Izola is small—you can walk from one end of the old town center to the other in just under fifteen minutes. However, because of its small size, it’s easy to make a mistake: you might end up at a restaurant with a stunning view but mediocre food, park in an expensive lot just fifty meters away from a cheaper one, or end up on concrete slabs when a beautiful pebble beach is hidden just ten minutes away.
Beaches in Izola
There are seven beaches in Izola, each completely different from the others.
- Lighthouse — on the edge of the old town center, the best beach for watching the sunset and evening swims.
- San Simon — the best choice for families with children: it has a gentle slope into the water, excellent facilities, and a water slide nearby.
- Bele skale — a wild, rocky beach nestled beneath a cliff, with clear water and few people even at the height of the season (August).
The town also offers an official dog beach, the small concrete Delfinek Beach next to the shipyard, and hidden coves along the coastal path toward Koper.
→ Complete Guide to Izola’s Beaches (Overview of all 7 locations)
Parking in Izola
Parking in Izola, as in any coastal town, is a challenge. The central Lonka parking lot is a great option, but in the middle of summer it’s already completely full by 8:30 a.m.; plus, it’s expensive and doesn’t offer discounts for 24-hour parking. The Ladjedelnica parking lot is located right at the entrance to the old town center, and for an evening visit to the Casa della Pizza restaurant, it’s most convenient to park at the Argo open-air parking lot.
We’ve analyzed 9 parking locations in the city in detail, including current prices and payment rules via the EasyPark app.
→ Complete Guide to Parking in Izola (Prices and Maps)
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars
There are about twenty truly interesting spots in Izola where you can treat yourself to a bite to eat. We’ve divided them into clear categories: grilled dishes, seafood, an authentic pizzeria, “locals-only” cafés, and cozy bars for a refreshing aperitif at sunset.
- Casa della Pizza — without a doubt the best pizza on the coast.
- Café pri Ekremu — this is the only place to order ice cream; the salted caramel flavor is the perfect choice.
- Pri Perotu — our favorite grill and fresh draft beer.
→ Where to Eat in Izola: Restaurants, Cafés, and Bars
Where to Stay in Izola
If you’re just planning your vacation and looking for a cozy atmosphere, I invite you to our guesthouse Diversorio. We offer 5 studio apartments right in the heart of the old town, just a 2-minute walk from the waterfront. By booking directly through our website, you’ll get the best price without Booking.com’s commission fees, and for Rooms 1 and 2, you’ll also receive free parking in the courtyard.
→ Check out our apartments and book directly
If our accommodations are already booked or if you’re looking for a different type of lodging (hotels, campsites), I’ve put together a list of other verified options in town:
→ Where to Stay in Izola: overview of hotels and apartments