Koper

Koper is Slovenia's main coastal town, sitting on a short stretch of Adriatic coastline between Italy and Croatia. The port is a short walk from the Old Town, where narrow streets lead to Tito Square, the main plaza. A futuristic elevator or a free tourist train on weekends takes you from the waterfront up to the centre. The Venetian influence is clear in the architecture: a campanile modelled on St. Mark's in Venice, Gothic windows, and Renaissance-era palaces. The Praetorian Palace and the Cathedral of the Assumption face the main square. Taverna-style restaurants serve Istrian cuisine: truffles, olive oil, prosciutto, and local Malvasia wine. Piran, a smaller and arguably prettier Venetian town, is about 20 minutes away by bus along the coast and worth the trip. Ljubljana, the capital, is about an hour by bus or car. Slovenia uses the euro, and most people speak English.