Secovlje Salt Pans: Salt production site
Secovlje Salt Pans (Sečoveljske soline) are a unique cultural and natural attraction located near Piran, on Slovenia’s Adriatic coast, right by the border with Croatia. Covering an area of over 650 hectares, these salt pans are part of a protected nature park, where salt has been produced traditionally for over 700 years using medieval methods. It’s one of the last places in the Mediterranean where salt is still harvested manually with wooden tools.
Visitor Fees
- Adults: ~7 EUR
- Children/Students/Seniors: ~5 EUR
- Family tickets and group discounts are available
- Entry to the Saltworks Museum may have a separate fee (typically included in combo tickets)
Transportation
- By Car – Easily reachable from Piran, Portorož, or Koper, with on-site parking available
- By Bike – Part of the Parenzana cycling route, ideal for nature lovers
- By Bus – Buses run to nearby towns like Lucija, from which you can walk or cycle to the salt pans
Things to See & Do
- Salt-making demonstrations – See how salt is still harvested using traditional tools
- Visit the Saltworks Museum – Learn about centuries of salt-making heritage
- Walk along the levees – Enjoy peaceful walks with views of the salt pools, birds, and sea
- Birdwatching – Over 270 bird species live or migrate through the park, including herons and flamingos
- Wellness at Lepa Vida Thalasso Spa – Open-air spa offering salt-based treatments in a stunning setting
Why People Enjoy Visiting
The Sečovlje Salt Pans blend history, nature, and tradition. Visitors enjoy the scenic landscapes, cultural heritage, and the peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great spot for photography, learning, and relaxation, especially for those interested in eco-tourism and heritage preservation.
How Old Are the Sečovlje Salt Pans?
- The salt pans have been in use for over 700 years, with written records dating back to the 13th century.
- The salt-harvesting method used today remains nearly unchanged since medieval times.
List of Activities
- Take a guided tour or explore the educational trails
- Watch a live salt-harvesting demonstration
- Visit the Saltworks Museum
- Go birdwatching and nature spotting
- Relax at the Lepa Vida Spa
- Capture scenic photos of sunsets over the salt fields
Additional Nearby Attractions
- Piran – A picturesque coastal town with Venetian architecture and sea views
- Portorož – Slovenia’s popular resort town, known for beaches and spas
- Strunjan Nature Reserve – Beautiful cliffs, protected coastline, and scenic walking trails
- Izola – A charming fishing town with rich maritime history
- Koper – Slovenia’s largest coastal city, featuring medieval old town and cultural sites
The Secovlje Salt Pans are a rare example of living heritage, offering a peaceful, educational, and scenic experience unlike any other along the Slovenian coast.