PorečMainland Croatia · Croatia

All About Poreč

A 2000-year-old city located in the northwest of the Istrian Peninsula, Poreč is as eccentric as it is appealing. Croatia’s leading resort town, Poreč, welcomes regional and overseas tourists mainly from June to August when the day temperature tends to be a comforting 25°C (77°F) and above. Poreč’s distinctiveness as a top holiday spot radiates through its versatility, wherein it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful ancient buildings, beaches, resorts, and natural marvels. In recent years, Poreč has evolved into a favorite European party destination, albeit one that still maintains a family-friendly aura. Taking a ferry to Poreč is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.
 

Routes and Ferries to Poreč

Since most travelers visit Poreč in the summer, a pleasant transportation possibility is taking the ferry from Venice. Easy to book ferry tickets via Ferryscanner, these Venezia Lines high-speed boats connect the two towns primarily during peak tourist season, stopping service altogether in the winters. A ferry ride from Venice takes less than 3 hours, and with regular vessels operating every day, you can visit Poreč for a weekend excursion from Italy.

Pula Airport caters to most Istrian towns with flights arriving from various European countries. While most international airlines are seasonal, domestic ones fly to Pula from Zagreb and Split throughout the year. The airport is a 45-minute drive from Poreč. A shuttle from the airport costs €30. Otherwise, you can take the bus to Pula bus station and then take a regular service to Poreč for an economical price.

Within Croatia, there is a bus service from Zagreb and Rijeka to Poreč, whereas internationally, you can take a 2-hour bus from Trieste in Italy.
 

Ports of Poreč

As an adoringly pretty settlement, you get a hint of Poreč’s quaintness from its equally small port. Located close to the Old Town, only passenger catamarans and ferries can dock here. A customs and immigration office in the vicinity handles overseas travelers. Once you are on land, there are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. The port can be reached on foot or by taxi, and there is a bus station within walking distance. A marina next to the port is reserved for private yachts and leisure boats. Taking a ferry to Poreč is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets
 

Best Beaches

Poreč lacks sandy beaches, but don’t let that dissuade you from planning a summer vacation to this absolutely delightful corner in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea. Known as ‘the town of Blue Flags’, the rocky coastline of Poreč offers sun-worshippers ample nooks and strips for an offbeat and relaxed seaside experience.

Poreč City Beach

Poreč City Beach remains permanently crowded during peak season because of its closeness to the marina, with stunning views of St. Nikola and the Old Town adding to its charms. The water at the beach has a mesmerizing shade of turquoise, while the surroundings have a natural disposition with abundant covered and open spaces to sit, tan, or play. Safe for children, on-site excursions include paddle boating, snorkeling, and splashing straight into the sea via a water slide. The beach area is a popular choice to sojourn in Poreč as it has several budget apartments on rent.

Delfin Beach

As a part of the Zelena Laguna Resort, there are plentiful pursuits for all ages at the Blue Flag awarded Delfin Beach. You can rent parasols and loungers, dine at waterfront cafes, and indulge in a variety of water sports while savoring a day in the sun. When taking a break from sunbathing on the gravel, go visit the water slides, rent a jet-ski, play beach volleyball, or take a bouncy banana boat ride out in the sea.

Lotosi Beach

Three kilometers from Poreč center is a typical city beach situated alongside Hotel PC Lotosi. With lifeguards on duty from May to October, it’s a safe spot to come with children. The 300-meter-long beach has pebbles and rocks as well as a raised paved frontage. Benches on the sloping garden in the back are perfect for taking a breather when walking around the area on foot. You can rent a canoe or even a boat here and indulge in a snack or two at the nearby cafes.

Olivia Beach

Olivia Beach is amongst the best on the islet of St. Nikola and is a fun place to spend an enjoyable day with the family. A Blue Flag accredited beach, the crystal-clear water at Olivia is inviting and makes for a refreshing swim. You may bring along a towel to lie down near the water on the paved area or sit on the softer ground under the pine trees behind the beach. Facilities at Olivia include showers, toilets, a kiosk, and few restaurants nearby. St. Nikola also has a small nude beach in its south, which isn’t very popular, and thus, the perfect secluded getaway for naturists.

