Are you wondering what the most beautiful beach in Slovenia is? For me, it’s definitely Moon Bay, which you can find in the Strunjan Nature Park. It stretches between the towns of Piran and Izola and is one of those places that I recommend not missing during your vacation in Slovenia.
What is the most beautiful beach in Slovenia? Moon Bay
Strunjan Nature Park lies on the Slovenian coast of the Adriatic Sea, in a protected area between the towns of Piran and Izola. The reserve includes the longest untouched stretch of coastline in the Gulf of Trieste and is one of the most valuable natural sites on the Slovenian coast.
Slovenia’s most beautiful beach – Moon Bay
During our last stay in Portorož, we walked through the Strunjan Nature Park criss-cross and the next day we also enjoyed Moon Bay separately, which boasts the title of the most beautiful beach in Slovenia. Let’s show you what places you can admire in the Strunjan Nature Park.
Accommodation in Strunjan – close to Moon Bay beach
If your main goal is Strunjan Nature Park and the most beautiful beach in Slovenia – Moon Bay, I recommend staying right here. You can choose between luxurious four-star spa hotels, such as HOTEL SVOBODA – TERME KRKA.
If you prefer apartments, I recommend, for example, HOUSE OLIVE GARDEN STRUNJAN, a short distance from Moon Bay beach.
Hotel Laguna Deluxe – Terme Krka
Hotel Laguna Deluxe – Strunjan
Thalasso Strunjan is a well-known spa and wellness center that uses the healing power of the sea, sea air and salty environment right on the edge of the Strunjan Nature Park. It builds on the long tradition of thalassotherapy, i.e. treatment based on natural marine factors, and is especially sought after for problems with the respiratory tract, musculoskeletal system and during convalescence.
The center is part of Talaso Strunjan and offers pools with heated sea water, salt therapies, wraps and relaxation procedures. Thanks to its location between the sea, salt pans and Mediterranean vegetation, it has a very calm and harmonious effect and is an ideal place for regeneration of body and mind, at any time of the year.
If you are staying in a hotel other than a spa hotel, it is possible to pay a daily entrance fee to the wellness center with swimming pools and saunas.
Find accommodation in Strunjan on the map:
You might also be interested in:
- 17 tips for wellness centers and thermal spas in Slovenia
- Portorož, Slovenian Sea: 11 tips on what to do and see here
- Slovenian coast: 15 tips for trips and places that are worth seeing
What to see in the Strunjan Nature Park?
Moon Bay (Mesečev zaliv / Moon Bay) – The most beautiful beach in Slovenia and how to get there?
- As the main goal of visiting the Strunjan Nature Park, I consider the already mentioned most beautiful beach in Slovenia – Moon Bay. This picturesque beach lies beneath dramatic cliffs and stretches between the Strunjan and Ronek capes. It is characterized by a rocky coastline, clear water and a relatively calm atmosphere.
- Personally, we had no problem finding a few meters of beach just for us in June. I recommend packing foam pads or mats for lying down and, of course, water shoes.
- There is no road to the beach by car and it is reached by a nature trail leading a few minutes behind the Strunjan Cross. Solid shoes and caution are in order. Keep in mind that entry is at your own risk.
Moon Bay Beach
Moon Bay
Strunjan Nature Park
- The total area of the park stretches along the coast for several kilometers and includes various natural environments. From the sea coast through cliffs to salt flats and the Stjuža lagoon. The historic salt pans are part of the landscape heritage. Traditional salt production has been taking place here for more than 700 years. This area is also an important habitat for many animals and plants.
- There are underwater seagrass meadows and rich marine life including seahorses, juvenile fish, octopuses and other species, making it an ecologically important area.
- The Strunjan cliffs are flysch cliffs up to around 80 meters high, which are the highest flysch walls in the Adriatic. They offer panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.
- And above all, there is also the most beautiful beach in Slovenia – Moon Bay.
Strunjan Nature Park
Moon Bay
Strunjan Cross – Moon Bay
- The monumental Strunjan Cross has stood here for several centuries and although it was built as a symbol for pilgrims and also as a warning to fishermen that they were approaching the mainland, today its role is a little different.
- Today, the Strunjan Cross (Strunjanski križ) is primarily a lookout point located above the Strunjan cliffs within the Nature Park. The cross stands on the edge of a high flysch cliff and offers one of the most beautiful views of the Slovenian coast, the Adriatic Sea and the bay towards Piran. In good weather, it is possible to see as far as Triglav.
- The place is easily accessible on foot along marked trails towards the most beautiful beach in Slovenia – Moon Bay and is especially popular at sunset, when the cliffs and the sea take on distinctive golden tones. It is a peaceful, symbolic place that connects the natural beauty with the spiritual atmosphere of the landscape.
Strunjan Cross
Strunjan Nature Park – Slovenian Coast
Church of the Apparition of the Virgin Mary and Monastery in Strunjan
- On the way from the main car park, towards the Strunjan Cross, you cannot miss an important spiritual monument – the Church of the Apparition of the Virgin Mary and the monastery, which is one of the most important pilgrimage sites on the Slovenian coast.
- The church (Cerkev Marijinega prikazanja) is connected with the Marian apparition from 1512, when, according to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to the guardian of the local vineyards and warned the inhabitants of an impending Turkish raid. Thanks to the timely warning, the people managed to hide and Strunjan was spared destruction.
- Today, the church and monastery are open to visitors and offer not only a spiritual experience, but also beautiful views of the vineyards, olive groves and the Adriatic Sea. I mention it also because it is a place that is worth visiting even for those who do not normally seek out pilgrimage sites.
Church of the Apparition of the Virgin Mary and Monastery in Strunjan
Strunjan salt pans
- The Strunjan salt pans are a historical part of the Strunjan Nature Park and represent one of the few preserved areas of traditional salt production on the Slovenian coast.
- They were created more than 700 years ago and for centuries the local inhabitants obtained sea salt here by natural evaporation of water. Today, salt is not commercially mined here, but the salt pans have significant ecological value. Together with the Stjuža lagoon, which is the only marine lagoon in Slovenia, they form a valuable habitat for waterfowl and other protected species.
Strunjan salt pans
Strunjan salt pans
Dog beach – Strunjan Park
- Are you going on vacation with your four-legged friend? He also has the opportunity to swim on public beaches here. At the end of Strunjan’s main beach, towards the Strunjan salt pans, lies a pleasant strip of beach designated for dogs.
Dog beach – Strunjan
