Seashells Dune/Bivalve Shells’ Cemetery
| Region | Coastal - Karst Statistical Region |
| Starting point | Sv. Katarina (Polje Bay) parking lot |
| Route length | 1 km (0.62 miles) |
| route duration | 1 h |
| Best time to visit | summer, spring, early autumn |
| Appropriate for | Baby Strollers , Baby Carriers , 1-3 years of age , 3-6 years of age , 6+ years of age , Dandy Horses, Bikes |
| Level of difficulty | Easy route |
Route Description
The seashells dune in the Polje Bay between Koper and Ankaran is the only place of such kind in Slovenia. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the Port of Koper, north of the mouth of the Rižana River. The shell dune was formed after 1990, when the Port of Koper deepened the seabed at the second port pier and pumped the remaining silt to the Adriatic Sea. The rain gradually washed away the mud from the piles of silt, leaving only the limestone mollusc shells.
Access: Turn off the highway on the Ankaran exit and drive towards the Sv. Katarina (Polje Bay), located a few hundred meters behind the barracks, opposite the car wash. Then take the side road to a small marina and a football pitch where you can park. A hiking trail then leads you on the eastern edge of the marina to the dunes.
Interesting Facts
The shellfish area is a nature reserve and home to various marine and terrestrial animals. In 2006, a very important Slovene figure, Dr Janez Drnovšek visited the site. Slovenian officials erected a memorial plaque commemorating the event with the intention of protecting the area from the construction of the third pier and the Rižana River.
Map
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Nearby Restaurants
Cavedin Bar on Strunjan Beach
Treat yourself to a cold drink, coffee, homemade ice cream or homemade desserts in the shade of pine trees. The bar has all sorts of coffee drinks and ice cream flavours. There is also a children's playground next to the beach and bar.
Strunjan 149,
6320 Portorož
Vita, Olja and Juna Recommend
Do you want to make a herbarium? Check out our Arts and Crafts column and open the Parents to Parents tab. This exciting project of nature exploration will keep the older kids as busy as ever. Parents join your children and help them with this fun activity
Collect shells of different types and shapes and save them. Would you like to make one yourself? Check out our Arts and Crafts column and open the Parents to Parents tab.
Listen to a fairy tale about an Istrian shepherd and fairies.
