Posted by Porec is a charming coastal town on the Croatian peninsula of Istria, offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, ancient Roman ruins and Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The city is a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer months, thanks to its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and rich cultural heritage. This article tells you everything you need to know to plan your visit to Porec.
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Ideal times to visit Porec: The best time to visit Porec is from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny and the sea is inviting for a swim. However, if you prefer a quieter stay, consider visiting in April or October when there are fewer crowds and better weather.
Getting to Porec: The nearest airport to Porec is Pula Airport, about 60 km away. You can reach Porec by rental car or bus. The drive takes about an hour and there are many buses daily from Pula to Porec via Rovinj.
Ferries to Venice: Especially in summer, there are several weekly ferry connections between Porec and Venice. Day trips with a one-way and return journey are also possible: Bookable on the German website Getyourguide
Porec Sightseeing Overview
Euphrasian Cathedral Porec: The Euphrasian Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most impressive building in Porec. The cathedral dates back to the 6th century and is famous for its intricate mosaics and stunning architecture. The interior is decorated with beautiful frescoes and the bell tower offers breathtaking views of the city and the sea. The Euphrasian Church is in the middle of the old town, which is located on a peninsula. Visiting the church is recommended, even if you have to pay an entrance fee of 10 euros (as of summer 2024). The floor mosaics in the Euphrasian Cathedral Porec are especially worth the entrance fee. We also recommend climbing the bell tower, especially for the view of the city of Porec and the Adriatic Sea.
Old Town of Porec: Stroll through the charming streets of Porec’s old town. Medieval buildings, colourful facades and picturesque squares can be found here. The narrow, cobbled streets of the town are perfect for exploring on foot, and there are plenty of shops, cafés and restaurants along the way.
The old town is not very big, it is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea on three sides. So there are long promenades along the shore. However, the beaches of Porec are a bit out in both directions.
Aquarium Porec: Nice, smaller aquarium in the middle of the central pedestrian zone. Focus on fish and other animals of the Adriatic. Not bad. Entry in 2024 costs 7 euros for adults. Well signposted.
Baredine Cave: Take a guided tour of the fascinating underground cave system of Baredine Cave, just a short drive from Porec. The cave features unique rock formations such as stalactites, stalagmites and underground lakes. The tour lasts about 1 hour and is a great way to escape the heat of the summer sun. One of the most famous stalactite caves in Croatia. The cave, Croatian Jama or Grotta, Baredine is about 5 km northeast of the city center.
Great boat tour from Porec: You can visit the Limski Canal, as well as the towns of Rovinj and Vrsar on a boat tour from Porec (click here).
Beaches: Porec has some of the best beaches in Croatia, such as Plava Laguna, Zelena Laguna and Brlo Beach. The beaches have crystal clear waters and many have facilities such as showers, toilets and cafes. There are good beaches north and south of the town centre. A tourist train operates as public transport between the beaches and the town. The lagoon beaches south of the town between Porec and Funtana are particularly popular. There are also many larger package hotels and some campsites here. There are many sports on offer for tourists such as water skiing (jet skiing), parasailing, tennis and golf. There are a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars on the beaches.
If you are looking for something quieter, you can go to the nearby island of Sveti Nikola, which has several secluded bays. The island can be reached by small ferries from the old town in just a few minutes. Great sandy beach on Sveti Nikola Island. The island is, however, dominated by large hotel complexes.
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Island tour: Take a boat tour to explore the nearby islands of Sveti Nikola, Sveta Marina and Vrsar. The islands are not far from Porec and offer stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. You can swim, snorkel or just relax on the beach. There are several cafes and restaurants on the island where you can grab a bite to eat.
Parking Porec: The old town can only be accessed by locals with a special card (there are barriers). As a tourist you have to park outside the old town. There are huge parking lots there. Distance from the old town about 500 meters to 1 km. Price of parking in Porec: 1 to 2 euros per hour, depending on the distance from the old town. On the beaches you sometimes pay 1 euro per hour, on others there is no parking fee. So the parking prices in Porec are OK. Often in high season the large parking lots near the old town are all full. The rush of tourists is gigantic.
