Portorož Beach

Portorož Beach is divided into several zones: sandy, grassy, and concrete. The sandy section is the most popular, with a gentle slope into the water that suits children. Grassy areas sit closer to the promenade, offering shade from trees. Concrete piers extend into the sea and are used for sunbathing and diving. The water in the bay is calm, with almost no waves – more lake-like than ocean.

A seafront promenade runs along the beach, connecting Portorož with Piran. Cafés, restaurants, and ice cream shops line the walkway. Cacao café near the beach is a popular spot for gelato. LaMar restaurant operates right on the shore. On summer evenings, markets with local products and crafts appear along the promenade.

Water sports equipment is available for hire: SUP boards, kayaks, and jet skis. There is a diving and snorkelling school on site. A roped-off shallow area with safety nets is designated for children. Lifeguards are on duty daily during the season. Near the LifeClass hotel complex, the separate Meduza Beach offers a quieter, well-maintained alternative with open access for all visitors.

Size – 25,000 m², the largest beach on Slovenia's 46.6 km coastline

Blue Flag – international certification for water quality and facilities

Zones – sandy, grassy, and concrete pier areas in one location

Water – 23–25 °C (73–77 °F) in July–August, gentle entry

Promenade – pedestrian seafront walk from Portorož to Piran (3 km)

Portorož developed as a resort from the 13th century, when Benedictine monks discovered the healing properties of local salt mud and seawater. By the 19th century, it had become a popular spa destination within the Austro-Hungarian Empire – the first sanatorium Hotel Palace opened in 1891. Treatments using salt and mud from the Sečovlje salt pans attracted aristocracy from across Europe.

The 20th century brought several waves of development: during the Yugoslav period, the beach was expanded and modernised with large hotel complexes. After Slovenian independence (1991), Portorož underwent promenade and beach infrastructure renovation. The beach first received Blue Flag certification in 2009. In 2026, the renovated Hotel Palace is set to reopen under Minor Hotels management as part of their luxury Minor Reserve Collection.

From Ljubljana (130 km, 1.5–2.5 hours):

- Bus (Arriva/FlixBus) – from €7–15 (~$8–16), several departures daily, 2–2.5 hours

- Car rental – via A1 motorway through Koper, 1.5 hours, eVinjeta toll sticker required (from €15/week / ~$16)

- GoOpti transfer – from €15–40 per person (~$16–43)

From Koper (20 km, 20–25 minutes):

- Local bus – ~€2 (~$2.20), every 20–30 minutes

- Taxi – ~€20–25 (~$22–27)

From Piran (3 km, 30–40 minutes on foot):

- Walk along the seafront promenade

- Free shuttle bus between Piran and Portorož

On site:

The promenade is pedestrian. Parking is at the town entrance.

Season: June–September for swimming. Air temperature 25–30 °C (77–86 °F), water 22–25 °C (72–77 °F). May and October are pleasant for walks but too cool for most swimmers.

Time of day: Before 10:00 AM the beach is quiet. By 11:00 AM–noon in season, it fills up. Evening (after 5:00 PM) offers pleasant light and fewer people.

Duration: Half-day to full day. Combines well with a walk to Piran along the promenade.

Avoid: July–August weekends – maximum crowds. For quieter options, consider Fiesa Beach or Moon Bay in Strunjan.