Portorož: The Coastal Jewel of Slovenia

• HelloZdravo
  [Zdrah-vo]
• GoodbyeNasvidenje
  [Nahs-vee-deh-nyeh]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeProsim
  [Proh-seem]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryOprostite
  [Oh-proh-stee-teh]
• How are you?Kako ste?
  [Kah-koh steh?]
• Fine. And you?V redu. In vi?
  [V reh-doo. Een vee?]
• Do you speak English?Govorite angleško?
  [Go-vo-ree-te ahn-gleh-shko?]
• I don't understandNe razumem
  [Neh rah-zoo-mem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseRad bi videl jedilnik, prosim
  [Raad bee vee-del yeh-deel-neek, proh-seem]
• I don't eat meatNe jem mesa
  [Neh yem meh-sa]
• Cheers!Na zdravje!
  [Nah zdrahv-yeh!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseRad bi plačal, prosim
  [Raad bee plah-chahl, proh-seem]

• Help!Pomoč!
  [Poh-mohch!]
• Go away!Pojdite stran!
  [Poy-dee-teh strahn!]
• Call the Police!Pokličite policijo!
  [Poh-klee-chee-teh po-lee-tsee-yoh!]
• Call a doctor!Pokličite zdravnika!
  [Poh-klee-chee-teh zdrahv-nee-kah!]
• I'm lostIzgubil sem se
  [Eez-goo-beel sehm seh]
• I'm illBolam
  [Boh-lahm]

• I'd like to buy...Rad bi kupil...
  [Raad bee koo-peel...]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko stane?
  [Koh-lee-koh stah-neh?]
• That's too expensiveTo je predrago
  [Toh yeh preh-drah-goh]
• Can you lower the price?Lahko znižate ceno?
  [Lah-koh znee-zah-teh cheh-no?]

• What time is it?Koliko je ura?
  [Koh-lee-koh yeh oo-rah?]
• It's one o'clockJe ena ura
  [Yeh eh-nah oo-rah]
• Half past (10)Pol desetih
  [Pohl deh-seh-teeh]
• MorningJutro
  [Yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopoldne
  [Poh-pohl-deh-neh]
• EveningVečer
  [Veh-chehr]
• YesterdayVčeraj
  [V-cheh-rye]
• TodayDanes
  [Dah-nehs]
• TomorrowJutri
  [Yoo-tree]
• 1Ena
  [Eh-nah]
• 2Dva
  [Dvah]
• 3Tri
  [Tree]
• 4Štiri
  [Shtee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [Peh-t]
• 6Šest
  [Shest]
• 7Sedem
  [Seh-dehm]
• 8Osem
  [Oh-sehm]
• 9Devet
  [Deh-veht]
• 10Deset
  [Deh-seht]

• Where's a/the...?Kje je...
  [Keh yeh...]
• What's the address?Kakšen je naslov?
  [Kahk-shen yeh nahs-lohv?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mi lahko pokažete (na zemljevidu)?
  [Mee lah-koh poh-kah-zheh-teh (nah zehm-lyeh-vee-doo)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kdaj je naslednji (avtobus)?
  [Kdyah yeh nahs-lehd-nee (ow-toh-boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ena vozovnica (za ...)
  [Eh-nah voh-zohv-nee-tsah (zah ...)]

The history of Portorož dates back to the Roman era, when the area was part of the Roman province of Histria. Archaeological evidence, including ancient villa ruins and artifacts, suggests that the region was a thriving settlement. The Romans were drawn to the area for its favorable climate and natural resources, particularly the salt pans.

During the Middle Ages, Portorož became known for its monastic communities. The Benedictine monks from the nearby monastery of St. Lawrence played a significant role in the development of the area. They cultivated the land and produced salt, a valuable commodity at the time. The name Portorož, meaning 'Port of Roses,' is believed to have originated from the roses planted by the monks.

In the late 13th century, Portorož and the surrounding region came under the control of the Republic of Venice. This period marked significant growth in trade and commerce. Venetian influence is still evident today in the area's architecture and cultural heritage. The salt pans continued to be an important economic resource, and Portorož prospered as a trading hub.

The decline of Venetian power in the late 18th century led to Portorož falling under Austro-Hungarian rule. This era saw the transformation of Portorož into a fashionable seaside resort. The construction of grand hotels, spas, and public baths attracted the European elite. The thermal springs and therapeutic mud, combined with the mild climate, made Portorož a popular destination for health and wellness tourism.

The first and second World Wars had a significant impact on Portorož. During World War I, the region became a battleground, and many of its buildings were damaged. Following World War II, Portorož became part of Yugoslavia. The town underwent reconstruction and continued to develop as a tourist destination. The establishment of the Grand Casino Portorož in 1913 played a pivotal role in reviving the local economy.

Since Slovenia's independence in 1991, Portorož has continued to grow as a major tourist destination on the Adriatic coast. The town is famous for its luxurious resorts, vibrant nightlife, and cultural festivals. Efforts to preserve its historical heritage while promoting sustainable tourism have made Portorož a unique blend of history and modernity. The salt pans, now part of the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park, remain a significant cultural and natural landmark.

Portorož is located on the southwestern coast of Slovenia, near the border with Italy and Croatia. The nearest international airport is Trieste Airport in Italy, approximately 80 kilometers away. From Trieste, you can take a bus or taxi to Portorož, which usually takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport is around 140 kilometers away, and from there, you can take a bus, shuttle service, or rent a car for a drive of about 1.5 to 2 hours. There are also direct bus services from major cities like Ljubljana, Piran, and Koper.

Portorož is a small town, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local buses are available and connect Portorož with neighboring towns like Piran and Koper. Taxis are readily available but tend to be more expensive. Renting a bike or an electric scooter is a popular option for tourists to explore the coastline. Car rentals are also available for those who wish to explore the wider Istrian region.

The official currency in Slovenia is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments, street vendors, and markets. ATMs are widely available in Portorož, and major banks offer currency exchange services.

Portorož is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any tourist destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended on the beach and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant, especially at night.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services, including police, fire department, and medical services. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Portorož. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress casually and comfortably, but avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and be quiet and respectful. Public Transport: Do be punctual, as buses run on a strict schedule. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Dober dan' (Good day) or a handshake. A smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like seafood and traditional Istrian dishes. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Portorož like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Slovenian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss a visit to the nearby town of Piran, known for its medieval architecture and stunning sea views. For a unique experience, take a walk along the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park, where you can learn about traditional salt-making methods.