USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTS

TRIESTE
Trieste is a cosmopolitan city, a melting pot of different ethnicities, cultures, religions and languages, where freedom of thought and a general openness set the tone. In turn this melds with a particularly beautiful natural landscape, where the predominant colours are those of the clear blue sea and the limestone rocks especially at the turning of the seasons. The challenge for this area lies in not only the re-launch of its role as a ‘bridge city’ between the countries of central and Eastern Europe with a constant dialogue between them but also in the tight interwoven relationships which have defined Trieste as an international city, a city of science and advanced experimentation, as well as a major port for transatlantic fleets and an increasingly popular tourist destination; for business, culture and nature. Trieste is the birth place of a great number of Italian literary figures, for example Italo Svevo, Umberto Saba as well as being the inspiration behind the works of other celebrated authors like James Joyce.

PULA
With 62.000 inhabitants, Pula is the main city of the Istrian peninsula. Many tourists consider Pula the gateway to the beautiful beaches in the area, which is perhaps one of the most various and woody zones of all of Istria. The Italian language has been spoken here for centuries. Venice dominated the area from 1334 to 1797 (four and a half centuries, which left an indelible mark). Pula is set out on seven hills, similarly to Rome. The Arena is easily seen a short way from the sea, near the port, and is magnificently preserved. Continuing on foot along via Istarska, one reaches Gemina Gate, with two vaults and a length of Roman and medieval walls. After having passed the Archaeological Museum, one reaches the Sergi Arch, which dates back to the 1st century A.C. Moving towards the centre of the city, one comes upon many outdoor cafés on the square. From here, one can admire the Temple of Augustus, situated a few metres from the sea. The coastline is very indented, with numerous inlets. The sea is very clear, ideal for snorkelling and, as experts say, for crab fishing.

ROVIGNO
Rovigno (Rovini) is 95 km away from Trieste and forms, together with Parenzo and Umago, the touristic heart of the Istria region. It is situated on a hill and the view is dominated by the bell tower of the Church of Saint Eufemia, constructed in 1736 in a baroque style. The old town is surrounded by walls, erected by the Venetians as protection against pirates (13th Century) and features steep stone paved streets. The sea, in front of the old town, is covered with small islands of which the most important is Crveni Otok, the so called “Red Island”. In the summer, Rovigno is a favourite destination for thousands of tourists to whom it offers, apart from its natural beauties, good services, numerous attractions such as sport facilities (scuba diving, rock climbing etc.), excellent cuisine and lots of music. From Rovigno starts all the maritime connections to the archipelago islands and the near Lime channel.

PIRANO
Pirano (Piran), a picturesque town situated on the coast of the extreme west of Slovenian Istria, is not only an important maritime and cultural centre but also an important residential area. Its first habitants go back to the 5th Century but it was not until the 13th Century, after the conquest by the Venetians that the town began to develop. It is in this period that the famous salt pans of Strugnano, Sicciole and Lucia developed. Any tourist that visits the old town with it characteristic narrow streets, will note the various architectural styles, conserved by its inhabitants with great care. Furthermore, the town is famous for the birth of the celebrated violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini, born in 1692.