Strunjan – Hotel, Cliff, Lagoon and Salt Pans

Strunjan combines a striking Adriatic coast with a cultural landscape and centuries-old salt production. The cliff above Moon Bay, the Stjuža Lagoon and the paths through the landscape park are particularly characteristic of the area. Here, nature, cultural landscape and traditional land use come together.

Nature

The cliff of Strunjan rises 80 metres above Moon Bay. It is also the highest cliff on the Adriatic coast. Below the rock face lies Moon Bay, with a shallow, sandy seabed where underwater meadows of seagrass grow. The descent to Moon Bay takes a little over 20 minutes. Swimming is possible in the Strunjan Nature Reserve during the summer months.

Stjuža is Slovenia's only marine lagoon. It is important for waterfowl because they find food, shelter and nesting opportunities there. Thus, in addition to the open coast, shallower water-dependent habitats are also part of Strunjan's landscape.

Culture

Strunjan's cultural landscape includes terraces separated from one another by dry-stone walls. The Strunjan salt pans fit into this setting: they are the northernmost surviving salt pans in the Mediterranean region and are protected as a natural and cultural monument within Strunjan Landscape Park.

At the salt pans, sea salt is produced through natural crystallisation. Crystallisation occurs through the evaporation of water under the influence of the sun and wind. Sea salt has been produced there using a traditional method for more than 700 years. The production is therefore not only part of the landscape, but also a form of land use preserved over a long period.

Another distinctive feature of the area is an avenue of 110 pine trees, lined on both sides. It was protected and declared a natural monument in 2004. In the cultural landscape, farmers also began cultivating artichokes a few years ago.

Getting Around

The footpaths in Strunjan's two nature reserves are reserved exclusively for pedestrians: at the cliff and at the salt pans with their lagoon. In Strunjan Landscape Park, cyclists can use the network of roads and paths within the settlements. The routes described therefore already differ in terms of their location and use.

The circular walking trail with educational stations begins and ends at the centre of Strunjan Landscape Park, by the Strunjan salt pans. Another specific route detail concerns the descent to Moon Bay, which takes a little over 20 minutes. Guided tours of Strunjan Landscape Park are available for individuals or groups by prior reservation.

Anyone considering Strunjan as a travel destination can weigh different expectations regarding their travel budget and preferred type of stay when choosing accommodation. Hotel offers can be considered separately from the area's features described above. You can then view and compare current offers.

Other Places

For further destination ideas, you can also visit the pages for Lucija, Sečovlje, Sv. Peter, Portorož and Piran.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Piran.