Piran

Tartini Square, the paved oval heart of town, ringed by Venetian facades and the statue of the violinist. It is crossed on the leash, among cafe terraces and Gothic windows, an ideal starting point for exploring the alleys.

The medieval walls climbing the hill give the finest panorama over the red roofs, the sea and the Gulf of Trieste. The climb and walkways are done on the leash, with steep steps and little shade, best avoided in full heat.

The church of St George, with its Venetian-style bell tower, crowns the hill above the old town. The interior does not accept dogs, but the panoramic terrace and forecourt are reached on the leash for a superb view over the roofs and sea.

The fishing harbour and the maze of medieval alleys make up an almost entirely pedestrian centre. You stroll on the leash among tightly packed houses, small squares and the seafront, far from the cars kept to the car parks at the town's edge.

The Sečovlje Salina Nature Park spreads out its thousand-year-old salt pans, a haven for rich birdlife. The paths and dykes are walked on the leash across a flat, shadeless landscape, so carry water and avoid midday in summer.

Slovenia's first real dog beach, at Lucija near Portorož, where dogs swim off the leash. Free entry, a play area, shaded corners, a shower and a bar: the public bathing beaches of Portorož and Piran, by contrast, ban dogs.