Izola is an old fishing town with a rich history. With its pleasant position on the northern Istria and its marina, it is also an important nautical centre. The first step toward tourism started in 1820 when thermal water was discovered.
The town is famous for its fishing industry; the first fishing industry factory on the Adriatic coast was built near Izola. Interesting: The Latin name for island is "izola". Izola used to be an island connected to the mainland by a stony bridge. At the beginning of the 19th century, the town walls were pulled down and the material was used to fill in the sea between the island and the mainland.
Izola was known as a town of rebels. It declared independence in 1253 and for a short period became a town with its own laws and authority. In the 13th and 14th centuries, there were also "town wars" with Piran and Koper.