Portoroz a coastal resort in Slovenia
It’s early May and we’re en-route to Portoroz, a coastal resort in Slovenia and the rain is relentless. We thought the weather might be better this time of year, but it’s wet, chilly and dismal. It’s such a shame, because everything looks so much worse in bad weather, so we’re not seeing the coast of Slovenia at its best.
Speaking of coast, Slovenia has a really short section of land beside the sea. Only 47km in fact, which stretches along the Adriatic, encompassing the coastal resorts of Koper, Piran and Izola. All of which we’ve been exploring before reaching the last small stretch here at Portoroz.
Portoroz is supposedly swish
Apparently Portoroz is one of the most swish resorts along the Slovenia coast, so we’ve high hopes.
Driving along the long road into the centre, brings a glimpse of the town, beaches and a promenade. We notice a few hotels along with some cafe’s and shops but not much else. To be honest, so far it looks typically like beach town, without much in the way of quaintness, which oozes from Slovenia’s other coastal towns.
Now we just need to find somewhere to park, so we can get out on foot and check it all out.
Motorhome parking in Portoroz
First things first, Pororoz isn’t the best for overnight parking in a motorhome. If you haven’t read my previous posts on Slovenia, it’s worth mentioning that Slovenia doesn’t allow wild camping but it does have some dedicated motorhome stopover places, similar to Aires.
Initially, we plan on possibly staying the night. Then, we realise the only overnight parking area, which happens to be at a marina is a mighty 50 Euro. So, we quickly dismiss the idea, especially with the weather as it is and from what we can see so far, everything here still looks shut for Winter.
After driving up and down through the centre a couple of times, we come across a parking area where motorhomes can park during the day. I can’t remember if it’s free or cheap, either way we go to the pay machine and take a ticket which gives us one hour only!
Time to jump out and get going.
Deserted terraces and a murky pool – Portoroz a coastal resort in Slovenia
Portoroz is an easy place to see on foot. First, there’s the prom which is just across the road from the parking area and leads to pretty much everywhere. Secondly, we soon realise this is really more beach resort than anything, so in the height of Summer it’s probably a very different Portoroz to what we’re seeing today.
Back in May, it’s almost like a ghost town, with no sign of Summer opening yet. Not even the deserted sunbathing terraces are remotely ready for heat. Here, rows of parasol stands lie in the disheveled grounds next to the promenade walkways, whilst beach restaurants, cafe’s and everything else remains closed up since last season.
It’s actually a bit eerie, made ten times worse when we reach the outdoor public swimming pool. Yuk, the large uninviting pool is full of brown, still water, resembling a dark pea soup mix. Just beyond are the changing rooms and reception, still displaying the opening times from last Summer.
To be fair, I’m sure once Summer arrives to Slovenia, the pool which overlooks the very clear Adriatic will be too tempting to resist.
Just after the swimming pool we come across more abandoned seasonal buildings which look like they’d be restaurants when open. By now we’re both bursting for the loo, but with nothing open, we’ve nowhere to go!
Boarded up stalls and no loo
Heck, by now, the only thing we can concentrate on is finding a loo. Normally at this stage of desperation, we’d find the nearest cafe but there’s just nowhere to go here!
Walking swiftly back towards the town centre, we live in hope. Otherwise we’ve just got to hang on until we get back to the campervan. Unfortunately, we’re almost back at the camper by the time we find the loos, situated at a bus station in the heart of town.
That’s better, now time for a last look in the town before our 1-hour of parking is up. There’s a few posh looking hotels along the promenade road, giving an indication that indeed, this is somewhat an upmarket resort.
Other than that, there’s not really too much to see. Nonetheless, once this resort does open up for tourists, I’m sure it takes on a whole new personality.
It’s hard to imagine today in the rain and desolate atmosphere, but the glimpses of a spark are there to see. There’s several eateries, a small supermarket and independent shops along the main road. Behind these is the long prom linking the town to the beach and further along to the marina.
For us, this glimpse into what Portoroz can offer is enough for today. Now it’s time to retreat back to the camper before out ticket time is up.
Next time we head inland across mist-filled hills to reach the border of Croatia, join us then.
