Ankaran is a village, which belongs to the Municipality of Koper. The area of the village was already settled in the Roman times. Around the Ankaran hospital they found a mosaic, which was part of a Roman villa (villa rustica) and is now in a museum in Koper.
In the Middle Ages Benedictine monks built the monastery of Saint Nicholas, which has many merits for the development of wine and olive growing in these places. In 1573 monks went away, because of the plague and they came to Ankaran only in summer months. The building was bought in 1775 by nobleman Madonizza. The family later built the palace in Koper and moved paintings, decorations from the monastery. During Ilyrian Provinces in the monastery was the military hospital.
Today is Ankaran known as a summer tourist location. The Tourist Complex Adria Ankaran includes a hotel, camp, swimming pool, playgrounds and many other. In the nearness of the village are walking paths and many cycling opportunities. In the summer time they organize many events such as medieval market and Ankaran night. In the nearby Valdoltra is the well known orthopaedic hospital.