Portoroz

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Portoroz/wiki/Portoroz

Portoroz 45°30.33′N, 13°35.61′E45.5055;13.5935 destination

The beach resort of Portoroz - Click for larger view

The resort of Portorož lies on the coast of Slovenia just over two miles SE of the small harbour of Piran and two miles N of the border with Croatia. Essentially Slovenia’s only major mass-market beach resort, the coastline is lined with modern, high-rise hotels and casinos and the town, while pleasant, has few of the attractions of the old Venetian harbours along the coast, such as Piran, Koper or even Izola. However, it is a good base for over-wintering or for leaving a yacht to explore the fascinating hinterland of Slovenia. Just S of the resort is the large marina of Marina Portoroz, which offers 650 berths for yachts up to 30 metres and draft up to 3.5 metres.

Local Weather

Diurnal winds along the coast are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains are a feature of some of the harbours along the NE Adriatic coast. During early spring and (especially) autumn conditions can be more unsettled, occasionally accompanied by violent thunderstorms - luckily of short duration - with winds of 30-35 knots or more and vicious, steep seas. In the winter the sudden, violent N wind off the mountains, the bora, is much to be feared.

Equally prevalent in winter - although not uncommon in summer - is the scirocco, a S/SE wind that blows up from North Africa, usually in advance of a depression moving E across the Mediterranean. Unlike the bora, the scirocco only occasionally exceeds gale force, but is still a phenomenon to be wary of, especially if on a lee coast.

Sources of weather forecasting:

• Radio Slovenia broadcasts a forecast at 0635 and 0955 local time on 928 kHz and on FM.
• There is a continuous (computerised voice) weather forecast from Italy on VHF 68 - first in Italian and then followed with an English translation.
• The same forecast is given in Italian and English on Italian VHF coastal stations (e.g. Trieste) following a notification on channel 16.
• Navtex weather forecasts covering the Adriatic are broadcast from stations at Trieste, Split (Croatia) and Kerkyra (Corfu).
• The Croatian meteorological office has a useful web-based forecast service for winds and wave heights on Croatian Forecast Service

Charts

British Admiralty

1471

1426

Italian

924

Imray

M24

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Approach and Navigation

A tall belfry in the town of Piran, situated on a headland two miles NW of the marina, is conspicuous from some distance off. The marina of Marina Portoroz lies at the S end of the town of Portoroz, which is easily identified by the numerous high rise hotels along the coast. The marina is situated in a low-lying area which formerly was used for salt pans. Access is via a narrow, 22 metre wide channel with depths of 3.5 metres. The channel is marked with wooden posts. While there are no dangers in the approach, entry can be tricky in strong onshore winds. Once inside the marina, shelter is excellent.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

Yachts must go to Piran first to check in before continuing to Portoroz.

Berthing Options

See Marina Portoroz for berthing details. The marina can accommodate yachts up to 30 metres with maximum draft of 3.5 metres.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

• Marina Portoroz

Anchorages

There are no really sheltered anchorages in the area, although anchoring in the bight immediately N of the marina is possible in settled weather.

Offshore Islands and Groups

None.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.

Repairs/Yards

See entry for Marina Portoroz.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

See entry for Marina Portoroz.

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Portoroz is basically a beach resort and there is little of tourist interest other than beaches and a health spa (if mud baths and brine soaking turns you on). However, the town is a good base for exploring the hinterland of Slovenia, with its world-famous Lippizaner stud at Lipice, impressive cave systems of Skocjan and Postojna and castle of Predjama. It is also a short hop by shuttle bus to the lovely mediaeval town of Piran, which is an essential visit.

Gallery

The beaches of Portoroz	The beautiful mediaeval town of Piran
The spectacularly sited Predjama Castle	Lippizaners on show, Lipice Stud

Grocery & Supply Stores

Good provisions shops in the town

Eateries

Numerous bars and restaurants in the old town and in the marina.

Internet/WiFi

In the marina.

Laundry

In the marina.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Several rental outlets in the town.

Garbage Disposal

Bins at the marina.

Transportation

• Shuttle buses to Piran
• Small airport with some local and charter flights of 5 kilometres SSE
• International airport of Ljubljana 130 kilometres
• Airport of Trieste in Italy 60 kilometers

Routes/Passages To/From

See Slovenia.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

• Portoroz at the Wikipedia
• Official Slovenian tourism website
• Municipal website

References & Publications

See Slovenia.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

• Portoroz is a good place for laying up, in view of the well-equipped boatyard and the number of reasonably-priced hotels close to the marina--Athene of Lymington 12:27, 6 February 2011 (UTC)

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• September 2004 - April 2005--Athene of Lymington 12:27, 6 February 2011 (UTC)

Contributors to this page
Names: Athene of Lymington