Poreč Guide

INTRODUCTION

We are a group of friends who rent their private accommodation. In order to improve our offer, we decided to create a small guide about our town. Select the category from the menu and find out more about Poreč and surroundings. This guide is the result of our own preferences, we don’t get money or benefits from recommendations of restaurants and bars.
We hope that you will enjoy your stay in our beautiful town!

HISTORY

Poreč is a town located on the western coast of Istria. A town of culture, tourism, sport and entertainment, it has been recognised and awarded for the beauty of its public spaces and its cleanliness many times over.

It has a long and turbulent history which nurtures remnants of its past in the heart of its old town. From Ancient Roman times to the present day, more than two thousand years have passed, and the streets of Poreč continue to preserve their original architecture and numerous cultural and historical monuments. Of these we can especially note the Euphrasius Basilica with its distinctive mosaics dating from the 6th century which UNESCO recognised and protected as a world heritage site in 1997.

Today the centre of the old city is located on this small peninsula. The silhouette of a city is visible in the geometrically symmetrical placement of the streets. The City of Poreč has preserved this appearance with the main streets Cardo Maximus and Decumanus as well as the centrally located Forum.

Every summer, tourists and visitors from around the globe come to Poreč to sunbathe or sleep in the shade, read a book, walk along the shore or just watch the sunset.

Historical sites:

Poreč might be Istria’s premier modern holiday resort, but the entire old city centre is a cultural monument and visitors should make time to visit the town’s historic attractions. Built in Roman times, old town Poreč has maintained its original street system with Marafor Square at its centre. The facades of numerous city palaces will reveal the history of their construction to you through various stylistic and historical periods.

In numerous records and literature Poreč is called a city of mosaics thanks to the culture founded by the Euphrasiana, a basilica in whose diocese the museum of church art and archaeological remains of earlier churches are housed.

Euphrasius Basilica

The 6th century Euphrasius Basilica complex in Poreč is one of the stars of Istria’s historic attractions. The complex includes the basilica, a sacristy, baptistery and the bell tower of the archbishop’s palace. As the Mediterranean’s best preserved monument of early Byzantine art, the complex has earned a rightful place on UNESCO’s world cultural heritage list. What packs in the crowds are the glittering wall mosaics in the apse. These 6th century masterpieces feature biblical scenes, archangels and Istrian martyrs.

Marafor Square

One of the stars of Poreč culture and history is Marafor Square where public gatherings took place in Roman times. Nearby lie the ruins of two other historic attractions, the Temples of Mars and Neptune, constructed in the 1st and 2nd centuries.

Romanesque house

Located at the junction of Decamanus Street and Marafor Square, the Romanesque house is one of the few residential buildings still preserved in its original form and is a popular Poreč attraction. One of the most impressive features is its beautiful facade featuring an ornate wooden balcony.

Istrian Council House

Amongst the many historic attractions of Poreč, the Istrian Council House provides a prime example of Gothic and Baroque architecture. Originally a Franciscan church, this 13th century building was used as the seat of regional parliament last century. Nowadays it houses a varied range of exhibitions and concerts.

Poreč towers

The Pentagonal Tower, Round Tower and Northern Tower were all built in the 15th century during Venetian rule to guard against a potential Ottoman invasion of Istria. These are three of the original 11 Poreč towers that made up the city walls to have been preserved and prove a popular attraction for visitors.

beaches

Poreč and its surroundings offer many beautiful beaches and bays with crystal clear water. They all have a blue flag – an award for clean water and equipped beach. The coast is mostly rocky, and so are the beaches. But within resorts, many beaches are manmade with cemented sunbathing areas, and shingle swimming areas. Beaches in Poreč offer lots of space, and most importantly, lots of shade under the pine trees. There are lots of water sports to enjoy, deck chairs, sun umbrellas, boats and jet skis to rent, showers, sandpits, playgrounds and waterslides for children, bars, restaurants, and even designated areas for dogs.

In the vicinity of many beaches, there are also small grocery stores and beachwear stores. Public toilet facilities are not common, although some beaches have them. However, you can always use a toilet of any bar or restaurant in the vicinity.
! Some charge a fee for using toilets, others keep toilets strictly for bar's guests.

If you prefer wild beaches, there is a strip of coast going north after Materada beach that is called SALADINKA and PORTO BUSSOLA. These are beaches with no infrastructure (no toilets, no showers, no changing cabins, no water sport activitiesfor rent etc.). It is really popular among locals. The beach is rocky, getting into the water is rough at most places so water shoes are recommended but it has lots of shadow, and there are places where you can make BBQ. There is a little mooring spot for small, recreational boats, and one bar.

