Piran and Portoroz
Piran and Portorož, two gems on Slovenia’s Adriatic coast, offer a perfect mix of history, culture, and seaside relaxation. Piran, a medieval town with Venetian influences, is known for its narrow cobbled streets, colourful facades, and stunning coastal views. Tartini Square, the town’s lively centre, is surrounded by elegant buildings and a statue of Giuseppe Tartini, the famous composer born in Piran. A walk up to the 17th-century Church of St. George rewards visitors with panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the terracotta rooftops below. The town’s historic salt pans, part of the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park, showcase a centuries-old tradition of salt harvesting, offering insight into Piran’s maritime heritage.
Just a short drive away, Portorož presents a different atmosphere with its luxurious resorts, lively beach scene, and wellness centres. Known for its thermal spas, the town has a long history of attracting visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The waterfront promenade is lined with elegant hotels, boutique shops, and restaurants serving freshly caught seafood. Portorož’s sandy beaches are rare for Slovenia’s mostly rocky coastline, making it a popular spot for sunbathing and water sports. The town also hosts cultural events such as the Portorož Film Festival, drawing international cinema enthusiasts. For those looking to explore beyond the main town, the nearby Strunjan Nature Reserve offers scenic coastal trails and unspoiled natural beauty.
Both towns boast a vibrant culinary scene, influenced by Mediterranean and Istrian traditions. In Piran, local specialities such as fuži s tartufi (homemade pasta with truffles) and branzino (Adriatic sea bass) highlight the region’s rich flavours. The town’s seaside restaurants serve dishes infused with locally harvested salt and high-quality olive oil, paired with excellent Slovenian wines from nearby vineyards. Portorož offers a mix of fine dining and casual beachfront eateries, where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood platters and local delicacies like pršut (Slovenian dry-cured ham) with Istrian cheese. Whether wandering through Piran’s historic alleys or relaxing by the sea in Portorož, these coastal towns provide a unique blend of culture, history, and gourmet experiences.
Piran is just a gorgeous town. Yes, it’s similar to some of the Venetian port towns you find along the coast in Croatia, but it has a very authentic feeling given there isn’t a huge amount of tourism there. You certainly don’t go there for the hotels – although nice enough are not luxurious to Western standards.
I really liked the walk from where I stayed at the Histrion into Piran town. It took about 20 minutes, along mainly a path – but that disappears by the bus station (there are regular buses to Portoroz). The main square is quite a sight and is best explored on foot – along with some of the excellent restaurants by the harbourfront.
Our Favourite Hotels in Piran and Portoroz
Kempsinki Portoroz
In days gone by, Portoroz was the Adriatic resort in which to see and be seen by royals, artists and politicians. The prominent position of the hotel and its glamorous image attracted visitors from all over the world who came to enjoy top-class food, vintage champagnes and wines, spacious rooms and suites and terraces with stunning views. Today, the Kempinski Hotel retains those former standards within luxury modern and luxury traditional buildings. Enjoy fine dining at the Restaurant Sophia (named after the glamorous Sophia Loren) under vintage chandeliers or fusion cuisine on the terrace of the Fleur de Sel.
Hotel Histrion
We’ve Stayed Here
Part of the same large hotel chain in Slovenia as Hotel Grand Bernadin, the completely renovated Hotel Histrion is the largest hotel on the Slovenian coast, offering 276 rooms, the hotel is surrounded from all sides by the endless blue of the sea. From the hotel there is direct access to the Sea Water Park Termaris with the most beautiful views of the Slovenian sea and the Wellness Benedicta, which includes saunas, salt room and various Istrian-coloured massages and beauty treatments.
Hotel Piran
Hotel Piran is a smart, stylish hotel of 4 star standard which faces the town and Tartini Square and backs onto the promenade and the sea. It is an easy walk to the lovely shops and restaurants and a very pleasant stroll on the path leading round the town and the coast on the promenade. One of the many excellent Italian ice cream stalls may tempt you en route.
The restaurant sits at the water side where diners can eat tasty lunches and delicious dinners whilst looking over the ocean.
Bedrooms have either a town or a sea view – all are beautifully furnished with elegant bathrooms and suites are spacious and elegant. Staff are charming. Lots of Italian influence here with an abundance of good restaurants where fresh fish is obviously a speciality.
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