Drive along the coastal highway all the way to Črne Kal and turn right at the exit for Socerb. After a few kilometers, we arrive at the small village of Socerb, which lies on the border between Karst and Istria and is known for the castle of the same name, which dates back to the 15th century.
Its unique location allows us to catch the morning rays on the old walls and enjoy the beautiful view of the flysch hills. Slovenian Istria, coastal towns and the entire Gulf of Trieste. Today, the castle houses a restaurant, which connoisseurs consider one of the most eminent, as it is famous for both its excellent offer and its service in the beautiful castle ambience. During the week, except Monday, it is open from 6 pm to 11 pm, and during the weekend the castle doors open at noon, when they serve their own pâté, bread and butter, among other specialties, followed by carpaccio, seafood specialties, fresh motovilcem and ending with a delicious dessert: panna cotta and truffle pancakes. But let's not be seduced by luxury this time, so let's discover other picturesque features of the castle and its surroundings, which are a popular motif for domestic and foreign painters. Several lovely paths lead from the castle through a fragrant pine forest, along which we encounter the remains of former forts and defensive towers and lead us to another attraction, the Holy Cave. According to legend, the cave was the residence of the Christian martyr from Trieste, St. Socerb, who is said to have hidden in this karst cave. But its fame is also spreading because of its interior, as the cave contains the only underground church in Slovenia, which can be visited every Sunday at 2 p.m., when the large iron doors open to enter its underground. The sun invites us onward, to the sea, to the well-known old fishing town of Izola. Today, Izola is one of the leading centers of nautical tourism and is known for its rich history. In 1820, thermal water was discovered there, and that is when the first tourism began. Today, the city is also known for its old core, intertwined with many narrow streets, where interesting galleries and numerous art studios are hidden, where academic painters and self-taught painters exhibit their works. In one of these streets, near the city market, there is also the Caffè alle Porte café, which invites us from afar to relax with a refreshing tea and a fragrant croissant for 1.88 euros. In addition to the rich offer, almost 60 types of tea, various natural juices, frappes and milkshakes, the café also caters to the youngest guests, as they have a table and chairs adapted for them, as well as some toys.
Afternoon picnic
Since we are right near the colorful market, which is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm, we take the opportunity to get some fresh fruit and vegetables for our picnic on the shore. Then we continue our journey to Strunjan, where we park the vehicle at the hotel complex and set off along the asphalt road above the tennis court. After a few meters, we come to a fork and choose the left macadam path, which slowly climbs towards the top of the Strunjan cliffs. Looking into the depths at numerous viewpoints along the way, we soon reach the famous viewpoint at the big cross. A wonderful view of the bay opens up in front of us, which surprises with the beauty of the sea and the coast, where it is also possible to swim in the summer. A little further on, we will notice a path on the left that descends steeply to the Moon Bay, and with some caution we will descend all the way to the coast. There we will be overwhelmed by an unusual feeling of peace and tranquility, which, according to measurements by Dr. Miha Pogačar, a world-famous environmental healer, is the result of a strong energy point, the junction of energy meridians, which is located in this very bay. We find our own corner, settle comfortably on one of the rocks, and prepare a well-deserved picnic in this peaceful environment.
Evening workout
In just the right mood, we end our trip with another interesting experience. From Strunjan, we drive to Koper, where we can join a Power Flow Yoga class, led by teacher Onufrios Tsavaris, who, in addition to yoga, also practices tai-chi, and many know him as a percussionist and a famous performer of traditional gypsy music. We can participate in this intensive training for shaping and strengthening the body and mind at the Fit Mania sports club in the Koper marina, or we can arrange an individual lesson via his website address onufrios@gmail.comThen, reborn, we head back home, where our newly acquired energy will help us cope with everyday life more easily.
