Poreč holidays

How to reach Poreč

Flight time: There are no flights to Poreč. Flights to Pula, the nearest airport, take about 2 hours 15 minutes from London. There are also flights available from other major UK airports.

Transfer time: From Pula Airport, the bus journey to Poreč takes around an hour, while a taxi takes about 45 minutes.

Price: The airport bus costs around €30 one-way, while a taxi fare ranges from €50 to €60.

Best time to visit Poreč

This will depend on how you wish to spend time on your holidays to Poreč, as well as your tolerance for heat and crowds during the spring and summer.

April to June:

• A wonderful time to visit Poreč if you enjoy fewer tourists but don’t mind the heat, with temperatures typically from 18°C to 25°C.

• There’s plenty of sunshine (8 to 10 hours daily) and minimal rainfall (20–50mm).

July to August:

• Peak season when temperatures can soar to 30°C or higher; there are around 12 hours of daily sunshine and rainfall is rare.

• The town is very busy with visitors during these months, especially during the various festival events.

September to October:

• Although still fairly busy, the shoulder season remains a good time for Poreč holidays, with the full range of attractions still open for business.

• Temperatures typically range from 18°C to 26°C and you can expect about 7 to 9 hours of sunshine.

• Rainfall increases slightly, ranging from 50mm to 100mm.

November to March:

• Although still incredibly mild, with temperatures around 10°C to 15°C, rainfall is slightly higher (60–120mm).

• However, the town is much quieter and accommodation prices are lower.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Croatian is the official language but Italian is also widely spoken - street signs here are bilingual.

• Local habits and customs: Croatians are welcoming and gregarious. Greeting people with a smile and saying “dobar dan” (good day) will be much appreciated. Tips (napojnice) are not obligatory, but if you’ve had a round of drinks or a full meal, it’s polite to round up the bill by 10 percent or to the nearest convenient figure.

• Currency: The official currency is the Euro. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most places.

• Getting around: Poreč is small enough to be easily walkable, but bikes and scooters can be rented from any number of outlets along the seafront, such as Contigo at Rade Končara 9.

• Electricity and plug types: Wall sockets in Croatia operate at 220 volts and take round, two-pin plugs. British and US travellers should purchase a continental adaptor before leaving home.

• Time zone: Poreč is in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is 1 hour ahead of GMT, and observes Daylight Saving Time.

Best things to do in Poreč

Poreč is package-holiday-land writ large, although it does boast the peninsula’s finest ecclesiastical attraction in the shape of the mosaic-filled Basilica of St Euphrasius.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Euphrasian Basilica: Climb the bell tower of this masterpiece of Byzantine art and architecture for stunning views over Poreč and the Adriatic Sea.

• Poreč waterfront: Nothing beats a sunset view whilst ambling along the waterfront, and Poreč’s promenade is as lovely as any on the Croatian coast.

The best districts

• Dekumanska: The old Roman road and now the spine of Poreč, Dekumanska holds the most interesting of Poreč’s buildings, including the so-called Romanesque House, a distinctive 13th-century building with an unusual projecting wooden balcony.

• Spadici: A quieter area north of the old town, Spadici offers beautiful beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Museums

• District Museum: This fine collection of Roman tombstones includes one relief of a patrician standing underneath an olive tree – Istrian olives were famed throughout Italy during antiquity.

Historical monuments

• Euphrasian Basilica: A venerable 6th-century structure whose Byzantine-influenced mosaics are as good as any around the Mediterranean.

• Roman Forum: It may not have the caché of the amphitheatre in Pula, but the remnants of Poreč’s Roman past, including parts of the ancient forum, are still worth investigating.

Day trips in the area

• Motovun: The most famous of the Istrian hill towns, Motovun is an attractive clump of medieval houses straddling a green wooded hill, high above a patchwork of wheatfields and vineyards, and well worth a day trip.

• Rovinj: In this eminently enjoyable medieval port, tall stone houses overlook cobbled alleys and dappled piazzas, while the harbour is a likeable mix of fishing boats and swanky yachts. Check out our deals on holidays to Rovinj

• Brijuni National Park: The Brijuni archipelago lies off Istria’s west coast, a 15-minute boat journey from Fažana, just north of Pula – this idyllic offshore paradise once served as President Tito’s personal holiday resort.

Activities for families in Poreč

Aside from the usual splashy delights - beaches and waterparks in the main - Poreč has a wide range of activities that are likely to draw the interest of families.

• Beaches: The majority of beaches around Poreč are family-friendly, with calm, clean waters and child-friendly facilities: Brulo Beach and Pical Beach are particularly popular.

• Baredine Cave: A compelling series of limestone caverns 7km northeast of town, where guides will lead you through vast chambers of dangling stalactites and limestone curtains, and will also delight in telling you the legend of 13th-century lovers Gabriel and Milka, who got lost down here and died looking for each other.

• Aquaparks: The huge pools and splashy attractions of the Istralandia aquapark represent a fun family outing: from large shallow-water pools to additional thrills in the shape of the “Kamikaze” (the highest waterslide in Croatia), this is an absolute blast.

• Catamaran trips: Fancy a quick side trip to Italy? During high season, Venezia Lines runs a weekly catamaran service from Porečj to Trieste and Venice.

• Tourist train: Fancy some choo-choo action? In summer, the tourist train runs every 30 minutes from outside the Hostin hotel, right by the city beach.

Free things to do in Poreč

Not only does Poreč have a strong roster of cultural happenings, but many of these are free to attend.

• Free art: Every year, in the abandoned quarry of Montraker, a unique arts project takes place, whereby lumps of stone are turned into finely crafted works of art, with the best creations placed in prominent places around parks, squares and on the waterfront.