Brulo Beach

A 500m long pebble strip near Poreč City Beach, Brulo has a paved section and grassy areas used by locals for sunbathing. A pine and oak forest edges the coast, providing a shaded relief from the afternoon sun. As a resort beach, it is clean, disability-friendly, and a favorite with families. You can also bring along your pets, provided they are kept on a leash and stay in a designated part of the beach.
 

Neighborhoods

To truly appreciate Poreč and its neighborhoods, spend your days here strolling around. Only when you walk through its streets, aimlessness, does the town reveal itself, allowing you to discover the region’s vibrant heritage and hidden gems.

Old Town

The best place to stay when arriving with ferry tickets to Poreč for first-time visitors is the Old Town. Even though it is a car-free zone, this historic part of the city is perpetually busy with sightseers. The highlight of the neighborhood is the 4th-century Euphrasian Basilica with its ornately attractive gold mosaics. Other interesting buildings worth finding are the 13th-century Romanesque House, the 15th-century House of Two Saints with its elegant façade, and Zuccato Palace, known for its gothic architecture. A small aquarium and the Poreč-Parenzo Town Museum are wonderful opportunities to learn more about Poreč’s past and present, both above and below the water.

Brulo

Brulo is a quiet residential area that lies 15 minutes south of the city center. Several apartments, a few resorts, and beaches make it an attractive proposition for seekers of calm and quiet. It is also in Brulo that you’ll find the Mediterranean Summer Tango Boat Quay. A five-hour dance excursion famous as the ‘legendary boat trip’ departs from here every Sunday. The diving center, bike rental, and water sports options will keep your stay in Brulo exciting.

Plava and Zelena Laguna

Tourists in Poreč typically prefer to reside at either Plava (Blue) or Zelena (Green) Laguna. Both resorts come loaded with attractions. You can stay in camps, villas, or hotels. Connections with the city center are frequent and comfortable. A must for families, both Lagunas offer amenities ranging from water parks, exclusive beaches, and fun workshops to on-land sports, swimming pools, and restaurants.

Špadići

Špadići is situated in the north of the Old Town and is frequented by tourists looking for budget accommodations. The neighborhood also has an excellent waterfront, with beaches such as Plaza Špadići Materada and Donji. Also, Windsurfing Center Poreč is ideal for water sport enthusiasts who want to learn something new during their vacation.

St. Nikola

Wishing to experience that relaxing island vibe when in Poreč? Take a 5-minute boat ride to the islet of St. Nikola and spend a day exploring its many temptations. A mere 500 meters away, St. Nikola offers a chance to view Poreč from a unique vantage point. While on the car-free island, you can walk a scenic trail to St. Nicolas Light Tower, swim off beautiful beaches, and have fun at the Wibit Sports Park or the Istrian Fantasy Forest. St. Nikola has a few restaurants and accommodation alternatives, perfect for those wanting to stay away from the crowds of Poreč.
 

Transportation Around Poreč

The best way to explore this seaside destination is on foot, and Poreč allows visitors to do just that due to its compact nature. The Old Town is full of hidden treasures that you’ll appreciate more when touring about slowly with no fixed itinerary in mind. Taking a ferry to Poreč is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

For slightly longer distances, such as travel from resorts to the city center, opt for the ‘tourist train’ that runs throughout the day from April to October. The open-sided train is a favorite with kids and typically costs €2.5 for a point-to-point journey.

Alternatively, you can hop on a water taxi that will take you to the Zelena and Plava Laguna from near the ferry terminal for €3. Otherwise, hire a water taxi for half and full-day tours to explore nearby islands, hard-to-reach spots along the coastline, and dolphin sightseeing in the Adriatic Sea.

Taxis are readily available throughout the Istrian Peninsula but tend to be expensive. If you wish to go up and down the coast, stopping at various other resort towns, it’s better to rent a car for the duration of your stay.