Piran - Portorož (57)

It is still a fresh entry of Croatia into the Schengen space, so we plan to intensify excursions outside the Croatian western borders where there are no lowered ramps anymore.

February as we like, a pleasantly fresh morning and, the prognosis says, a sunny day. Ideal time for walking Piran-Portorož-Piran. On the way to the destination, it will warm to a pleasant 14C.

From a few possible paths, we choose this, through the heart Ćićarija by which we avoid paying tolls to both HR and SLO concessionaires.

Free packaging is also possible at this time of year in Piran, which suffocates in cars in the summer. We aim for the environment Barbara Piran Beach Hotels. Spacious unpaved plateau intended for parking is not charged in the period from 01.10 to 31.03. Hidden in the immediate vicinity, across the road, behind dense vegetation, pond! On the board, we read that there are mysterious inhabitants hiding there. We didn't see them.

With the first step, and the “start” application on smartwatches, we go downhill to the coast. A couple in love stayed here in 2018, so there are memories and curiosity about what, and to what extent, has changed.

We walk along the coastal promenade towards the center of Piran. The sign still warns us today in 2023, as in 2018, that we are moving “at our own responsibility”. The average tourist in Croatia would expect such a thing, but even with our first neighbors it is not ideal. Does that make it easier for us? ?

However, the promenade is somewhat more refined than we remember it, but for the most part there is no fence even today. Protective nets have been installed at critical rockfall sites, and the piles of stone boulders caught in them confirm that they are very necessary.

The base is humpback, so the baby stroller is pushed empty, and toddlers are mostly carried by fathers or mothers. Careful walking is also necessary in our experienced walkers.

PIRAN

In the center Piranha We're in 20 minutes. We'll go left first, cobblestone, the path of the city walls, and only then, we will descend to the main square.

We are in front of the walls that are said to be the first built at 7. Construction continued into the 12th century. Today's appearance of the walls dates back to the 16th century when the city was preparing to defend itself against the Turks.

The tour is open all days of the week, and the ticket price is 3 €. Except for us, no one anywhere. Fortunately, because to reach the top of the ramparts, you need to climb narrow stairs, and also sneak through
low passages and openings. From the top there is a spectacular view of the beautiful old town framed by the blue sea. The Alps in the distance are amazing.

After a tour of the walls, we descend to St. Peter's Church. St. George's. Another viewpoint, the bell tower of the church, offers a beautiful view from a different perspective.

Entrance fee is 2 €. Climbing over 146 wooden stairs is an experience in itself. An interesting clock mechanism that, unfortunately, no longer runs the hands and a 360-degree view of the surroundings, is worth every cent.

Be careful! The Ringing is every 15 minutes, so a clearer warning and earplugs, if you find yourself right next to the bell, would not hurt.

Church of st. St. George was built in the 12th century. It is considered to be the most beautiful and the largest in the city.

The city was under the rule of the Venetian Republic for centuries, and this influence is still visible today in the well-preserved Venetian architecture. Unusual, recently upgraded roof terraces do not belong to that time, and even today no building permits should be issued for them. ⁇

The narrow, winding streets are full of interesting details, but wandering would be far more pleasant if we were not accompanied by the strong stench of sewage.

The Piran lighthouse adorns the top of the coastal promenade with a beautiful view of the Bay of Piran (SLO), i.e. the Savudrija Bay (HR), which, unfortunately, is best known for border dispute which is not resolved, or perhaps is resolved by establishing that it is unsolvable because we have to agree...

Tartini Square

It is adorned with a statue of composer and violinist Giuseppe Tartini (1692-1770), born pyranes after whom the square was named.

In about 2 hours we visited all the main sights. Meat bar is an ideal place for a short break with coffee in the open air.

PORTOROŽ

The sun is high in the sky, so it is necessary to take off a few layers of clothing so that we do not sweat during a light walk to Portorož. Hotel to the hotel of different ages and conditions. The one who offers his rooms to free-living cats stands out. On a sunny day, all his rooms are empty because guests walk somewhere like us.

the former salt stores An attractive alternative function is sought. EU funds connect with our neighbors.

Pizzeria restaurant Paco, Portorož

We sit on the sunlit terrace. Vegetable soup is good, fish is not. Pizza is very good, better than the average rating Paco has on Tripadvisor.

Cacao Pastry Shop

Even for those who do not like ice cream, if there are such, ice cream should be tasted here. We give him five.*!

One ball is enough or maybe two halves of different flavors are a better choice?

We will visit Cacao and in other locations when we get the chance.