Fresh and Local
Delicacies of local cuisine are waiting for you!
Discover a treasure trove of flavors that Portorož and Piran with their surroundings offer in every season. Visit one of the festivals dedicated to cuisine, where local customs and traditions come alive through fresh local produce, or let yourself be spoiled by gourmet creations from renowned chefs.
One thing is certain: you definitely won’t leave hungry!
Saltworkers’ Festival
The rich heritage of salt-making in Piran, April
Salt-making has been an important economic activity throughout Piran’s thousand-year history, which is why the Saltworkers’ Festival is considered one of the most important tributes to the city’s history and identity as well as to its inhabitants. In 1343, the people of Piran chose St. George as their patron saint, who, according to legend, saved the city and its citizens from a catastrophic storm. For this reason, the event is named “Saltworkers’ Festival on St. George’s Day”.
Festival of Olive Oil and Chard, Padna
The rich culinary heritage of the Piran countryside, April
In Padna, alongside numerous activities, the traditional Festival of Olive Oil and Chard takes place, where locals present a rich selection of indigenous olive oil varieties, healthy agricultural products grown on the Šavrini Hills, and traditional Istrian dishes “from the old days”.
Artichoke Days in Strunjan
Gourmet Festival, May
In the plantations of Strunjan grows the indigenous, culinary delicious, medicinal, yet still little-known Istrian artichoke. In Slovenian Istria, it even has a longer tradition than the persimmon, as it has been known in Strunjan since before the Venetian Republic. It thrives on the sunny slopes, which are plentiful here. Loving warmth, its season is May. Purple-green in color, it is somewhat smaller than the common artichoke, but far more flavorful – which is why gourmets hold it in such high regard.
Wine and Garlic Festival, Nova Vas
Excellent wine accompanied by Istrian garlic-flavored culinary delights
The festival offers an abundance of excellent wine, Istrian red garlic, and other culinary delicacies. On this day, villagers open their homes, present old customs, and offer homemade wine, garlic, and other products. There are also guided tours of the village, the church, and the bell tower.
The indigenous Istrian garlic is recognizable by its reddish skin and large, healthy cloves. It holds an important place in Istrian cuisine, with one of the greatest specialties being the “peski,” the shoots of young garlic.
Roses & Rosé
A premium wine experience with rosé wines, accompanied by the Portorož Rose, May
Discover the magic of roses and rosé wines at a unique event in the Rose Garden in Portorož, where blooming elegance awaits.
We invite you to embrace the spirit of spring — wear your favorite spring creations, bold hats, and floral-patterned accessories.
Portorož Nights
Summer spectacle by the sea, August
August in Portorož is marked by Portorož Nights – a festival of music, flavors, and the sea. Along the promenade, there are concerts and performances, while the town comes alive with street artists and culinary offerings of Istrian delicacies and wines.
The highlight of the evenings are the colorful fireworks and light effects, which add magic to the summer and create memories that last long after the final melody fades away.
Persimmon Festival
A sweet autumn experience with persimmons, in Strunjan, November
Discover the charm of the Istrian persimmon at the unique festival in Strunjan, where the colors of autumn sunsets blend with the flavor of the golden apple.
We invite you to spend November in the spirit of autumn — wrap yourself in warm shades, enjoy local delicacies, and embrace the sweet rhythm of Slovenian Istria.
Sea of Winter Experiences
Magical holidays by the sea, December
Portorož and Piran shine during the festive season in a true sea of winter experiences. At the largest covered ice rink by the sea, there are workshops, performances, and animations, while holiday stalls invite with delicacies, gifts, and live music.
A special charm is added by cultural events, the joyful New Year’s Eve celebration in Tartini Square, and the daring New Year’s plunge into the sea with fireworks, creating an unforgettable start to the new year.
Sparkling Wine Festival
Gourmet pleasures accompanied by selected bubbles, December 26
Throughout December, Portorož and Piran shine in the spirit of bubbles and exquisite cuisine, with special tasting menus offered by selected local restaurants and cafés.
On December 26, we host the traditional Sparkling Wine Festival, where lovers of sparkling wines, glamorous atmosphere, and fine food come together.