WHERE TO EAT?

Our selection of nice places to eat in Porec

Arman Grill

Located at the green market, it is a newly renovated place for meat lovers. The burgers are excellent, great steaks and the legendary “gurmanska pljeskavica” (spicy!). It also offers a variety of daily menus. Open even after the green market closes. Click here to find out more.

Umi Asian Food

Offers great Asian fusion delicacies from selected top products. Click here to find out more.

Artha VEGETARIAN/VEGAN

The only vegetarian/vegan restaurant in town offers great daily menus at cheap price and delicious desserts. Click here to find out more.

Coffee - Ice cream

Night life in Poreč

• COMMITIUM / OLD TIME

  Bars on Marafor square where you can enjoy cocktails while listening to live music during summer nights.

• TERRA MAGICA

  A romantic place with bands playing live on Matije Gupca square.

• LA VECIA CANTINA

  Hidden gem, right under the Istrian Council House (yes, in the basement). A must see.

• ROUND TOWER

  You can climb the steep stone stairs of this tower dating from year 1475 and have a drink on its observatory, now a terrace with a view of the waterfront and the Island of Sv. Nikola. Inside the tower the firearm loopholes have been preserved.

• HABITAT

  Best coffee in town. In the evening, a great place for chilling along with a craft beer or cocktail.

• PESCHIERA

  Right on the sea, make yourself comfortable in one of the many loungers and enjoy the best sunset view. Good place for cocktails.

• GARAŽ BEACH BAR

  Cute little place for morning coffee, fresh juices or smoothies, evening cocktail with stunning view of Poreč.

• SAINT & SINNER

  Party club located in the city centre.

• VILLA CLUB

  Located on Town beach, during the day open for coffee, drinks and chilling on the beach. At night dive into the feel of good music, house, disco, r’n’b… on an open terrace by the sea.

• BYBLOS

  Located in the resort Zelena laguna, Byblos offers popular and alternative culture, along with a variety of concerts and party music spread across indoor and outdoor floors.

Activities

Among many water and outdoor sports, we can suggest some interesting activities available in Poreč and its surroundings.

Dušan Džamonja sculpture park

The sculpture park of world renown artist Dušan Džamonja (1928 – 2009) is situated close to Vrsar (Valkanela). His monumental abstract sculptures are placed in the natural environment surrounding his house and studio. In his works, Džamonja experimented by using traditional materials in a new way. He combined glass, metal and wood, fills wired meshes with black pressed concrete, experimented with bronze, aluminium, corteen steel.

A sculpture technique in which iron nails are being pressed into the wooden core and set to fire in order to expose only the metallic shell, give to Džamonja's sculptures a new value of inner space and light.

A visit to this unique park, in which part of Džamonja's work is being kept, is a special experience that will be appreciated by contemporary art connoisseurs ad by everyone wishing to spend some time enjoying modern sculpture and relaxing in the peaceful and green park.

Parenzana cycling route

The route goes along the old narrow gauge Parenzana railway, which used to connect Trieste and Poreč and has become a symbol of friendship between Slovenian, Italian and Croatian municipalities. The Parenzana route takes you through old cities and villages, along the sea, among vineyards and olive plantations, through short tunnels, across valleys and hills. Many visitors and tourists take this route for sports and recreation or just for relaxation.

It is suitable for everyone and there are also many resting points along the way, where you will be able to take a break, get interesting information or learn about the history of the railway. While on route, enjoy great food and wine in the many excellent agrotourism and vineries.

Ski lift

At the entrance to Zelena Laguna, below Molindrio Hotel, you will find the only ski-lift in Istria, water skiing with a cableway is therefore a unique attraction. With a length of 700 m, the sea cableway has 7 speeds and as such can be modified for beginners and more experienced and capable recreational water-skiers. It regularly hosts parties, amateur and professional competitions in water skiing, tennis to beach volleyball and beach soccer tournaments etc.

Baredina Cave

A geomorphologic monument of nature and the first speleological locality in Istria opened for tourism. The sightseeing lasts 40 minutes, visitors descend along a 300 m long pathway up to 60 m below the ground and visit 5 chambers and an underground lake where a secret resident lives. There is also a collection of about 50 tractors and farm machinery in their original shape on display, a craftily designed gallery that tells the story about the Mediterranean trilogy – bread, olive oil and wine, a playground for kids, a yard with domestic animals, a botanical path with marked native plants and an area where you can set up your own picnic.

