Poreč is a tourist destination located on Istria’s west coast 10 km from Rovinj and Novigrad. The cities of Umag and Pula can be reached in 45 minutes from Poreč.
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Porec, a popular town in Croatia
This city is known for its scenery, its long-standing tourist presence and for its many vacation resorts: Blue Laguna, Laguna Zelena, Brulo, Diamant and Spada. This may not appeal to all types of vacationers, but the all-inclusive offers are a real asset for couples or families. Travelers only have to put their suitcases down on arrival and enjoy all the available services.
Poreč’s surroundings have been inhabited since Neolithic times, but the city itself was founded by the Romans (Parentium). The layout of the city was well thought out and has changed very little. It is more or less the same as it was two thousand years ago. The ancient part of the city is located on a small peninsula separated from the mainland by an artificial canal.
Poreč’s climate is very mild, in fact, the summers are not as hot as other tourist destinations in Croatia. The area has rich vegetation and pine forests, which almost reach the sea in some places. The local economy is based on agriculture, viticulture, olive and fruit growing, fishing and tourism.
Activities to do in the area
Poreč offers its visitors different choices of activities. There are several tennis courts (one of the favorite sports in Croatia) as well as all sorts of sports. Recreational and fitness facilities available in town. Horseback riding, water-skiing, bungee jumping, sailing or diving can be added to your program in the city, besides the classic lazing on the beach and swimming in the sea. Culturally, several monuments in the city and its surroundings have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The historical center and the riva are very pleasant. You can enjoy a fish dish or truffles, specialties of Istria, on a terrace.
What can you see in Porec?
The Euphrasian Basilica is the most important cultural monument in Poreč. This religious site dates from the 5th century. Its church was built in the 6th century. The basilica was built during the Byzantine Empire, under the patronage of Bishop Euphrasius. This unique building is decorated with beautiful and unique mosaics. The basilica was placed under the protection of UNESCO in 1997, which listed it as a world heritage site.
The two main streets, Cardo and Decumanus, perpendicular to each other, still look like they used to and follow the historical plan of the city. These streets divide the city into four parts, establishing the framework of the city’s road network. There are Roman temples in Marafor Square. One of the temples was dedicated to the god Neptune. There are also several Romanesque houses and some beautiful Venetian Gothic palaces in the city.
Worth seeing: the Assembly Hall, which was originally a Franciscan church dating from the 13th century. It is decorated in the pure baroque style of the 18th century. Many cultural events are held in this Assembly Hall.
Accommodation in Poreč
Besides hotel complexes, you can find all types of vacation rentals in Poreč. For example, you can book a hotel here, but also nightly and weekly rentals in rooms, apartments or houses.