Strunjan Natural Park Circular Loop

You can start your walk from anywhere in the Strunjan Beach car park.

(S/E) Depending on where you’ve parked, make your way to the car exit of the car park (at the opposite end of the beach) by walking along the harbour or on the pavement on the opposite side of the road. At the same level as the car park exit, take the street on the left, then the^first left at the entrance to the Thalasso.

Carry on to the next bend and turn right onto a path that gradually veers away from the road. This path then turns into a dirt track and branches off to the left after about 100 metres; follow it. After about 50 metres, you’ll come to a right-hand bend; look out for a small path through the trees and take it. This path continues clearly through the forest, allowing you to walk along the coast whilst enjoying the view through the trees. As you set off on the path, look out for the coastal town of Piran in the distance. Keep going straight on along this path, which winds its way through the trees, until you reach the Donatorji Cross (approx. 680 m).

(1) After taking in the view and the cross, carry on straight ahead along the same path. On this stretch, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Italian coast opposite, if the weather is clear. About 200 metres from the cross, you’ll reach the path leading down to the hidden pebble beach: Moon Bay. With several hairpin bends, this path is very steep and quite slippery with stones and sand, so take great care not to slip.

(2) Whether or not you’ve stopped off at the beach, the walk continues at the same level as where the path to the beach began. Carry on along the coastal path through the trees and alongside the cliff barriers. After about 340 metres, you’ll reach the end of the path and come to a small tarmac road. Follow it to the left.

After about 220 m, once you’ve passed two houses, the road is no longer tarmac and becomes a stony track. Carry on along this track until you reach a junction where the track splits to the left. Carry on straight ahead along this track. Walk straight on for about 380 m, following the stony track. You have the option of turning right at one point to rejoin the main route, but I recommend continuing to the end of the 380 m to take a more pleasant path. Look out for a small path that climbs to the right.

(3) Take this path to join a field track in the open countryside of Slovenia. Walk for about 220 m along this track until you reach a small tarmac road again; turn right. Follow this road, which alternates between four left-hand bends and three right-hand bends. After the last left-hand bend (staying on the same road), continue along it for about 600 m. Look out for a field path through olive trees that descends to the right.

(4) Take this path through the olive groves. When you emerge from the path, you’ll come out onto another road; turn left, then immediately right at the next junction. Continue along this road for about 280 m. Turn left and continue along the road that goes downhill, not the path on the right. At the end of this road, you’ll reach the main road. Turn right across it and take the footpath along the salt marsh. Walk for about 180 m until you reach the first path on the left along the salt marsh dyke.

(5) Take the path along the salt marsh dyke, with the salt marsh on your left and the harbour on your right for a lovely view. Continue along the winding dyke without leaving it, until you reach two small houses. Turn right in front of the houses and head towards a footbridge. Admire the salt marsh and the harbour on either side. Cross the bridge and walk along the coast. After passing two restaurants, you’ll reach a park and Strunjan Beach on your left. Continue along the beach or through the park until you reach the road and the car park (S/E).

Difficulty.
This walk is easy; there’s a bit of an incline but it’s manageable for all fitness levels.
The path to the hidden beach (Moon Bay) can be trickier and may prove difficult to climb back up; please also take care on the descent.

Equipment.
Wear walking shoes – they’ll be more comfortable, and the paths aren’t all even (sometimes dirt, stones, tarmac, sand, etc.)
Remember to bring something to protect yourself from the sun and some sun cream. Several sections are unshaded and quite exposed.
If you’d like to stop off for a swim at Moon Bay or the main beach, don’t forget your swimwear and a towel.
You might also want to bring a pair of binoculars to view Piran and the Italian coast from the cliff edge.
Of course, remember to take some water to keep yourself hydrated.

There’s plenty worth seeing within the Strujan Nature Park.
- The salt marsh has its own charm and creates a very pretty landscape. Depending on the season, it may be more or less full, and you can watch the salt workers harvesting the salt.
- The olive groves also make the landscape even more beautiful and lush. It’s lovely to wander through and alongside them.
I’d definitely recommend stopping off at Moon Bay beach along this trail. Even if you don’t fancy a swim, the view from the bay is absolutely lovely.
The coast is also very popular with locals and there are fewer tourists there.