Piran's history dates back to Greek times. The name of Piran derives from the Greek word pyr, which means 'fire'. It refers to the fires that were lit at Punta, the westernmost point of the peninsula. The fires guided ships to the port of Koper during the night.

There are numerous medieval buildings and narrow streets in Piran. Tartini Square (Tartinijev trg) is in the center of town. It features a monument in memory of Italian composer and violinist Giuseppe Tartini. The monument was erected in 1896. One of the oldest buildings in Piran is Tartini's house, which dates from the 14th century.

On the eastern side of Piran's old town you can see the town walls, which still stand. A 17th-century harbor-side palace nowadays houses the Maritime Museum, where you can see exhibits on seafaring and salt-making, two of the region's most important economic activities.

Other places of incterest in include the Municipal Palace, Loggia and Benečanka.

Saint George's Church (župnijska cerkev sv. Jurija v Piranu) is located no a hill above Piran. There is a Franciscan Monastery not far from the church.

There are several hotels and restaurants in Piran. The town is 90 km southwest of Ljubljana.

Not far from Piran, at Fiesa, is the nicest beach along Slovenia's Adriatic Coast. It has clean waters and the use of boats is restricted. From Fiesa you can see Trieste's Miramare Castle.

Tartini Square ©Leonhard Niederwimmer

Piran ©Mikita Karasiou

Piran ©Bram van Geerenstein

Piran ©Petar

Piran ©Gabriele Merlino

Grudnova Ulica 1 ©Michal Janek

Piran ©Balint Miko

Piran ©Balint Miko