Introduction

Portoroz in Slovenia (LJPZ)

Starting from Sion (LSGS) in a sunny day, we crossed the Simplon pass at 8500 ft and faced an ocean of clouds covering northern Italy. While heading east to VIC (Vicenza VOR), we realised the true meaning of CAVOK.

After about 40 minutes, the GPS signal became unreliable and we were to far from VIC to get it. A large hole in the clouds allowed us to dive through the layer to regain quickly ground contact. We found to be right on track above the Como lake to VIC. We continued our descent for the VFR transit around venice to the reporting point of Malamocco. The VFR transit is almost mandatory, we have had once a chance to fly over Venice to intersection ROTAR but our sqawk was unreliable and the control finally asked us to go down to 1000 ft below Venice IFR approach axis. 

This VFR transit around Venice was quite impressive and busy due to numerous frequency changes, but the ATC was friendly and efficient. The St Marco place was clearly visible as well as the grass airfield of San Niccolo. We proceeded towards Trieste along the beaches:

And then turned right to the intersection VICKY and flew over the charming city of Piran:

The RWY became visible as we flew over the marina of Portoroz. The white areas before the APT are brines.

Shortly before landing, flying over the brines.

The marshaller was a light motorcycle and we were welcomes with glasses of the local prune alcohol (strong but good !).

Below the charming and relaxing city of Piran with its beautiful old fishing harbour:

Finally, we stopped at one of the numerous restaurants and had very good spaghettis with the famous white truffle.

This destination is highly recommend as the airport was friendly and helpful. Owing to their help we found a nice hotel facing the beach. The airport also arranged transportation.

Leaving Portoroz we flew over the new and touristic spot that is located just before Piran.

It was surprising that flying 2:20 hours was enough to be in such a different culture. 

Finally we came back to our favorite airport LSGS: