Koper
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| Koper
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 The mediaeval town of Koper |
The town of Koper lies on the coast of Slovenia three miles S of the border with Italy and four miles E of the harbour of Izola. Is the only commercial port in Slovenia as well as being the most northerly harbour on the country’s short coastline. Originally an ancient island settlement, Koper was part of the Venetian republic from 1232 and became capital of the province of Istria by the 15th century. The town’s influence waned with the establishment of its near neighbour in Italy, Trieste, as a free port in 1719. Most of the remaining Italian population left in 1954 when the town was ceded to the new Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Koper only began to recover its former importance following Slovenian independence in 1991, when it became the new nation’s only commercial port. In addition to a charming old town, Koper also has a small marina, Marina Koper, offering 75 berths for yachts of up to 18.0 metres, plus a small boatyard that can winter around 25 yachts.
Weather
Diurnal winds along the coast are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains are a feature of some of the harbours along the NE Adriatic coast. During early spring and (especially) autumn conditions can be more unsettled, occasionally accompanied by violent thunderstorms - luckily of short duration - with winds of 30-35 knots or more and vicious, steep seas. In the winter the sudden, violent N wind off the mountains, the bora, is much to be feared.
Equally prevalent in winter - although not uncommon in summer - is the scirocco, a S/SE wind that blows up from North Africa, usually in advance of a depression moving E across the Mediterranean. Unlike the bora, the scirocco only occasionally exceeds gale force, but is still a phenomenon to be wary of, especially if on a lee coast.
Sources of weather forecasting:
- Radio Slovenia broadcasts a forecast at 0635 and 0955 local time on 928 kHz and on FM.
- There is a continuous (computerised voice) weather forecast from Italy on VHF 68 - first in Italian and then followed with an English translation.
- The same forecast is given in Italian and English on Italian VHF coastal stations (e.g. Trieste) following a notification on channel 16.
- Navtex weather forecasts covering the Adriatic are broadcast from stations at Trieste, Split (Croatia) and Kerkyra (Corfu).
- The Croatian meteorological office has a useful web-based forecast service for winds and wave heights on Croatian Forecast Service
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 1471
- 1426
- Italian
- 924
- Imray
- M24
Communication
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
Islands
None.
A tall belfry in the town is conspicuous from some distance off. There are no dangers in the approach, although entry to the marina is tricky in strong onshore winds. The marina is entered from WSW. Note the buoyed off bathing area to starboard, which restricts maneuvering space in the entrance.
Entrance
See entry for Marina Koper for details.
Berthing Options
It is possible to berth in the old harbour SW of the marina, but this is usually full of local boats.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Anchorages
It is possible in settled weather to anchor half a mile SW of the marina, where there is a reasonably sheltered cove S of the long breakwater of the old harbour. Anchor in 4.0 - 5.0 metres clear of the numerous moorings. The holding is good in mud.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs/Yards
See entry for Marina Koper.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
See entry for Marina Koper.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The old town of Koper is a delight to explore, with narrow lanes and picturesque houses with red-tiled roofs. Notable buildings include the 15th century Praetorian Palace, a Venetian Gothic confection now used as the town hall; a Loggia Palace originally constructed in 1462, and the city Bell Tower, from which a climb of 204 steps gives magnificent views over the town and harbour.
 The old town of Koper |
 The 15th century Loggia Palace |
 The Praetorian Palace, Koper |
 Bell Tower, Koper |
Grocery & Supply Stores
Good provisions shops in the town
Eateries
- Restaurant in the marina
- Numerous others in the old town
Internet/WiFi
In the marina.
Laundry
In the marina.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Rental outlets in the town.
Garbage Disposal
Bins at the marina.
Transportation
- Bus and train stations one kilometre away
- Small airport at Portoroz, 15 kilometres WSW
- International airport of Ljubljana 130 kilometres
- Airport of Trieste in Italy 50 kimlometres
Routes/Passages To/From
See Slovenia.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
- Koper at the Wikipedia
- Official Slovenian tourism website
References & Publications
See Slovenia.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Koper and this page's details validated:
- Data compiled from web research (please update if possible)--Athene of Lymington 16:52, 4 February 2011 (UTC)
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Names: Athene of Lymington |
