Things to see and do in the surrounding area
Between the Karst Edge, Istria, the Karst and Trieste
Marima is a peaceful base from which to explore the Istrian hinterland, the Karst edge, the Slovenian coast, the Karst region and nearby Trieste. The surrounding area offers walking and cycling trails, viewpoints, stone-built Istrian villages, local cuisine, natural attractions and relaxing days out.
Marima is situated in the peaceful Istrian hinterland, near Gračišče and Trebeš, in an area where Slovenian Istria meets the Karst Edge. The location is ideal for guests seeking a relaxing break in the countryside, whilst still enjoying quick access to the coast, Koper, Izola, Piran, the Karst and Trieste.
In a single day, you can combine a hike along the Karst Edge, lunch at an Istrian restaurant, a swim on the coast or a trip across the border to Italy. The area is ideal for couples, families, walkers, cyclists, nature lovers and anyone looking for the quieter side of Istria.
The Karst Edge
The Karst Edge is one of the most distinctive natural landscapes in Slovenian Istria. Rocky ridges, scenic trails, climbing areas and stone villages create the perfect setting for hiking, cycling, climbing and photography.
Places of interest in the surrounding area include Hrastovlje, Črni Kal, Osp, Socerb, Podpeč and Zazid. This is the perfect place to take your time exploring nature, cultural heritage and the authentic Istrian countryside.
Hrastovlje and the Istrian villages
In the area around Marima, you’ll find numerous Istrian villages where stone, olive groves, vineyards, dry stone walls and a peaceful rural way of life intertwine. Hrastovlje is famous for its Church of the Holy Trinity and its renowned frescoes, the most famous of which is the Dance of Death.
This area is ideal for leisurely walks, taking photographs, visiting cultural attractions and discovering the less touristy, more authentic side of Slovenian Istria.
The Slovenian coast within easy reach
From the peaceful Istrian hinterland, you can quickly make your way to the coast. Koper offers an old town centre, a market and seaside promenades. Izola is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea, Piran for a romantic stroll through its narrow streets and scenic views, whilst Portorož is ideal for beaches, wellness and evening entertainment.
The Karst, the coast and day trips
Marime’s location allows you to explore a variety of landscapes during your holiday. In no time at all, you can visit the Slovenian coast, Karst villages, natural attractions, caves, castles or nearby Trieste.
The Slovenian coast is ideal for swimming, seaside walks, visiting historic town centres and evening outings. Koper, Izola, Piran and Portorož are close enough for a leisurely day trip.
The Karst offers a different kind of experience: rock, the bora wind, vineyards, Karst villages, prosciutto, Teran wine and attractions such as the Škocjan Caves, Lipica and Štanjel. For a longer family trip, Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle, Lake Cerknica and the Pivka Military History Park are also well worth a visit.
Due to its proximity to the Italian border, Marima is also a good base from which to visit Trieste, Miramare Castle or Milje.
Between the Karst Edge and Hidden Green Istria
Marima is situated in Butari near Gračišče, in the peaceful Istrian hinterland on the edge of the Karst. It is a place where you can spend the day exploring scenic trails, stone-built villages, waterfalls and olive groves, before returning in the evening to the tranquillity of the countryside and relaxation amidst nature. The sea and the lively coastal towns are close enough for a day trip, but what makes Marima truly special is its proximity to the lesser-known, green and unspoilt interior of Slovenian Istria.
Waterfalls and hidden corners of Slovenian Istria
Just a short distance from Marima, hidden below the village of Trebeše, lies Stranice Waterfall, the highest waterfall in Slovenian Istria. The water, approximately 20 metres high, cascades over a rocky ledge in the shady valley of the Stranica stream; a short walk through the Istrian countryside leads to the waterfall. It is particularly picturesque after heavy rainfall in autumn, winter and spring, when the water reveals its true power.
In the nearby Sokoličih you can also discover Veli Vir waterfall. Tucked away amongst wooded ravines, it flows into a large emerald-green pool, reached via a pleasant and easy path through the woods. Places like this reveal a completely different side to Istria – far from the summer crowds, amongst streams, woods, old paths and small villages.
Due to the karst and Mediterranean nature of the landscape, the waterfalls are at their most beautiful after periods of rain, whilst during the dry summer months they may have less water or even dry up completely. This is precisely why the area around Marima is fascinating at all times of the year: in spring for its water and blossoming nature, in autumn for its colours and pleasant temperatures, and in winter for its tranquillity and the completely different face of the Istrian countryside.
A holiday where so much is within easy reach
Marima is therefore more than just a place to stay – it is a starting point for exploring the Karst Edge and Slovenian Istria at a leisurely pace. In the morning, you can head to a waterfall or go for a hike, continue on through one of the stone-built Istrian villages, visit the coast in the afternoon, and return in the evening to the tranquillity of Butarov, amidst the greenery, local delicacies and the relaxed pace of country life.
Here, to experience Istria, you don’t have to choose between peace and exploration. At Marima, you get both.
Homely flavours, olive oil and Istrian hospitality
The area around Marima is ideal for anyone who enjoys exploring the local cuisine. Slovenian Istria is renowned for its olive oil, wine, seasonal vegetables, wild asparagus, herbs, home-grown fruit and simple dishes based on local ingredients.
Nearby, you’ll find Istrian tavernas, tourist farms and small shops selling local produce, where you can discover the authentic flavours of the countryside. You can start the day with a leisurely breakfast in the countryside, continue with a trip through the Istrian villages, and round it off with a dinner of home-cooked food, accompanied by local wine or olive oil.
Marima is itself linked to local produce and a natural way of life, which is why cuisine is an important part of the experience of staying in the Istrian hinterland.
