By Vicky · Published Sep. 8th, 2025
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This walking tour of Piran takes you to all the best sights, including the main square, waterfront promenade and cathedral with viewpoints.
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Location
This walking tour of Piran starts from the town’s main car park. It’s actually quite small and fills up quickly. There are limited other options for parking, so aim to arrive as early in the day as possible. An easier option is to take a bus to the bus stop near the port, from where it’s a short walk to the main square in Piran.
Parking at nearby Portorož is quite easy, then there are buses every 20 minutes to Piran. Portorož is also a popular place to stay* on the Slovenian Coast, as it has a great beach. Alternatively, you can get a direct bus from Ljubljana to Piran, taking two hours.
Piran Walking Tour Map
Tips
- If you plan to drive, arrive early, as parking will be a nightmare. Taking the bus from elsewhere is an easy alternative.
- After Piran, why not explore the nearby town of Koper or walk along the gorgeous clifftops in between?
- Check out other town walks and hikes in Slovenia.
Popular Tours in Slovenia
Top Sights in Piran
On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll see the historic centre of Piran. It takes half a day to explore at a relaxed pace.
- Tartini Square
- Piran Port
- Piran Waterfront Promenade
- Piran Beach
- Piran Lighthouse
- St. George’s Cathedral
- Piran Town Walls
Piran Walking Tour Route
Directions: From the car park, head across the roundabout and down the road. When you reach the stone tower on your right, take the narrow steps down to your left. These lead by part of the old town walls. Turn right at the bottom down the pedestrian lane, which will bring you right to the main square.
1. Tartini Square
Tartini Square is the main square in Piran. It’s quite large, next to the waterfront and surrounded by many cafes and restaurants. You’ll also find several historic buildings and colourful facades here.
Casa Tartini (open Tue-Sun, 9-12 and 6-9pm) is a small heritage museum about the life and works of Giuseppe Tartini, a famous composer and violinist.
The Town Hall and Tourist Information (open 9am-8pm every day in summer) are in one of the grandest buildings on Tartini Square.
Directions: Leave the square at the waterfront and turn left to walk along by the port.
2. Piran Port
Piran Port is a charming place to wander around. It’s not industrial; there are just smaller boats and yachts. The nearby streets are lined by touristy shops and more restaurants.
Directions: When you’ve seen enough of the port, take a left, then left again down a narrow street back to the main square. Take the street to the left of the tourist information, then wiggle your way through charming streets back to the waterfront.
3. Piran Waterfront Promenade
A walking tour of Piran is not complete without strolling around the Waterfront Promenade. With the sea on one side and restaurants on the other, it’s a very relaxing spot, and also a great place for lunch or dinner.
Directions: Keep walking along the waterfront.
4. Piran Lighthouse
Piran Lighthouse, located at the far end of Piran Peninsula, is a lovely spot. There are great views of the sea on either side, and the lighthouse itself is architecturally significant. It’s built on a defensive, sandstone tower from around the 16th or 17th century. For a couple of euros, you can go inside.
Directions: Walk further along the waterfront promenade.
5. Piran Beach
Piran Beach is a small, pebbly beach below the cliffs. You can swim here, ot alternatively, there are lots of other swimming spots around the waterfront promenade where steps lead you into the water from the concrete bathing decks above.
Directions: Return a short distance from the beach, then take a left up a narrow street, signposted towards the cathedral.
6. St. George’s Cathedral
St. George’s Cathedral is the church on top of the hill. The best thing about it is the views of the surroundings, both over Piran town and the Mediterranean. For a few euros, you can climb the bell tower for even better views!
Directions: Keep walking on the far side of the cathedral. Turn left to walk up the road and you’ll soon reach the stone tower in the town walls.
7. Piran Town Walls
Piran Town Walls are partially ruined, but well-maintained in a few places. You can climb up the wall at one of the old towers (€3, open 8am-8pm, closed in bad weather), from which you get more great views over Piran and the peninsula. The original walls were built as early as the 7th century, but with continual renovation and improvement until the 16th century.
Directions: Continue along the road to the car park. This is the end of the Piran Walking Tour.
Best Places to Stay in Piran
Piran is a great place to stay, and allows you to explore town in the early morning or evening when most of the other tourists have left.
Apartment: Wilena Apartments* have a great location in the centre of Piran, with tasteful decoration and kitchenettes in each apartment.
Hotel: Hotel Piran* is a great 4-star hotel in the centre of town next to the waterfront. You can swim from the hotel and there’s a shuttle bus from a car park to the hotel.
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