Get to know Poreč (Parenzo)

Poreč (Parenzo) and its Riviera are pearl of Croatian coast and the winner of numerous Croatian tourism awards. The picturesque Mediterranean town is completely devoted to tourism and hosting its guests.

Besides magnificent historical sites, Poreč offers you charming Mediterranean ambience along with clean beaches surrounded by untouched nature – Blue and Green Lagoon. The region is well-known for summer activities, cultural events and bike trails.

The whole old town of Poreč is historical stage where thousands of travellers are promenading among attractions and monuments from the Roman era. The most unique is Euphrasian Basilica, UNESCO World’s Heritage Site, dating from 5th century but you’ll also find other historical locations to experience old town’s ancient scenery standing out there after 2000 years of the history.

In Poreč and its surroundings you will find many restaurants and authentic taverns to taste outstanding local food dishes and famous Istrian wines. Poreč is waiting for you to discover.

Read about Poreč history.

Things to do in Poreč

Sightseeing in Poreč

Euphrasian Basilica protected UNESCO Heritage, Poreč Heritage Museum, Istrian Parliament, Lady of Angels Church, The Northern Tower, The Pentagonal Tower, Canonica, The Marafor Square, The House of two Saints, The Romanesque House, The Great Temple of Neptun, The Gothic House, The Round Tower, Zuccato Palace…

If consider to take an organized sightseeing tour please check with local travel agencies or Tourist Board of Poreč, Zagrebačka 9, info@to-porec.com, tel. +385 (0)52 451 293

Concerts s in Euphrasian Basilica

Numerous classic concerts, gallery exhibitions and other events are taking place in amazing ambience of Euphrasian Basilica during the summer.

Please find full list of events in Poreč on Tourist Board official website.

Jazz in Lap Festival

Jazz and blues fans will definitely love Poreč since the world’s greatest jazz and blues bands and singers perform in warm summer nights.

Street Art Festival

Mediterranean way of life dominates streets and squares of Poreč in August when numerous artists inspired by this charming town are displaying their works and imagination – dancing, street theater and art installations will turn the whole town into a big stage.

Aquarium and Terrarium Poreč

The underwater experience is waiting for you at Aquarium and Terrarium in the old town. Get to know the creatures of the world’s seas along with reptiles and stay dry at the same time.

Spectacular Baredine cave

Cooling down in spectacular geological attraction Baredine cave on a hot summer day is not bad idea at all.

Since Istria has more than two thousand caves, if you are a true cave fan, discovering at least one more underground treasure of stalagmites and stalactites will satisfy your curiosity for underground world – we recommend you Mramornica cave near Brtonigla (one of the most important natural beauty in Istria). If you want more, enter some other caves in Istria….

Visiting nearby towns Novigrad, Umag and Rovinj

Hit the road and visit nearby coastal towns Novigrad, Umag and Rovinj, and don’t skip either ancient Pula, a little more far away on south, and discover its Mediterranean ambience rich in history and beauty.

For your better driving experience read our Getting around Croatia by car page.

If you consider renting a car for travelling around Istrian coastal towns, find more information on our Car rentals in Croatia page.

Diving reefs, shipwrecks and underwater caves

No matter what’s the level of your diving experience, you can contact diving centers in Poreč, or your hotel diving center, for an outstanding adventure of underwater discovering.

Professional courses or private diving instructors are available for the beginners to start collecting their big blue memories. Experienced divers can arrange incredible treasure discovering – shipwrecks, reefs and underwater caves are waiting for you to dive.

DIVING CENTER POREČ
BLUE LAGOON DIVING
ZEUS FABER CENTER LANTERNA

Mountain biking Parenzana trail

Mountain biking famous Parenzana trail and passing through magnificent rolling landscapes and lovely Istrian vineyards is a great Istrian adventure! The professional guide, bike and helmet are included – you just need to hit the trail.

Read more about Mountain Biking Parenzana Trail and have great day exploring amazing Istrian landscape.

Riding other famous Istrian biking trails

Besides riding Parenzana bike trail along the path of an old railway line transformed into a breathtaking biking route, you can enjoy amazing nature of Istrian ambience along the other bike trails in the nearby area. The mild Mediterranean climate allows you biking in Istria year-round.

Wine cellars and olive oil groves

Explore the most famous wine and olive oils roads in Croatia and learn about the production and processing, including tastings.

Taste traditional Istrian cuisine

The famous Istrian cuisine is based on fresh sea food, Istrian beef (boškarin), truffles and local sheep cheese – enjoy all of these delicacies in numerous restaurants and taverns all around.

