Discover Poreč: Istria's buzzing coastal town

Poreč, a charming town on Croatia's Istrian peninsula, blends 2,000 years of history with stunning Adriatic views. Perfect for a day trip or longer stay, its UNESCO-listed old town invites you to wander cobblestone streets lined with Roman ruins and Venetian palaces. In its lively city center you will find many different restaurants, shops and ice cream bars. Porec is the center of a region filled with resorts, campings and holiday homes. Therefore we are very excited to also search for the hidden gems in a busy holiday city. Off season Porec is much more quiet and perfect for wandering through the old city center. In high season, be there in the morning for the more quiet vibes.

Getting there

By plane

Pula Airport (PUY) is the closest option, about 55 km south of Poreč, roughly an hour's drive. In summer, direct flights operate from Amsterdam, Brussels, and other European cities with TUI, easyJet, and Croatia Airlines. Renting a car at the airport gives you the most flexibility for exploring the wider Istrian region.

By car

From the Netherlands, the drive takes around 14-16 hours via Germany, Austria, and Slovenia, crossing into Croatia at the Dragonja border post. Once in Istria, Poreč is on the western coast, follow signs toward Poreč/Parenzo from the Istrian Y-motorway.

Getting around

The old town is compact and best explored on foot, most of it is pedestrianized. For beaches and surrounding villages, a car is ideal. Parking in the centre can be tricky in peak season; the largest car park is just south of the old town near the marina.

Top sights to explore

The Euphrasian Basilica

The 6th-century UNESCO World Heritage site dazzles with golden Byzantine mosaics depicting biblical scenes. The Basilica is part of a full bishop's complex that includes a sacristy, baptistery and bell tower, built starting in the 500s AD and named for Bishop Euphrasia who oversaw it. The standout feature is the stunning mosaic floor depicting scenes like Christ's birth and the Virgin Mary's visit to Elizabeth. Climb the bell tower for panoramic views over Poreč and the sea. Entry includes the church, baptistery, and atrium, plan 1-2 hours here.

If you're interested in the story of the basilica and the heritage of Porec, there is a walking tour with a local who can explain everything about the city's Roman origins.

Old town: wandering through history

From there, you can stroll down Decumanus Street, the ancient Roman main road still paved with original stones, and weave through a maze of narrow, cobblestoned alleys lined with Venetian Gothic houses in warm terracotta tones. Highlights include the lively Trg Slobode (Freedom Square), the main hub with outdoor cafes, a morning market for fresh figs and local olive oil, and the Gothic-style Town Hall; don't miss nearby Trg Marafor with its three Roman temples from the 1st century AD, now a quiet green spot good for people-watching. Takes an hour or two (or more if you linger at a gelateria), and feels like stepping into a living history book with several boutique shops selling Istrian truffles and wine along the way.

Beaches and promenades: sea, sun and a dip

Along the coast you'll find pebble beaches like Brulo or Zelena Laguna. Zelena Laguna is a 10km long coastline with many hotels, resorts and campings. There are several nice little beaches with pebble stones or concrete platforms where you can relax in the sun and take a dip in the sea. You can also find some nice restaurants or beach bars along the promenade.

Day trips from Poreč

Poreč is a good base for exploring wider Istria. Within 30 minutes you can reach the hilltop medieval towns of Motovun and Grožnjan, both worth a half-day visit. Rovinj is just 40 minutes south and easy for a day trip. Wine and truffle tastings in the Istrian hinterland are also popular; ask locally for current recommendations.

Where to eat and drink

Local specialities worth trying

Istrian cuisine is one of Croatia's best-kept secrets. Look out for fuži (hand-rolled pasta) with black or white truffle, grilled fish straight off the boat, and platters of local prosciutto with sheep's cheese and honey. The region's white wine, Malvazija Istarska, is crisp and aromatic, and goes well with seafood. Teran, a robust local red, pairs well with meat dishes and aged cheeses.

Top 3 restaurants in Poreč

1. Bacchus winebar
   Tucked away in one of the small streets of the old town of Porec, this bar is great for an easy glass of Istrian wine with a platter of Istrian cheeses, prosciutto and bacalao dips!
2. Casa Manzolin
   Local favorite for Istrian food like pasta fuzi and all lot of fish platters of course. Casa Manzolin has a lovely roof terrace with a nice view through the streets of Porec.
3. Garaz bar
   Along the coastline in the north of Porec you will find this hidden gem. A laidback spot where locals and sun-seekers chill with cocktails and sea views. Every now and then they have live DJ-sets in summer.

Where to stay

Stay in a private villa near Poreč

Poreč and the surrounding villages are home to some of Istria's most beautiful private holiday homes: stone farmhouses with pools, hilltop retreats with sea views, and quiet countryside villas within easy reach of the coast. Staying in a villa gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, your own terrace, your own kitchen, your own rhythm. Browse our villas.

Other accommodation options

Poreč has a wide range of hotels, from large beach resorts along Zelena Laguna to smaller boutique options in and around the old town. For a more local feel, look for agriturismo-style B&Bs in the surrounding villages, several offer excellent home-cooked breakfasts and a genuine taste of Istrian rural life.

Good to know

Best time to visit

June and September are the sweet spot: warm enough to swim, calm enough to actually enjoy the old town, and with a pace that suits those who want to linger rather than rush. May and October are quieter still, with fewer visitors and the Istrian countryside at its most beautiful.

July and August are when Poreč is at its most vibrant: the terraces are full, the evenings are long, and the town has a lively, festive energy that's worth experiencing at least once. It's Croatia's summer at its best. Book your villa and restaurants early, as the most popular spots fill up well in advance.

Tips and practicalities

Croatia uses the euro (€) since January 2023, so no currency exchange needed. Tap water is safe to drink everywhere. Most restaurants accept cards, but smaller bars and markets may be cash only. Sundays can be quieter with some shops closed, so stock up on Saturday if you're self-catering.

Ready to stay near Poreč?

There's no better way to experience Istria than from your own private home, waking up to the sound of crickets, coffee on a stone terrace, and the whole region at your doorstep. At Homes of Croatia, we handpick a small collection of holiday villas in and around Poreč, each chosen for its character, comfort, and location.

Browse all our villas in Croatia →