In less than an hour, you can visit coastal towns, salt pans, underground caves, Karst villages and the home of the Lipizzaner horses. At Free2Rent, we recommend choosing one or two destinations and planning the day at your own pace.

Five day trip ideas from Koper

Driving time: approximately 20–25 minutes
Distance: approximately 17 kilometres
Recommended duration: 3 to 5 hours

Piran is one of the most picturesque towns on the Slovenian coast. Its narrow streets, Venetian architecture and stunning sea views make it one of the most popular destinations for a relaxing day trip.

From Koper, drive past Izola and Strunjan. Leave your car in the Fornače or Arze parking garage, then walk to Tartini Square, St George’s Church and Punta.

• Parking: Fornače or Arze parking garage.
• What to wear: comfortable footwear and sun protection in summer.
• Best time to visit: spring and autumn; early in the morning during summer.
• Stop along the way: Izola or Strunjan.

Driving time: approximately 20–25 minutes
Distance: approximately 17 kilometres
Recommended duration: 2 to 4 hours

We recommend the Sečovlje Salt Pans to anyone interested in discovering traditional salt production and the coastal ecosystem. The landscape is peaceful and especially beautiful in the morning or evening light.

From Koper, drive towards Portorož and continue to your chosen entrance to the nature park. Before setting off, check the opening hours, as they vary depending on the season and the area you plan to visit.

• Parking: available at the park entrance.
• What to wear: lightweight clothing, comfortable footwear and a hat.
• Best time to visit: spring, early summer and autumn.
• Stop along the way: Portorož or the Forma Viva sculpture park in Seča.

Driving time: approximately 30 minutes
Distance: approximately 25 kilometres
Recommended duration: 3 to 5 hours

Lipica is an excellent choice for families and horse lovers. Visit the historic stud farm, meet the world-famous Lipizzaner horses, and join a one-hour guided tour to learn more about their heritage.

From Koper, drive towards Kozina and continue to Lipica. At Free2Rent, we recommend checking the schedule of guided tours and performances before your visit, as the programme changes seasonally.

• Parking: available in the car park at the stud farm.
• What to wear: comfortable footwear for walking around the estate.
• Best time to visit: from spring to autumn.
• Stop along the way: Lokev or Sežana.

Driving time: approximately 30 minutes
Distance: approximately 37 kilometres
Recommended duration: 3 to 5 hours

The Škocjan Caves are one of Slovenia’s most impressive natural attractions. The guided tour lasts approximately 90–120 minutes, and the temperature inside the caves remains around 12°C even in summer.

From Koper, drive towards Divača and follow the signs for Matavun. These day trips from Koper are also suitable for hot days, although we recommend sturdy footwear and a light jacket.

• Parking: free parking is available at the visitor centre.
• What to wear: non-slip shoes and a light jacket.
• Best time to visit: all year round.
• Stop along the way: Divača or Rodik.

Driving time: approximately 50 minutes
Distance: approximately 44 kilometres
Recommended duration: 3 to 5 hours

Štanjel is a picturesque Karst village known for its stone streets, medieval castle and the Ferrari Garden. We recommend it for a relaxing day trip with plenty of time to explore, enjoy the views and have lunch.

From Koper, drive towards Sežana and continue through Dutovlje. Leave your car in one of the designated car parks at the foot of the old village and walk up to the castle.

• Parking: available in the car parks below the old town.
• What to wear: comfortable footwear for the stone streets and steep paths.
• Best time to visit: spring and autumn.
• Stop along the way: Sežana or Dutovlje.