When you think of Slovenia you probably think mountains, lakes and waterfalls. Some of you might even think Slovenia is completely landlocked, and we can’t really blame you, the 47 kilometre long sliver of Slovenian coast is quite easy to miss on a larger map.

 

The best beaches in Slovenia

The Slovenian coastline is short but it offers some wonderful beaches where you can take a dip in the Adriatic Sea.

In Slovenia you’ll find the longest stretch of natural beach in the Northern Adriatic, cute little jetties to jump into the water head first and pleasantly warm waters.

 

What to expect from the beaches in Slovenia

Now, before you start dreaming about endless sandy beaches lined with palm trees, let’s remember that the coast of Slovenia is only 47 km long, there’s a port taking a big chunk of the shoreline and there’s plenty of towns and settlements along the Slovenian riviera.

I’m not trying to ruin your dream of beach holidays in Slovenia but it goes without saying that there’s little space left for actual beaches.

Another thing to notice is the typical seascape along the Istrian coast which extends from the very top of the Adriatic sea and all along the Istrian peninsula into Croatia. The shores in Istria (and partially Dalmatia as well) are mostly rocky, sometimes pebble beaches and there’s plenty of cliffs and old medieval towns.

Most beaches in Slovenia are concrete slabs, jetties, and other man made creations. These have been created to make swimming, sunbathing and beach going more comfortable. However, there are also some wonderful natural beaches you can explore.

 

1. Moon Bay Beach

Moon Bay beach is by far the best beach in Slovenia and can be found in Strunjan Natural Park. It is a favourite among locals and travellers alike for its pristine natural beauty and its crystal clear waters. Moreover, Moon Bay beach is just enough of a walk away from civilisation that it never gets too crowded. 

Read next: Discovering Moon Bay and Strunjan Nature Park

This untouched sliver of the Slovenian riviera with the gorgeous pebble beach, clear blue waters and an impressive cliff rising above it, is something you’ll fall in love with. Follow this helpful guide we’ve made for you to help you find this hidden jewel.

 

2. Bele Skale beach

Just around the corner from Moon Bay, at the other side of Cape Ronek you’ll find Bele Skale (white rocks).

Bele Skale beach is just as beautiful and very similar to Moon Bay beach with one big difference – unlike in the Moon Bay, anchoring boats is allowed at Bele Skale.

This makes Bele Skale a favourite destination among boaters and coming here via water makes for a great summer outing. This beach is a lot more lively and you’ll often hear music from the boat parties.

 

3. Sansimon beach

Sansimon used to be my favourite beach when I was younger. It caters really well to families and teenagers with a sandy beach, a big grassy area, a jetty perfect for jumps, water slides, beach volley, bars and even a souvenir shop. There’s a big car park next to the beach making it very convenient.

Read next: Your guide to the Slovenian Coast

 

4. Lazaret beach

Almost on the border with Italy on Debeli Rtic (Fate Cape) is our go to beach these days, Lazaret. Mainly because it’s convenient and just a short drive from where we are, but also because we really like this beach.

It is by far the best beach for late evenings as you can still find some sun here and the cape, Debeli Rtic is a beautiful area with endless vineyards and olive groves surrounding the beach.

There used to be a big camping here with plenty of bungalows, restaurants and all the fuzz, however this area of the campsite is now abandoned. There is still a small bar on the beach, a beach volley field, a bocce course and showers.

 

5. Svetilnik beach

As far as city beaches go, Svetilnik (lighthouse) beach takes the crown. Svetilnik is just a short walk from the main square in Izola, the water is remarkably clear the beach is big with plenty of trees for shade.

There’s a pebble beach, jetties, grassy areas, a few bars, change rooms, showers and toilets as well as a playground on the beach.

 

6. Portoroz Central Beach

Portoroz is the epicentre of hotels and toruists of Coastal Slovenia and a favourite destination for beach holidays in Slovenia. The riviera of Portoroz is packed with bars and restaurants and in here you’ll get everything you’d expect from a beach resort, including wild parties lasting long into the night.

On Portoroz beach you’ll find a rare example of artificial sandy beach in Slovenia and perfectly lined up umbrellas and sun beds.

 

Other Beaches in Slovenia

Below is a comprehensive list of beaches for all coastal towns and beach resorts in Slovenia, starting from those close to the Croatian border and moving along the Slovene coast to the border with Italy.

 

Beaches in Portoroz & Seca

• Cape Seca – grassy areas, concrete slabs and pebble beach
• Portoroz Central Beach – see above
• Bernardin – concrete slabs

 

Beaches in Piran

• Fornace Beach – concrete slabs
• Piran Beach – concrete slabs, turns into a rocky beach
• Fiesa – rocky beach with plenty of shade
• Pacug – small rocky beach

 

 

Beaches in Strunjan Nature Park

• Salinera – small rocky beach
• Strunjan Beach – pretty large beach with a restaurant and bar, partially concrete slabs, partially rocky beach with grassy areas and jetties
• Moon Bay – see above

 

Beaches in Izola

• Bele Skale – see above
• Podbelvedere – small concrete beach with a tiny jetty and a beach bar
• Sansimon – see above
• Delfincek – Concrete beach at the end of the marina
• Svetilnik – see above
• There is also a small beach that caters to blind people and a dog beach in Izola

 

Beaches in Koper

• Skale / Rex – this used to be the main road between Izola and Koper and it has since been turned into a 5km long promenade. There’s change rooms and benches but most people end up finding their spot on the breakwater rocks along the shore
• Molet – two jetties make an open square shape to create a tiny sheltered marina
• Zusterna – mainly concrete slabs, there’s a pool, showers and beach bar here and a fabulous pub (Snack Bar) across the street
• Promenada – a big wide walking path that leads from Koper town to Zusterna. It’s concrete slabs at first and there are some pebble and even sand beaches towards Zusterna. Due to the currents the water can get quite dirty here.
• Koper City Beach (Mestna), also called Mokra Macka (wet cat) – it’s tiny and often crowded, only good if all you want i a quick dip while in Koper.

Beaches in Ankaran

• Sveta Katarina – it’s a small marina where you can jump into the water with a bar, beach volley and shell dunes to the side
• Kamp Ankaran – has all the facilities you might need including a pool, restaurants, shops and more
• Valdoltra – a small marina where you can jump into the water with a bar,
• Student – a small marina where you can jump into the water with a bar,
• Naturist Beach – rocky beach under the cliff on the shores of Debeli Rtic
• Debeli Rtic Beach – concrete slabs with jetties, water jumps and swimming pools
• Lazaret – see above

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Have you been to the Slovene coast? What was your favourite?
Let us know in the comments below!

 

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