Looking over the beach to Strunjan (above); spa treatments, Slovenian style (right); Piran’s old houses (below)
an hour‘s drive from the capital Ljubljana and the neighbouring Italian city of Trieste. on weekends it is full of young people out for a good time.
This close connection with Italy dates back many centuries. Before World War II Slovenia‘s Istrian peninsula was part of Italy and in the medieval coastal towns. Izola and Piran. the architecture is typically Venetian. Strolling through the narrow alleys of Piran. where the balconied houses seem to be leaning towards each other like Italian women gossiping in the afternoon sun. it feels a bit like being in Venice without the canals. And happily. without the tourists. Although Piran is almost picture perfect. it doesn‘t yet have the kind of accommodation that could serve mass tour groups. and so is still the domain of the independent traveller.
After a punishing day of being plucked and kneaded. we headed for Piran where the restaurants and bars spill out onto the pavements. and that Mediterranean passion for life seems to scent the air. As the sun went down over the Adriatic. we feasted on pizza. seafood and salads. supped delicious local wines. and felt quietly pleased that we'd found a part of the world that we didn‘t have to share with too many other tourists — yet.
For more information on Slovenian spas visit http://www.terme-giz.sil. For information about Slovenia itself, visit www.3lovenia- tourism.si
100 THE LIST 7—21 Jul 2005
FACT FILE
EaSyiet (wwweasyietcomi flies from t ondon Stansted to Ljubljana. From there it is possible to take a bus to the coast. Ryanair lwwvmyanair; flies from London Stansted to lneste. Transfers from lneste to the Strunian spa cost a
flat rate Of 120 (53811) return. not bad if there are a few of you sharing the car.
Alternatively. catch the local airpOrt bus into Trieste 2.80 ($1.90) and a second bus from Trieste to Strunian 3.85 ($2.70).
Passenger catamarans and ferries run from Venice to lsola and Piran through the summer. To check the timetable contact the local tourist agenCy on 9386 5673 A520.
Staying in a hotel abroad can be an alienating experience, so try renting an apartment instead.
I BARCELONA
An apartment near the popular beach area of Barceloneta can be yours for a mere snip through www.0h-barcelona.com. Enjoy cooking with some of the great fresh fish. vegetables and meat available at the city's markets. but don't forget to sample some of the restaurants too.
£22 per person per night
I ROME
“When in Rome . . .' as the saying goes. and what better way to get with the city's way of life than by booking an apartment in the relaxed area of Trastevere through www.accommodations rome.com. Look out for those with a balcony for enjoying alfresco breakfasts.
£23 per person per night
I SAN FRANCISCO California‘s hip. gay-friendly city is a sprawling metropolis with lots of diverse areas to explore. and you couldn't get a better base than one five minutes from its most famous monument. the Golden Gate bridge. There are only a few properties in this area on www.holiday-rentals.com but it covers plenty of other cities.
£30 per person per night
I THAILAND
By Thai standards this is probably quite a high price to pay for accommodation, but for a spacious house that sleeps six to eight and is only a stone‘s throw from Nai Yang beaches in Phuket. it's well worth it. Book through www.daltons holidayscom.
£18 per person per night
I TORONTO
Get right to the heart of the city's theatre scene (pictured) with an apartment in the theatre district. Because of Sterling 's strength against the Canadian dollar. a good quality flat from www.apartments2book.com can be yours at a very reasonable price.
£20 per person per night
All prices are approximate, according to the currency exchange rates at the time of writing. and are based on four peep/e sharing an apartment with at /east two bedrooms.