Lanterna Apartments

We arrived to a very desolate resort in May, reception looking quite posh.

A gentleman approached us to transport our cases to our apartments, I was nearly impressed.
Our directions to our apartment from Mr. receptionist was out of here and turn right just keep on walking, which we did for some time, half a mile later we got to our three story tower block in the woods, adequate I thought. The rooms were ok, old fashioned but ok.
The first evening we decided to hunt out the amenities around the complex. There were various shops, restaurants, bars, outside eating areas, but to our disbelief it was all closed, so we asked in reception when it opens, his reply was July.
There were only two restaurants on the complex that were open but after two days one of those closed down, as there was not enough trade to stay open.
There were only 4 buses a day out of the resort last bus being 5.20pm. Taxi`s to the next town were £20 each way, only about 8 miles away.
I would recommend Croatia as a place to visit as it has all you need for a good holiday,
but I would stay well away from Laterna apartments, especially May and June.
Everyone I spoke to on the resort being about 12 people, which were infact the only British people there, but lots and lots of Germans we were all under the same impression, it should not be in the brochures as it is not open properly until July in which time it may improve slightly.
The Germans all drive there as it is just over the border and are able to get out and about nice and easily, which would make all the difference.

Built in 1982 the apartments are spartan but clean, good selection of pots, pans knives and forks - but no kettle, you are expected to use a sauce pan to boil water for tea or coffee. No phone in room.
The reception was a 5 to 7 minute walk from our apartment, no assistance with cases; luckily we had wheels on our suit cases.
The apartments are about 8 to 10 miles out of the town. Taxi to Porec 120 to 150 kunas, that’s £10 to 12.50 each way.
Limited bus service 3 or 4 times a day, good value at 200 kunas about £2.00 each way.
It started running half way through our holiday. The boat service link to Porec was not running whilst we were there.
Food and local spirits /beers good value.
Trip to The Lakes worth doing, but be warned very early start, 5 hour coach trip to get there, one stop only. The 'lunch' is served at tea time, the trip should have been back into Porec at 10pm, but was delayed by a RTA by 1 1/2 hours.
Unfortunately in rained that day, every one was soaked through, take wet weather gear, and it can rain in Croatia too!
A major problem while we were there, was that the apartments were used by coach loads German Students as an overnight stop over, they got merry (to put it politely) in one of the bars then came back singing and making noise until the early hours.
Three families on our week asked to be moved, one, two adults + two under 5's paying £400 for an upgrade.
The apartments in our opinion are not suitable for families, or people with mobility problems, steps everywhere. Pebble beach on the south side of the peninsular, sand on the north side.
The apartments on the north side appeared more modern, and far more appealing.
Read the description in the brochure carefully, note what it says, and does not say.
The groups staying in Porec all spoke highly of the hotels, in particular those staying at Hotel Fortuna sited on an island in the bay.
We had a good time in Croatia, and would go back, but not to the Lanterna Apartments or as some people were calling them Stalag Butlins.