History

In 1879 a Piran doctor, Giovanni Lugnano, started to treat rheumatic problems with fango (sea mud), seawater baths and the drinking of salt water. The reputation of the healing properties of the salt soon spread from the surrounding towns to more distant areas of Austria-Hungary. The arrival of numerous guests after 1885 called for the construction of new villas and boarding houses. This was followed by the establishment of a spa company in Piran, 'Stabilimento balneare di Pirano',  which oversaw the construction of a new hotel with 80 rooms, 120 beds, a restaurant and a café, as well as a spa building with 30 bedrooms and its own baths, the predecessor of the famous Palace Hotel.

The 20th of August 1910 saw the opening of one of the most beautiful hotels on the Adriatic coast – the Palace Hotel. This luxurious building had 175 rooms, a magnificent dining room also used as a multi-purpose hall, a spacious open terrace, a lavish reception room with a large painting by Glauca Cambone as well as rooms for reading and games. The hotel had facilities for mud baths and a seawater pool. The entire spa complex was equipped with the most modern therapeutic devices, and in front of the hotel there was a new sandy beach with 200 cabins. The architectural concept was designed by a renowned architect from Trieste, Lodovico Braidotti. In 2008 the hotel was completely renovated, combining the famous old-fashioned exterior and contemporary facilities.

In 1913, Portorož was visited by 7000 guests, which increased its international character and notoriety. However, the First and Second World Wars slowed down the development of the town. Its revival came in 1954 when the spa in the old Palace Hotel was renovated. In 1975 the Palace Spa acquired the status of a natural health resort. The new spa, Talasotherapy Portorož, was built ten years later, comprising four hotels which have improved and revived their services in the last couple of years.

Today, Portorož is a modern tourist resort with numerous hotels, its own marina, airport, casino, convention and wellness centres, excellent restaurants and many different possibilities for excursions and activities. Every year, numerous events take place in Portorož, attracting Slovene and foreign guests.