Best things to do in Piran

Sitting close to the water's edge, paved with white marble and surrounded by elegant 19th-century buildings, Tartini Square serves as the largest square in town and a hub of activity. The square was part of the harbor until 1894, when it was filled in and mounted with a statue of violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini, after whom the square is named. Most of the buildings are older than the square itself; be sure to look for the Gothic house, the only building that has preserved its original exterior. The square's distinctive oval shape comes from the time when it served as an electric railway station; today it's a pedestrianized zone. Relax with a beer, have a bite of pizza or pastry at one of the outdoor cafes, and watch the locals go about their daily lives.

Put one euro in the locked gate to access the stairs and climb to the top of Walls of Piran, offering views of the city and the sea. The three walls were built during the town's long history, and large parts remain well-preserved today. See the ruins of the first wall from the 7th century in the old part of the town. The third wall with its seven towers built between 1470 and 1533 is almost completely intact. As you explore the walls, look for the oldest of the eight city entrances or "gates," which dates back to the 13th century. Among other gates, pay attention to the city's best-preserved Gothic doors, constructed in 1483 by mayor Dolfin.

Standing on a small hill reinforced with stone arches, St. George's Church dominates the town center. The present cathedral was built in the 14th century, but its Baroque facade dates from 1637. Legend has it that at the end of the 16th century Saint George blinded the skeptical mayor in order to motivate the citizens to restore the decaying church. Among the rich interior decoration, keep an eye out for a large medieval Gothic crucifix, a small silver-plated sculpture of St. George, and a Roman sarcophagus converted into a baptismal font. From the 46 m (150 ft) bell tower, a smaller copy of the Venetian San Marco Campanile, you can see panoramas of the Slovenian, Croatian, and Italian coast, and sometimes as far as the Julian Alps.

The only venue of its kind in Slovenia, Magical World of Shells Museum features more than 4,000 specimens of rare and unusual mollusks. You'll see one of the biggest clams in the world, pearls, sea urchins, crabs, sea stars, and much more. The interactive museum is a highly informative attraction designed to promote environmental awareness and teach visitors about the importance of conservation. With a constantly expanding collection, you'll always see something new there, no matter how many times you visit.

Ride on a double-track railway through the underground tunnels of Postojna Cave and see colorful rock formations, as well as the 100 species that make the caves their home. One of the largest caves in the extensive karst plateau features 21 km (13 mi) of passages, galleries, and chambers illuminated by electric lighting. A historical train takes you to large halls adorned with chandelier-like stalactites and limestone "sculptures," such as "the brilliant," a shiny white limestone formation. Meet the olm, a salamander popularly called the dragon's offspring or the human fish. Archduke Ferdinand I was the first to officially visit the cave in 1819, but several writings on the cave walls date all the way back to the 13th century. Note that audioguides are available in a range of languages.

Explore the largest known underground canyon in the world at Škocjan Caves, a World Heritage Site famous for its many waterfalls, diverse stalactite formations, and limestone pools. The caves feature 6 km (3.7 mi) of underground passages and one of the largest underground halls. With a total depth of over 200 m (656 ft), this system of limestone caves was inhabited as early as Mesolithic times. On your way through, you will pass a 116 m (380 ft) long tunnel, a dry river bed, a so-called "silent cave" and "murmuring cave." Look out for the huge stalagmites called the Giants and the Organ. The highlight of the trip is crossing over a 45 m (148 ft) high bridge. Bring a light jacket and put on good walking shoes since the paths can be slippery.

Perched on a high, rocky cliff for over 700 years, the unconquerable four levels of Predjama Castle were built within a cave mouth. Cross a drawbridge over a rushing river and visit the restored living quarters, chapel, and dungeon to get an idea of how people once lived here. The castle's most famous resident and the subject of many legends was Erazem Lueger, a 15th-century knight who rebelled against the Austrian emperor. See his hiding place called Erazem's Nook and ascend along Erazem's Tunnel. Do not miss the 16th-century treasure chest uncovered in the cellar in 1991. An observation post offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The castle entered the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest cave castle in the world.

Learn all there is to know about Slovene maritime history at Sergej Mašera Maritime Museum. Sitting by the water in the elegant 19th-century Gabrielli Palace, the museum features artifacts from the ancient to the Yugoslav. The highlight is the Roman amphorae in the archaeological exhibit--viewed through a glass floor, these lie right on the seabed. A room upstairs holds intricate model ships from the 18th century. The museum's first renovated ship--the yacht 'Seagull'--sits outside in the harbor.

Head to Portorož Beach for a leisurely stroll along the sea and terrific views of Piran. Lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, this area is less of a beach and more of a promenade that stretches for miles along the coast. Paved with concrete or covered with rocks, it provides opportunities for strolling and sunbathing in a safe family atmosphere. Only a small passage leading into the water in the middle part of the beach is covered with sand. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. Note that you should wear beach shoes even in the water, and watch for cyclists on the path.

From the 15th century, Benečanka Venetian House remains an example of Venetian-Gothic style of architecture. The building contains a corner balcony and stone ornamentation. It is the oldest building on its square.

Get to know residents of the deep blue Adriatic at Aquarium Piran. The 25 tanks display diverse marine life, including giant starfish, eels, and octopi. The aquarium's manageable size makes it an ideal diversion for kids.