Porec holidays

Porec holidays

Deals from £234 per person

Fancy a holiday to Poreč? You can’t go wrong! Centred around a gorgeous Old Town, this mini city-by-the-sea offers a mesmerising mix of medieval streets, Roman ruins, swoon-inducing scenery, and Croatia’s largest waterpark. With all that plus beaches, islands and tantalising cuisine, the Poreč area is one of the best places to stay on the Istrian coast.

History and culture

Let’s start with that Old Town. A pretty maze of stone-built streets, this part of Poreč is almost entirely surrounded by the waters of the Adriatic. Check out the views from the steeple of the Euphrasian Basilica – they’re totally worth the climb! And you can’t miss the city’s striking towers, dating back centuries. Will you stop for a drink on the terrace at the Round Tower, book a table for dinner at the top of the Pentagonal Tower, or take a selfie with the ruins of the waterfront North Tower?

Plus, soak up more Croatian history with a romantic walk around the city walls – just one of the must-do activities for couples in Poreč, which rivals nearby Rovinj for its idyllic setting. And if you like what you find here and want to see more of the Istria region, you’re going to love the Roman amphitheatre in the heart of Pula.

With all that heritage and a reputation as the ‘city of mosaics’, it’s little wonder that Poreč’s brimming with creativity. Cultural treats to tickle your fancy range from exhibitions of exciting young artists to classical concerts in the basilica – with an impressive setting like that, an evening there is one of the most special things to do in Poreč, so make sure you find out what’s on before you go.

Coast and countryside

More into natural vistas than manmade photo opps? Poreč’s the perfect base for country walks and bike rides. With hiking and cycle trails galore, plus plenty of places to hire some wheels, you can pop out for a short family outing or pedal off for a day-long adventure. You might find yourself following the old Roman road Via Flavia, whizzing along a river valley or enjoying scenic routes by the Adriatic Sea.

And as for beaches, you’ve lots of choice with an incredible 21 Blue Flag options in the area around Poreč. Head to Zelena Laguna for the biggest holiday hotspot near Poreč, with everything from beach volleyball to waterskiing. Make the most of it with a stay at the All Inclusive Hotel Albatros Plava Laguna. As well as its handy transport links for sightseeing in the city, Zelena Laguna is a prime jumping-off point for a day at the awesome Aquacolors waterpark. It’s one of the best in the whole of Croatia!

But if you’re looking for a beach you can walk to from the town centre, follow the prom to Val Parentino. Grab refreshments at the beach bar, take a dip in the sea or just chill in the sun. And as it’s overlooked by the 4 star Valamar Parentino Hotel, you could be just steps from your room. Like much of the area’s coastline, Val Parentino is pebbly. Don’t worry, though – if you’re after sand there’s a real gem of a seashore less than 4 km from Poreč. Called Val Marea, it’s just the ticket for sunbathing, castle-building and paddling.

Food and nightlife

Look forward to tasty Mediterranean treats laced with locally produced olive oil, fresh seafood brought to your waterfront table, and the chance to try world-class regional wines. And it’s not just the Istrian menus that will make your mouth water, thanks to some excellent world flavours – from pizzerias to Malaysian curry spots.

With 13 hours of sunshine a day in July and August, you’re going to want to make those light evenings last as long as possible, for sure. Poreč delivers some cracking nightlife to suit all tastes. Sip cocktails at a beach chill-out. Chat the night away in a cosy waterfront bar in the Old Town. Pack your ‘out-out’ clothes for clubs like Byblos, which attracts big names from David Guetta to Roger Sanchez. Or get a taste of Beatlemania at Yesterday, the themed bar you never expected to find in Croatia! Go on a Friday for live music by local acts.

More travel guides

There’s plenty more to see in this beautiful country! Take a look at our other Croatia travel guides, including: Brac Island | Cavtat | Dalmatian Coast | Dubrovnik | Hvar | Istria | Korcula | Makarska | Rovinj | Split | Zadar | Zagreb

Map of Porec

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30℃

Go in July or August for the highest temperatures.

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2 - 3 hours

Pula Airport is located approx. one hour from the city of Porec.

Poreč is best for…

Nature explorers: Love the great outdoors? Poreč is surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. Cycle some of the Parenzana – a 123 km route running from Trieste to Poreč through sprawling countryside with vast expanses of vineyards, the Lim Fjord and Baredine caves.

Beach enthusiasts: Poreč is a charming coastal town boasting pebbly beaches and clear blue waters. So, if you’re the beach holiday type, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Pick Pical Beach or Spadici Beach and you’ll be close to the town centre. Or venture south to the little coves and bays of Zelena Laguna.

Architecture lovers: Once known as Parenzo, this former Roman colony is a haven for architecture lovers. Start by exploring the magnificent Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, stroll around the Old Town and visit the Gothic Palace and Sinčić Palace – a unique blend of architectural styles.

Fast facts for Poreč

Language: Croatian is Poreč’s official language. English is also widely spoken.

Currency: The currency used in Poreč is the euro (EUR).

Local time: Poreč is one hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: The nearest airport to Poreč is Pula (PUY), located around 45 km away (about 1.5 hours' drive).

Flight time from UK: The flight time from the UK to Pula Airport is around 2 hours.

Tourist information: Porec has its own tourist information service, My Porec. Or take a look at the main Croatia tourism site.

Visa / health: Check the FCDO website for official Porec travel information and advice on entry requirements and health, direct from the UK Government.

Getting around Poreč

On foot: Most of Poreč’s attractions are within walking distance of one another, so walking is a great option.

By bike: Another convenient and cheap way to travel around this quaint summer resort is by bike. You can bring your own or rent one from a local rental company. Poreč features some impressive cycle routes, stretching along the seashore and through the rural countryside.

By rental car: Poreč is packed with scenic routes and breathtaking scenery, making travelling by car a great way to experience them all. Just bear in mind that some of the town’s streets may be narrow, winding and tricky to navigate!

Events in Poreč

Vinistra: Wine lover? Get ready for a tasting experience like no other. Vinistra festival takes place on the first weekend of May, offering samples of more than 100 wines plus honey, olive oil, brandies and charcuterie, all produced in Istria. You’ll also find Italian, Slovenian and Hungarian winemakers showcasing their goods.

Giostra music festival: One of Croatia’s best musical events! Held in Poreč around mid-September, it takes its name from an 18th-century tradition, the Giostra – a knights' tournament first held in 1745. Expect over 250 participants dressed in Baroque costumes, theatrical performances, swordplay, street entertainers, flag jugglers and old trades.

Feast of St Maurus: Look forward to mouthwatering food and great entertainment on the 21st of November, when Poreč celebrates its patron saint.

Porec weather

Temperatures: Poreč’s temperate climate promises warm summers and cool, rainy winters. Over the year, temperatures range from 2°C to 29°C. July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 23°C. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 5°C.

Best time to visit: With warm, idyllic summers, it’s no surprise that Poreč is such a popular holiday destination from June to September.

If you’re a beach lover, the best time to go to Poreč is during the high season, between July and August. Be mindful that the fantastic weather does pull in lots of visitors so this is the busiest time of year. If you want to enjoy Poreč’s pleasant climate with fewer other holidaymakers around, then June, September and October are best. The sun still shines and sea temperatures are mild – perfect for a relaxing swim.

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