• Free music: The summer-long Jazz in Lapidarium Festival runs from mid-July to early September, with live acts performing on seven or eight nights - and the best part? All performances are free.

• Free events: Poreč’s cultural calendar is loaded with free events, including open-air concerts and traditional festivals, but the most prestigious event is Poreč Annale, the oldest Croatian group exhibition of contemporary visual arts.

Nature and outdoor activities in Poreč

Inevitably it’s mostly about the water here, but if it’s terra firma you seek, there are some cool cycle rides and terrific walking to be had in and around Poreč.

• Diving: The crystal clear waters here are some of the best in Croatia for divers, and Dive Centre Poreč offers both instruction and guided dives to sites around the area, as far as the Limski Kanal and Rovinj.

• Hiking: Poreč lies within striking distance of numerous ranges, though most people rate the Limjski Fjord – a submerged river valley – for its superb treks.

• Water sports: Despite its odd name, Ski Lift Poreč offers several kinds of waterborne activities including wakeboarding and mono-ski slaloming.

• Cycling: Once the most important transport link between Central Europe and Istria, the Parenzana railway line ran between Trieste and Poreč, but has been transformed into a walking and cycle track - and quite brilliant it is too.

Beaches in Poreč

Poreč, located on Croatia's Istrian Peninsula, boasts a variety of beautiful beaches that cater to all types of visitors. Here’s a guide to some of the top beaches you can explore during your Poreč holidays:

Brulo Beach

Brulo Beach, just 2 km from the centre of Poreč, is a favourite among families. Surrounded by a thick pine forest, it offers natural shade and a mix of rocky and pebbly areas with cemented sunbathing spots. The beach features a children’s playground, a shallow seawater pool, and plenty of beach facilities such as showers and changing cabins. It’s also equipped with sports facilities, including mini-golf, table tennis, and water sports rentals.

Zelena Laguna

Zelena Laguna, or Green Lagoon, is a popular resort area south of Poreč. This extensive stretch of coastline features pebbly and rocky beaches with cemented sunbathing areas. The beaches here are well-maintained and offer a variety of amenities, including water sports facilities, beach bars, restaurants, and rental services for sun loungers and umbrellas. It's a lively spot perfect for those looking to combine relaxation with recreational activities.

Pical Beach

Pical Beach, also known as Parentino Beach, is located close to the old town of Poreč. This fine pebble beach offers excellent water quality and stunning views of the Poreč peninsula. It’s equipped with amenities such as sun loungers, parasol rentals, showers, and nearby beach bars and restaurants. Its proximity to the town centre makes it a convenient option for those wanting to explore both the beach and the historic town.

Oliva Beach

Oliva Beach is situated on the island of Sveti Nikola, just a short boat ride from Poreč. This pebbly beach is ideal for families, featuring approachable access to the sea, showers, and natural shade provided by oak and pine trees. The beach’s tranquil setting and beautiful surroundings make it a perfect spot for a relaxing day trip.

Bellevue Beach

Located in the Blue Lagoon resort area, Bellevue Beach is a well-kept rocky beach with maintained entrances to the sea. The beach is equipped with showers, changing rooms, and the option to rent sun loungers and umbrellas. The Blue Lagoon area offers a range of facilities, including restaurants and shops, making it a convenient and enjoyable beach destination.

Bijela Uvala Beach

Bijela Uvala Beach is part of the Bijela Uvala camping area, featuring a well-kept stone beach with small pebble bays. The beach offers crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Visitors can rent sunbeds and umbrellas and enjoy the various facilities within the campsite, including restaurants and recreational activities.

Each of these beaches provides a unique experience, ensuring that your Poreč holidays are filled with sun, sea, and plenty of fun activities. Whether you prefer bustling beach resorts or tranquil, secluded spots, Poreč has a beach to suit every taste.

###Local dishes in Poreč Seafood is king here in Poreč, as is pasta owing to the strong Italian influence, although most of the town’s restaurants will have at least one truffle-based recipe on the menu.

Some typical dishes

• Truffles: A subterranean fungus whose delicate taste – part nutty, part mushroomy, part sweaty sock – has made it a highly prized delicacy among the foodie fraternity.

• Pasta: Nowhere is the Italian influence more obvious than in its Fuži (pasta twists) and njoki (gnocchi) dishes, which are often freshly made by hand in the more traditional country inns.

Meat dishes

• Pršut: This dry-cured ham is a local delicacy, often served thinly sliced. It pairs beautifully with cheese and olives.

• Ombolo: A traditional Istrian pork loin that is cured and then grilled, served with sauerkraut or polenta.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Brodet: A mouthwatering fish stew comprising various types of fish, to which tomatoes and wine are added. It is typically served with polenta.

• Oysters: Much prized here in Istria, oysters (oštrige) from the Limski Canal are, according to many, the finest in Croatia.

Street food

• Burek: A flaky pastry packed with minced meat, cheese or spinach that’s perfect for a quick snack on the go – and it’s hugely filling too.

• Fritule: Small doughnuts flavoured with rum and citrus zest and dusted with powdered sugar – the perfect sweet street treat.

Sweets and desserts

Kroštule are deep-fried pastry twists dusted with powdered sugar, often enjoyed during festive occasions, while perennial favourites are palačinke, thin pancakes filled with various sweet fillings like chocolate, jam and nuts.

Local drinks

• Biska: A typical Istrian spirit, this aphrodisiac mistletoe brandy is associated with the region around Buzet and Hum.

• Istrian wine: Best known of Istria’s wines is the crisp white Malvazija that is produced all over the peninsula, but equally drinkable is Teran, a characterful indigenous red.

• Rakija: The rakija here is slightly different to the rest of Croatia, in that it comes in honey and mistletoe varieties, and is renowned for its sweet flavour and yellow-brown tint.