Izola

Izola, the island, was one until 1825, when the channel was filled with the rubble of its demolished walls. It became the fishing and fish-canning centre of the Slovenian coast, and although the canneries have gone the harbour is still a working one, with boats landing and a fish market. The old town behind it is a knot of narrow lanes with Venetian doorways and washing lines, less restored than Piran, and the waterfront has become the coast's main eating and drinking strip.

What you actually see

• The working harbour - fishing boats, nets and the landing quay.
• The old lanes - a dense unrestored core with Venetian doorways.
• The waterfront strip - the coast's main run of bars and fish restaurants.
• The former island - a town whose shape still follows its island outline.

When to go

April to October; summer nights on the waterfront are the busiest. Spring and autumn are quieter and the fish is as good. Winter closes much of the strip.

Honest expectations

There is no sand and the swimming is off concrete platforms. The old town is scruffy in places and less photogenic than Piran. Parking in summer is very difficult.

Nearby

Koper is east, and Strunjan is west.