BOOK ONLINE The best of Istria gourmand and wine tour.

Istrian Oktoberfest

The atmosphere of Munich’s Oktoberfest in Istria? Yes. The traditional mass beers, wide offer of Bavarian dishes, large tent with Bavarian decor and well known Austrian and German performers are coming to Lanterna peninsula in Poreč at the end of September.

Free bus transfer is organized from town’s center to Lanterna.

Kids! Aquacolors waterpark

Adrenalin fans can enjoy numerous water attractions in Aquacolors waterpark. The park is located along the side of the Zelena Laguna Resort, next to the road leading from Poreč to Funtana and Vrsar.

Kids again! Istralandia waterpark

If Aquacolors waterpark is not enough adrenalin for you, get some more fun at nearby Istralandia (direction Novigrad, Nova Vas exit). Check their website for more information on working hours and location.

Sunset kayaking around Poreč

Get to now Poreč from another perspective – paddling into the sunset along town’s walls, Green and Blue Lagoon, discovering small islands and bays.

If you are interested in sunset view of town Poreč, please read more info and BOOK ONLINE Kayaking adventure for a different percpective of town.

Day trips from Poreč

Discover hilltop towns in green Istrian inland

Take a day trip to beautiful Istrian inland and visit the picturesque hill towns Motovun, Grožnjan and Buzet.

Check with travel agencies in your town for an organized trip or join Istrian Medieval Hilltop Towns Full-Day Tour with Viator.

Moreover, you can arrange your private or join a small group for the best hilltop towns discovering with professional licensed guide for Istrian region.

Hit nearby town Umag for Croatia Open ATP

Cheer for your favorite tennis player at Croatia Open ATP Tennis Championship (end of July) in Umag, Stella Maris Resort.

Sea kayaking adventure along Lim Bay

During the 5 hour adventure you will be paddling along the Lim bay and passing beside the cultivation of mussels, fish cages and pirate cave. You’ll take a break for swimming on the sheltered beach and return by kayaking along the other side of the bay.

The lunch, local guide and snorkeling equipment are included – read more, find out details and book online your fantastic Paddling adventure along protected area of Lim Bay.

Take a day trip to Venice!

Catamaran operates route to Venice from all western coast towns in Istria, and reverse. Check the Venezia Lines or Atlas schedule and sail to Italy just for a day trip.

Beaches in Poreč

Hit the beaches of Poreč Riviera for relaxing or fun!

Town Beach – stone urban beach in the very center of Poreč
Brulo Beach – rocky beach in Brulo Resort, on the southern edge of town
Oliva Beach – situated on St. Nicolas Island just opposite the town with small FKK area
Borik Beach –concrete and pebbled beach located on north from town’s center
Blue Lagoon Beaches– located 5 km south from town’s center with naturist area
Green Lagoon Beaches – flat rocky beaches located in camp site also called Green Lagoon (Zelena laguna) with FKK area
Bellevue Beach – mainly rocky beach located in Blue Lagoon on Brulo peninsula about 2 km from town’s center
Crnika Beach –rocky, pebbled and paved beach located in AC Lanterna, on south from town
Lotosi Beach – concrete plateaus beach in the area of Plavi Hotel, located 3 km from town
Valeta Beach –located on the north-western part of Lanterna peninsula
Ulika Beach FKK – rocky beach located in Ulika camp
Delfin Beach – pebbled beach 5 km from Poreč on a green peninsula

Accommodation in Poreč – where to stay

The choice of accommodation in Poreč is absolutely fantastic- excellent hotels and resorts (many of them internationally awarded), famous campsites, hostels, high quality private accommodation and luxury Istrian villas.

We believe Hotelscombined.com will be a great help to find you the best accommodation deals and to get the most out of your booking in Poreč!

With Hotelscombined.com you can COMPARE ALL TOP TRAVEL SITES IN ONE SEARCH (including Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Hotels.com, Venera, Laterooms) and find exactly what are you looking for – EASILY and QUICKLY.

Where is Poreč and how to get there?

Poreč is located on Istrian western coast, between towns Umag and Novigrad on north, and Rovinj on south. Poreč is easy to reach by car, bus or plane – the motorway network Istrian Ypsilon is developed and of high quality but if you prefer flying to your holiday, the nearest airport is in Pula (about 60 km distance).

You can also easily reach Poreč from by ferry from Venice in Italy – please check Venezia Lines or Atlas for ferry schedules. Getting to Poreč by train is not comfortable journey since railway network is poor without direct routes to Istrian coastal towns.

For your better travelling experience and more information about getting to Poreč, please read our Travelling to Istria page.

Map of Poreč