Kamenjak Nature park

The Kamenjak peninsula is located in the southernmost part of Istria and it is a protected natural area. From rocky ground and grasslands, through shrub-like vegetation, all the way to maquis and forests, the Kamenjak area consists of a complex mosaic of habitats. It has a great palaeontological importance due to the extremely rare dinosaur footprints found here. The roads are not paved and there is a fee if you would like to get in the park with a car, (around 10 Euros), free if you are on foot or by bike. The eastern part of the peninsula can get windy and it’s well known for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It is one of the most beautiful stretches of Croatian coastline. Don't leave without visiting the unique Safari bar at the very south, you won’t regret it. A magical place ;)

Zip line over Pazin abyss

It is an adrenaline crossing over Pazin Cave with a steel cable that can reach the speed of 50 km/h and gives you enough time to enjoy the unusual view of a grandiose abyss and a medieval castle on its cliffs. Open from May till October, 10 AM to 7 PM.

Aquapark Aquacolors

Located 2 km south of Poreč on the road to Vrsar, it is one of the largest water parks in the south-east Europe. It features 20 various water attractions and slides, heated pools, kids activities, restaurants and a relax-zone.

Shopping

• Green Market - Fresh fruits and vegetables (some locally produced) as well as other domestic products like olive oil, cheese, eggs, rakija and honey.

• Supermarkets - The street of Matije Vlašića going towards the detour has all the supermarkets (Superkonzum, Kaufland, Lidl, Eurospin, Plodine). There is a DM in front of the central parking.

• Galerija poreč mall - Mate Vlašića street. New Yorker, C&A, CCC, Müller, Hervis, Bipa, Tedi, Pepco, McDonald’s....

• Decumanus Street - In the old town you can mainly find souvenir shops, jewelry stores, beach and shoe shops. Some fashion stores.

Getting here & around

Poreč is situated on the west coast of Croatian peninsula Istria and is easily reachable by car from Italy, Slovenia and inland Croatia.

Distances

Poreč is a small town and all the sites are within walking distance. You can rent bikes for about 12 Eur per day. From April to October, a tourist train operates regularly from Town beach to Brulo (1,3 Eur), Plava Laguna (2,6 Eur) and Zelena Laguna (3,9 Eur). Another route goes from the city centre (Peškera) to Valamar Marea (1,9 Eur). There are passenger boats that can take you to Plava and Zelena Laguna from the city port (4 Eur to Zelena laguna, 5 Eur round trip), or taxi boats to get anywhere quickly. The frequent buses to Vrsar stop at Plava Laguna, Zelena Laguna and the other resorts south of the city.

Istria

Rovinj

The most romantic place just underneath the Lim Channel. The town of Rovinj is the right destination for all those looking for a sentimental atmosphere of the times long lost and for best Instagram posts. Feel the enchantment of the town in its narrow medieval streets. A visit to the Town Museum and the town’s many galleries will complete your cultural experience.

Vrsar

Nice little town just 10 min from Poreč offers lovely beaches and some fine restaurants. Really stunning views from the old town.

Pula

The largest town on the Istrian peninsula offers a diversity of attractions to culture and history fans. The rich itinerary of its three thousand years old history, where every step you take through the old town is a landmark, begins with the Roman amphitheatre. A unique experience is to rest in the main town square which has managed to retain its role of gathering place since the Augustan Age.

Motovun

A little town on the hill, overlooking Mirna River valley, this is surely the most famous and attractive Istrian medieval town. The captivating hilltop town is one of the characteristic symbols of the Istrian interior. A perfect venue for a large number of events, the most significant among them being the International Motovun Film Festival that takes place at the end of July where world-known film artists may be seen. The gastronomy of this area is based on old Istrian recipes and the real charm is given by the highly valued white truffle from Motovun forest. Close to Motovun there is the thermal spa with curative water – Istarske toplice.

Grožnjan

A small Istrian town of great cultural significance not only in Croatia but also internationally, lives its summer months very intensely thanks to the summer music academy and many artistic, dance and drama workshops. During those few summer months, Grožnjan lives and breathes art and the labyrinth of its little streets become one great stage on which jazz and classical music, guitar and piano, violin and cello, drum and vibraphone sounds constantly interchange

Sveti Lovreč

Nestles in the immediate hinterland of Vrsar and Poreč. It is one the best preserved medieval fortified towns in Istria. The circular shape of the settlement originates from the prehistoric period when a hillfort was located on the hill top. During the Byzantine era, Lovreč had already been fortified with walls and towers, which were later thoroughly restored on various occasions. Most of the remaining fortifications date back to the Venetian era when Lovreč was the seat of the military administration of the Venetian Istria – the so called pazenatik.

