Portorož: Travel Guide & Things to Do!
The charming Portorož is a well-known seaside resort on the Adriatic coast and a real highlight for a seaside vacation in Slovenia. Here you can pamper yourself in one of the many traditional wellness hotels, enjoy the sophisticated charm of the town and relax on the beautiful beaches. The long sandy beach of Portoroz is definitely famous and always has a great vacation atmosphere. Just a short walk away is the world-famous coastal pearl of Piran, where you can discover numerous attractions in the old town. Furthermore, the area surrounding Portoroz is also well worth a visit and is ideal for sightseeing, boat trips, cycling and hiking.
In this travel guide, you will find all the useful information and tips about Portoroz in Slovenia. We also show you great pictures, the best excursions and sights in Portoroz, share our experiences and reveal the best places to stay there.
Good to know!
As Portoroz is a well-known spa resort in Slovenia, you will also find numerous fantastic wellness hotels there. The iconic Hotel Kempinski Palace is highly recommended!
Portoroz borders directly on Piran. The famous old town is only 4 km away and can be reached on foot via the picturesque promenade, by bike or by public bus.
The coast of Portoroz is simply perfect for an unforgettable summer vacation in Slovenia. Here you will find a summary of the most beautiful beaches in Portoroz.
A special attraction located south of Portoroz are the Sečovlje salt pans. In this area, salt has been extracted there using traditional methods for 700 years.
General Information about Portoroz
Portorož, which means “rose harbor”, is a famous health resort on the 46-kilometer-long coast of Slovenia. It is located in the south of the Slovenian Istria region, just 3.5 km from Piran Old Town and 15 km from Koper. The history of Portoroz as a health resort dates back to the 13th century, when Benedictine monks discovered the healing properties of salt and mud. Since the 1990s, the resort has been one of the most popular in Slovenia. Visitors love the unique blend of wellness, superb cuisine, trendy lifestyle and vibrant nightlife.
The Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, sunny summers makes Portorož a year-round destination in Slovenia. In winter, visitors can enjoy a wide range of spa and wellness treatments at the local thermal baths. Spring and fall offer a wide range of sightseeing and sports activities. In summer, the beautiful beaches along the Slovenian coast also attract visitors. You can also go on wonderful excursions in the area around Portoroz, so you are guaranteed not to get bored on your vacation.
Things to Do in Portoroz & Surrounding Area
During a vacation in Portoroz, you can look forward to many attractions. Most of them are located right in the center and in the immediate vicinity and can easily be explored on your own. To make sure you don’t lose track, we have summarized the best sights in Portoroz at a glance:
Portoroz Center & Main Beach
The beautiful and elegant town center is the ultimate highlight in Portoroz and the place to be. Holidaymakers from all over the world meet here, and the motto is always: see and be seen. Although Portoroz does not have an old town, the action takes place around the picturesque main beach. There are cool bars and cafés, numerous stores for shopping and entertainment options such as water sports. The Grand Casinò Portorož, which is considered one of the oldest in Slovenia, is also really popular and a special feature!
Tip: In the center, opposite the main beach, there are many beautiful hotels for a beach or wellness vacation. One recommendation is the Hotel Slovenija – Terme & Wellness LifeClass.
The Waterfront Promenade
The picturesque waterfront promenade in Portoroz is absolutely enchanting. It runs from the town center towards the harbor and the beautiful beaches of the resort. As you stroll along, you can enjoy an enchanting vacation atmosphere and many cool bars invite you to linger. If you like, you can walk the entire coastal path to the neighboring town of Piran, whose picturesque old town is around 4 kilometers away. Don’t forget your swimsuit, as there are some charming swimming spots along the promenade that invite you to take a refreshing dip in the cool water.
Tip: The 5-star Grand Hotel Bernardin, which is located directly behind the promenade between Portoroz and Piran, is also a popular choice for a vacation.
Grand Casino Portorož
At over 110 years old, the Grand Casino Portoroz is one of the oldest casinos in Slovenia and one of the reasons why tourists like to spend their vacation here. Its history even goes back to the Habsburg era. It is considered one of the most famous attractions in Portoroz, so it is also worthwhile for non-gamblers to take a look at the casino. Even the entrance area is beautiful and exudes the charm of times long past. The interiors can also be visited free of charge, but photography is prohibited in the gaming areas.
Kempinski Palace Hotel
The Hotel Kempinski Palace is definitely a real gem in the resort. This luxurious 5-star hotel can look back on a long history. Originally designed as one of the most magnificent hotels on the upper Adriatic, its architecture reflects elements of the Neo-Renaissance and Viennese Secession styles. The upper class of the Danube monarchy once stayed at this hotel, and numerous celebrities such as film stars have also stayed here. Reopened in 2010, today you can enjoy a true dream hotel that skillfully combines the splendor of old times with modernity.
