Piran and Portoroz 8-9 June

We arrived into Piran after spending the afternoon at the caves. On the way to the old town we passed through Koper and Portoroz.

Koper is the major port of Slovenia and Portoroz of Port of Roses is a major tourist attraction on the peninsula.

We drove the car into Piran only to find that unless you are a registered Piran Car owner you must park your car outside the town gates. So a quick unload was carried out and the car positioned to its rightful slot, banished from view out near the main road out of the town.

Grant, Karen and Jane

Piran is an old Mediterranean town situated at the tip of the Piran peninsula along the Piran Bay. The town resembles a large open-air museum, with medieval architecture and a rich culture heritage. Narrow streets and compact houses give the town its special charm. Piran is the administrative centre of the local area and one of Slovenia's major tourist attractions.

Piran Harbour

We had booked accommodation at the Piran Youth Hostel which was right the heart of the town and in a few windy streets. It was signposted right the town gates. The accommodation was excellent and location brilliant.

From this point on it marked the beginning of Calamari eating,– being so close to the sea meant that nearly every meal was to be fish and preferably Calamari,– fried, grilled, risotto, chowder etc etc. Reminds me of Bubba and his shrimp in Forest Gump.

The 9th of June saw us deliver the rental car back to Koper and take advantage of the bus services for the first time. Bus service is regular and reasonably cheap and definitely recommended.

Returning to Piran we wandered along the water front to find the girls who had commandeered a piece of free grass to indulge in a spot of serious, by the sea, sunbathing. Job done afternoon sorted sunbathing it was.

The evening saw a small bar on the water front with a look out towards Italy becoming a favourite hide out. Pivo (beer) was poured and ensured that our exertions of the day were well rewarded. Then out to a recommended restaurant for Calamari!

Transport to Split to catch the ferry to Brac was the next thing we needed to sort. This caused some interesting discussions with Avis. We booked a car from Piran to Split and when we arrived at the Avis store we were told that we had not made clear it was a one way rental so there would be a ginormous charge added to the car hire. Very convenient as we had specifically said a number of times during the booking that the car would be left in Split.

The bus had already left so an innovative solution was called for.

The Avis man was going to Reijka and offered to take us for a fee to cover his gas money. Deal done off we went Split here we come.