Villa Majda is situated at a beautiful location at the outskirts of the village of Osp, a place where Karst and Istria meet, and is a good starting place for various trips. A wonderful landscape, consisting mostly of rolling hills, with its Mediterranean climate – warm summers and mild winters; invites you to visit every day of the year. We also call the area where Villa Majda is located a true botanic paradise, as the magical landscape is changing its appearance at every step. Thus, a mere moment after seeing the stony Karst rocks, one can feast their eyes on green meadows, tree-groves and glades, colourful flowers, vineyards and olive-tree groves ... All this is Istria and Karst. Full of natural beauty and a place to enjoy in any part of the year, as each carries something special and magical. The entire area is also known by its rich cultural heritage, so that there is no shortage of various architecture, churches, museums, events and interesting stories of local people.
Villa Majda lies at an excellent location, as you will not drive more than 30 minutes to nearby interesting places and sights by car. From the nearby locations we recommend the following:
Where Karst features are being replaced by the rolling Šavrin hills, there stands the Socerb castle. From Osp, you can also reach the castle on foot – follow the easy marked trail, where you will have the best views of the Gulf of Trieste after an hour and a half of walking.
The Rosandra Valley (Glinščica Valley in Slovene) – a picturesque valley on the border between Slovenia and Italy, full of natural and cultural sights. You will need to drive approximately 10 minutes by car to get to the valley on the Italian side. The valley also serves as the starting point for various trips by the Glinščica/Rosandra River.
Hrastovlje is one of the most famous villages in Slovenian Istria that is internationally known due to the frescoes on its church, called Dance of Death (Danse Macabre). You need to drive for only 15 minutes to get there.
Koper is the largest of Istrian towns is famous for its Venetian palaces, dating from the medieval times, the Škocjan Bay, where hundreds of birds live, and for events tkaing place throughout the year, where the largest focus is on sports and culinary events. And of course, it is also famous for the excellent Capra restaurant! It is exactly a 19-minute ride to get to "the city of the hundred suns".
Izola – a former fishing town that remains closely tied to the sea even today, it offers walks along the colourful streets, water activities by the very different beaches as well as a visit to the famed Strunjan Cliff. It will take you exactly 20 minutes to get to "kingdom of the fish" by car.
To the most renowned tourist location, who are connected by the story of salt, is about 30 minutes away by car. The worldly Portorož and the romantic Piran; one of the most beautiful Mediterranean towns; and the salt pans surrounding them are certainly worth the visit.
Škocjan Caves – one of the pearls of Mother Earth is only 20 minutes away from Villa Majda by car. Škocjan Caves will amaze you with one of the deepest and largest underground canyons in the world. Furthermore, even the halls filled with wonderful stalactites and stalagmites are sure to not leave you cold. Tip: if you drive only 15 minutes further, you will reach one of Slovenia's most famous locations – the Postojna Cave
The home of noble white horses, the Lipizans, can also be found close by – it is not even 30 minutes away by car. The original stud farm of the Lipizzans, who originate from Slovenia, is waiting for you – you can watch the classical riding trainings and shows, or you can also try out terrain riding yourself.
Osp is one of the oldest Slovenian villages, and it has been mentioned in written sources as early as in the 11th century. Take a walk through the serried town centre, criss-crossed by narrow streets, visit St. Thomas' Church, and admire the rock wall with climbing routes above the village. The wall is 500 meters wide and more than 200 metres high, and together with Mišja peč, or "Little Mouse", it is one of the most important climbing areas in Europe.
