Vipava Valley and Nanos

We drive along the coastal highway to the village of Razdrto, where we turn right in the village to the parking lot under the slope Application. With its area of 65 square kilometers, it covers more than half of the territory of the municipality of Vipava, with its peaks reaching an altitude of 1313 m above sea level, and on it we find typical karst phenomena, valleys, peaks, sinkholes, abysses and caves.

Afternoon activity of nature
Due to its variety, we cannot be bored on the well-marked path, as the path first takes us through a beautiful forest, full of various shades of green, and then an endless view of the Vipava valley opens before us, while we walk along a mostly gentle path on the slope. The natural beauties call for a stop of at least five minutes, so that we can look at the valley below us in peace and have a small snack in the lee, and don't forget a refreshing drink, which is absolutely indispensable on hot days. Then let's continue our journey to the church of St. Hieronima, built as early as the 14th century, then demolished and abandoned and rededicated in 1990. The church stands on a grassy plateau above Ribs at an altitude of 1019 m and is only 30 minutes away from our destination, Vojkova koča. On the way we also see a television transmitter, which ensures that Nanos is visible from all sides, and we continue on to Vojkova koča, which is located just below the peak of Pleša at an altitude of 1240 m. Here, its caretakers spoil us with their hospitality and offer of home-made delicacies, which is why many people also decide to spend the night in one of the rooms with shared beds. In any case, we should not go down to the valley without getting to know the culinary trump card, the typical Karst dish jota, which must be just right "pr'roštana", as the locals say. And they are aware of this in their kitchen as well, since since time immemorial one of the main reasons for visiting Nanos has been, in addition to the natural beauty, the fragrant iota. Of course, you can get a lot of other things in the mountain hut, from apple rolls to homemade sausages, so you don't have to worry about not finding something for yourself in their offer.

Late afternoon leisure
And there is no better feeling when we return to the car slightly tired, satisfied that we have conquered our goal, but still with enough energy to go a little further and explore the surroundings. The path takes us through the land of sun and wine Vipava valleys, to its center Vipava. On the way to the village Construction site at Vipava we stop at Poljščak wine temple, to try the most widespread Vipava wine variety, rebula, and the autochthonous specialties of the Vipava Valley, zelen and pinelo, which have almost sunk into oblivion in the past. Along with the golden drops, cut off a slice of Karst prosciutto, which will add the finishing touch to the taste. Although we could stay here for quite some time, let's continue our journey to Vipava, which, in addition to the interesting cultural heritage (the Egyptian sarcophagus in the cemetery, the Museum of Antiquities and many architectural works), also offers us natural attractions. We decide to refresh v Podskali, part of Vipava, which is squeezed by too many sources of the river, which from here embarks on a long journey to the sea. Podskala used to be a pleasant place of entertainment for Vipava gentlemen, but today it especially means coolness in the summer and interesting moments by the water and under the mighty trees in the park. The way there is marked from the center of the city, and for the journey we treat ourselves to an ice cream on the main square in the bar at Marjanca, where we will have to choose between twenty different types of flavors. Their excellent ice cream has gained a reputation also because of the portion size, as we will be full after just one scoop. Finally, for a nice end to the day, we treat ourselves to a gourmet pleasure in the Podfarovž Restaurant, open every day except Tuesday from 12:00 to 11:00 p.m., where we will enjoy many specialties of the Vipava cuisine, from nano steak to nonot's prate. Their offer also includes fish specialties, as we can choose our own fish, which they prepare for us in a delicious way. And without any doubt, on the way home, we will realize that we will be happy to return to the Vipava Valley.