Svetvinčenat

The renaissance town of Svetvinčenat with its main square, called „Placa“, together with Morosini-Grimani castle, the landmark of the place and one of the most important Venetian fortifications in Istria, makes the cultural heritage and memorable experience. Each year, this special little town is home to many visitors attracted by its rich tradition and its interesting and diverse events, among which the best known are the Medieval festival, the Cheese festival and the Dance and non-verbal theatre festival.

Gračišće

Only fifteen years ago it seemed that this old little town standing over the hilly landscape of central Istria had been ignored by modern changes. Life was thriving here already in prehistory and it is said that the name Gallignana was given to the town by the ancient Gauls more than two thousand years ago. From the lawn surrounding the church, visitors obtain probably one of the most beautiful views extending over the undulating landscape of Istria, merging into the peaks of the lofty Učka Mountain.

Draguć

In the deepest inland of Istra, situated in the middle of nowhere and squeezed on the ridge of a hill, it simply allures you with its harmonious ancient perspective. Due to the fact that many movies have been filmed here and numerous film stars have walked its streets, Draguć has been for long babbled the name of Istrian Hollywood. Still, Draguć is not just a coulisse. The supreme vivid frescoes in the adorned churches along with their sacred treasure are the target of the curious tourists and gives them the opportunity to have the main role in this silence-prevailing surrounding.

Suggested one day trips from Poreč

Venice by ferry

This unique city in the world is situated just across the sea and is reachable from Poreč port by boats and ferries. Boats and catamarans begin journeys in April and end in October. Note that the schedules are arranged to make day trips from Croatia to Venice, not vice-versa. No matter when you wish to go, we strongly advise that you buy your tickets online in advance.

Lim Channel

Some twenty min drive south of Poreč lies a flooded canyon valley, also known as Lim Bay or Lim Fjord. Lim Channel is part of the 35 km long Limska draga hollow that stretches almost to the town of Pazin in the very heart of Istria. The channel itself is over 10 km long and surrounded on both sides by steep hills that can reach up to 100 m in height. Take a boat tour from Poreč to Lim fjord as it is one of nature’s lovers dreams. The water in the bay is partly brackish, because of its underwater sources of sweet water and it is thus suitable for the growth of plant and animal life and it is also a well-known fish and oyster farm (oysters, mussels, giltheads, sea basses.). All these delicacies can be tasted in two restaurants on the very coast of the bay. On the southern side, nearby the quayside and the restaurant, some hundred meters high, Romualdo's cave is located, where during the 11th century and later church ceremonies were held.

National park Brijuni

This is an oasis of magnificent harmony between man, animal and plant life. There are almost 700 plant species and about 250 bird species on the islands, whereas the mild Mediterranean climate makes it a pleasant health resort. The island has a zoo, pheasant farm and safari park with numerous diverse forms of animal life from throughout the world. Traces of human inhabitation on the island date back to the Bronze age and the most significant site is the pre-historic settlement on Gradina hill. Although the surface area of the islands is just over 7 km2, there are around 100 localities and archaeological sites, mostly from the period of the Roman Republic and Empire. Starting point to the islands is Fažana, a small town close to Pula where hourly boats depart to Brijuni. Visit the web site

Plitvice lakes

One of the oldest national parks in southeast Europe and the largest national park in Croatia. The national park is world famous for its lakes arranged in cascades. Currently, 16 lakes can be seen from the surface. These lakes are a result of the confluence of several small rivers and subterranean karst rivers. The lakes are all interconnected and follow the water flow. Many agencies in Poreč sell organized one day trips to Plitvice, but you can also rent a car, and go there on your own. It will take about 3 hours to get there. Visit the web site

Učka Nature park

At one hour drive from Poreč towards Rijeka, the mount Učka visually dominates the Istrian peninsula and the Kvarner Bay, as one of the northernmost spots of the Mediterranean area. The Nature Park covers an area of 160 km2. To experience one of the most stunning panoramas in this part of Europe, climb the highest peak of Učka - Vojak (1401 m). Its stone tower offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Istrian peninsula, northern Adriatic islands, mountains in the Gorski Kotar region and, if its clear enough, all the way to Venice and the Alps. Učka is the only place in the world where you can take a photograph of the endemic Učka bellflower and one of the last European sites to spot griffon vultures or golden eagles. Apart enjoying the good vibrations of the place, you can also taste sweet local dishes made of chestnuts, asparagus and other specialities of the healthy traditional cuisine. Visit the web site