Medusa Beach
The Medusa Beach in Portorož is a well-kept concrete beach that belongs to the LifeClass Hotels, but is also accessible to non-guests. It is considered one of the most popular beaches on the Slovenian Riviera and is known for its incredibly beautiful turquoise-blue water colors. Here you can rent sun loungers and relax on a green lawn with palm trees and pine trees. Thanks to its ideal location, Medusa Beach can be reached quickly on foot via the promenade from the town center past the small marina. There is also paid parking behind the beach.
Piran Old Town
The old town of Piran, which is located just 4 kilometers from Portoroz, is very pretty. The historic center is considered one of the most beautiful along the Slovenian coast, and a visit is not to be missed. Here you will be amazed by the magnificent Venetian buildings, the romantic stone alleyways and the numerous interesting attractions. Particularly worth seeing are the picturesque Tartini Square, the promenade with the iconic lighthouse, the old city walls and the Church of St. George, from whose church tower you can enjoy a magnificent view.
Monfort Salt Warehouse
A visit to the Monfort salt warehouse is an insider tip in Portoroz. This fascinating attraction is located on the coastal promenade, halfway towards Piran, and can be reached on foot or quickly by car. This former salt deposit dates back to the first half of the 19th century and is of great historical importance. Today, you can also visit the inside of the old warehouse. Part of it is a captivating museum about traditional shipbuilding, while another part is open as an art gallery.
Monfort Beach
The charming Plaza Monfort beach is ideal for cooling off. This bathing spot is located next to the Monfort salt warehouse mentioned above, directly on the picturesque promenade from Portoroz to Piran. Locals in particular, but also some tourists from the surrounding vacation apartments, like to come here. Monfort beach is a clean concrete beach with steps leading into the turquoise blue sea. The pine trees and green trees are also particularly pleasant, providing cool shade on hot summer days.
Tip: Behind the beach is a settlement with numerous vacation apartments. The Casetta apartment with a garden and just 5 minutes from the sea is a popular choice.
Marina Portorož
The Marina Portoroz is a real gem of the town. It was founded in 1974 as Slovenia’s first marina and gives the town a particularly elegant flair. Take a stroll along the promenade and marvel at the many boats moored in the canals, creating a particularly charming backdrop. Two restaurants, the Marina Restaurant and the Laguna Restaurant, cater for your culinary needs in the marina. Part of the facility is also located on Slovenia’s only island, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of sophisticated Portorož.
Strunjan & Moon Bay
Just a short drive from Portoroz is Strunjan, a small vacation resort and popular excursion destination on the Slovenian coast. The town is known for its historic salt pans, its beautiful beach and, above all, the legendary Moon Bay. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Slovenia. The so-called Moon Bay is located in the Strunjan nature reserve. This bay owes its name to its unique crescent shape, which, together with the turquoise blue sea and Mediterranean vegetation, conjures up a postcard-perfect ambience.
Tip: The best way to reach the famous Moon Bay is via a short hike from the Strunjan parking lot. You will need sturdy shoes for the final descent to the beach.
Sečovlje Salina Nature Park
The Sečovlje Salina Nature Park is one of the most famous attractions in Portoroz. This 7.5-hectare landscaped park is located in the very south of the resort and can be visited for a small fee. The Saltworks Museum, which offers a good insight into the history of traditional salt mining, is an interesting attraction. There are also several marked walking and cycling paths in the area, from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the salt fields. A visit to the “Thalasso spa Lepa Vida” wellness center, which is located in the middle of the salt pans, is also a unique experience!
Best Excursions from Portoroz
Not only is Portoroz worth visiting, there are many outstanding things to do and opportunities for exciting excursions in the surrounding area. Here you will find a summary of the best excursion destinations that you can visit nearby:
The coastal towns near Portoroz are well worth a trip. Piran, Koper, Izola, Strunjan and the Italian city of Trieste are particularly interesting.
An insider tip is a tour to Lipica, a well-known Lipizzaner stud farm. There you can watch the horses in the paddock and take part in guided tours of the stables.
Excursions from Portoroz to Istria in Croatia are also popular. The coastal town of Umag is only around 25 kilometers away, and the old town is particularly worth seeing!
Where to Stay in Portoroz
In Portoroz you will find an excellent selection of good accommodation. From wonderful hotels in every price range to great apartments and guesthouses, you’ll find everything. If you are searching for recommended places to stay in Portoroz, then we can give you these hotel tips along the way… It’s worth a look!
- Luxurious 5-Star Hotel: The luxurious Hotel Kempinski Palace is one of the absolute best hotels in the resort and a fantastic choice for a special kind of vacation.
- Beautiful Wellness Hotel: The Hotel Slovenija – Terme & Wellness LifeClass is a beautiful 4-star hotel. The rooms with a sea view are particularly recommended.
- Fantastic Vacation Apartments: The Forgotten Garden Villa is a real insider tip in Portoroz. It offers really beautiful and modern vacation apartments.
- Glamping in Nature: The L.stile Glamping is located on a hill 3 km outside of Portoroz and offers really cool glamping accommodation.
Find the best accommodation in Portoroz:
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