Page 110 - Koderman, Miha, and Vuk Tvrtko Opačić. Eds. 2020. Challenges of tourism development in protected areas of Croatia and Slovenia. Koper, Zagreb: University of Primorska Press, Croatian Geographical Society
P. 110
challenges of tourism development in protected areas of croatia and slovenia
salt, souvenirs, and similar materials. There are also 9 km of groomed walk-
ing and cycling trails, a demonstration salt field, and information points.
Apart from sightseeing, the park hosts various educational and recreational
programmes, as well as social activities (Sečovlje Salina Nature Park, 2019).
Visitation of the Sečovlje Saltpans has been high for some time, with
evidence showing a significant increase in recent years. In 2010, 28,843 vis-
its were recorded (Sovinc, 2011), while in 2018 the number increased to
51,294, of which 31,402 were individual visits and 19,892 were group vis-
its. Although in 2018 the number of visitors decreased by 2,915 compared
to the previous year, it still exceeded the estimated carrying capacity of
the environment, which is 50,000 visitors per year (Sečovlje Salina Nature
Park, 2019). Apart from groups of primary and secondary school students,
Sečovlje Salina Nature Park is visited in large numbers by groups of visi-
tors on organised day trips, and passengers of cruise ships arriving at the
port Koper. Among individual visitors, most stay in hotels or in individu-
al accommodation.
In Lucija, there is also a camping site and the largest marina on the
Slovenian coast, while in the wider surrounding area there are many pri-
vate holiday homes, which are mostly occupied over the summer months.
The abandoned Fontanigge Saltworks are visited by both domestic and for-
eign visitors and are also accessible via a groomed cycling trail; the area is
popular among visitors for its natural beauty and lack of an entrance fee.
In addition, Sečovlje Salina Nature Park can be accessed by sea, as there is
a nearby harbour.
Strunjan Landscape Park
Strunjan Landscape Park covers an area of 428 ha located between Izola
and Piran (Fig. 2). It encompasses a brackish lagoon with preserved salt-
pans (Stjuža Nature Reserve), a steep cliff and coastline (Strunjan Nature
Reserve), and the cultural landscape in the hinterland. Together, the two
nature reserves cover 163 ha, and were declared protected areas in 1989. The
Decree on Strunjan Landscape Park was adopted in 2004, and the manag-
er of the protected area was designated in 2008 (Strunjan Landscape Park,
2019). The park area encompasses part of the settlement Strunjan, agricul-
tural areas, the Krka Strunjan Spa complex with accommodation facilities,
and a natural swimming spot with associated infrastructure.
The Strunjanski polotok (Strunjan Peninsula) has largely retained its
agrarian character. Arable areas on cultivated terraces are supported by
108
salt, souvenirs, and similar materials. There are also 9 km of groomed walk-
ing and cycling trails, a demonstration salt field, and information points.
Apart from sightseeing, the park hosts various educational and recreational
programmes, as well as social activities (Sečovlje Salina Nature Park, 2019).
Visitation of the Sečovlje Saltpans has been high for some time, with
evidence showing a significant increase in recent years. In 2010, 28,843 vis-
its were recorded (Sovinc, 2011), while in 2018 the number increased to
51,294, of which 31,402 were individual visits and 19,892 were group vis-
its. Although in 2018 the number of visitors decreased by 2,915 compared
to the previous year, it still exceeded the estimated carrying capacity of
the environment, which is 50,000 visitors per year (Sečovlje Salina Nature
Park, 2019). Apart from groups of primary and secondary school students,
Sečovlje Salina Nature Park is visited in large numbers by groups of visi-
tors on organised day trips, and passengers of cruise ships arriving at the
port Koper. Among individual visitors, most stay in hotels or in individu-
al accommodation.
In Lucija, there is also a camping site and the largest marina on the
Slovenian coast, while in the wider surrounding area there are many pri-
vate holiday homes, which are mostly occupied over the summer months.
The abandoned Fontanigge Saltworks are visited by both domestic and for-
eign visitors and are also accessible via a groomed cycling trail; the area is
popular among visitors for its natural beauty and lack of an entrance fee.
In addition, Sečovlje Salina Nature Park can be accessed by sea, as there is
a nearby harbour.
Strunjan Landscape Park
Strunjan Landscape Park covers an area of 428 ha located between Izola
and Piran (Fig. 2). It encompasses a brackish lagoon with preserved salt-
pans (Stjuža Nature Reserve), a steep cliff and coastline (Strunjan Nature
Reserve), and the cultural landscape in the hinterland. Together, the two
nature reserves cover 163 ha, and were declared protected areas in 1989. The
Decree on Strunjan Landscape Park was adopted in 2004, and the manag-
er of the protected area was designated in 2008 (Strunjan Landscape Park,
2019). The park area encompasses part of the settlement Strunjan, agricul-
tural areas, the Krka Strunjan Spa complex with accommodation facilities,
and a natural swimming spot with associated infrastructure.
The Strunjanski polotok (Strunjan Peninsula) has largely retained its
agrarian character. Arable areas on cultivated terraces are supported by
108