Eating Porec: Our favorite restaurant in Porec for simple and inexpensive food is the “Grill Fortuna” behind the beach in a parking lot about 1 km south of the center of Porec. Sardines with side dishes only 7 euros, pizza, meat like cevapcici, fresh calamari, etc. Also fast food like hot dogs and hamburgers. Everything is good and not expensive. You sit outside.
The Artha restaurant at the entrance to the old town is healthy (a lot of vegetarian). Good value and fresh food.
A good Asian restaurant in the middle of the old town is Chili Fusion Streetfood. Also not expensive, sushi and Thai. For anyone who wants something different to the typical Croatian meat and chips or pizza.
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Long article about the famous Euphrasian Cathedral Porec
Euphrasius Cathedral, also known as Euphrasius Cathedral, is a beautiful and historic church in the city of Porec in Croatia. Built in the 6th century, it is one of the most important examples of Byzantine architecture in the Adriatic region and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This article deals with the history and architecture of this magnificent cathedral.
History: The Basilica of Euphrasius was built in the 6th century AD under the reign of Bishop Euphrasius, who gave the cathedral its name. Euphrasius was an important bishop who ruled over the diocese of Porec in Byzantine Istria. The cathedral was built on the site of an earlier church that had been destroyed by tribal invasions.
Over the centuries, Euphrasius Cathedral was rebuilt and enlarged several times. A bell tower was added in the 9th century and a sacristy in the 16th century. In the 18th century the cathedral was damaged by an earthquake and extensively restored in the 20th century.
The architecture: Euphrasius Cathedral is known for its impressive Byzantine architecture, which combines Roman, Byzantine and early Christian elements. The cathedral has a uniform floor plan with three apses and a rectangular nave. The apse is decorated with intricate mosaics depicting the life of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.
The interior of the cathedral is decorated with beautiful frescoes, including some in the apse of the nave, which were added in the 12th century. The frescoes depict the life of Jesus and are among the finest examples of medieval art in Istria.
The cathedral’s bell tower, 31 metres high, is one of the tallest structures in Porec. The tower was added to the cathedral in the 9th century and has Romanesque and Gothic elements.
Visit to the Euphrasius Cathedral: The Euphrasius Cathedral is located in the heart of the old town of Porec and can be visited every day. The cathedral is a popular tourist attraction and visitors can take guided tours to learn more about its history and architecture.
One of the highlights of the cathedral are the impressive mosaics in the apse of the nave. The mosaic was created in the 6th century and is considered one of the best examples of Byzantine art in Croatia. Visitors can also admire the 12th century frescoes in the apse of the nave. The frescoes depict the life of Jesus and are among the best examples of medieval art in Istria.
In addition to its architectural and artistic treasures, the Basilica of Euphrasius also houses several religious relics, including the tomb of Euphrasius Bishop.Entrance fee 10 euros, expensive but a really great church.
Old Town Porec
The Old Town of Porec on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula in Croatia is a beautiful and historic area that attracts tourists from all over the world. With its narrow streets, historic buildings and beautiful architecture, the Old Town is a popular tourist destination that offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. This article is about the history and sights of the Old Town of Porec.
History: The Old Town of Porec has a long and fascinating history dating back to ancient times. The region was settled by the local Illyrians around 2000 BC. They lived in the area until the 1st century BC. In the 2nd century BC, the Romans conquered the area. They founded a colony called Colonia Yuria Parentium.
During the Byzantine period, Porec became an important centre of culture and knowledge. The Euphrasius Basilica, considered one of the most important examples of early Byzantine architecture in the Adriatic region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in the 6th century. Located in the heart of the old town, the cathedral is a popular tourist attraction.
Medieval Porec was dominated by the Venetians, who left a lasting mark on the city’s architecture and culture. The Venetians built many of the city’s most beautiful buildings, including the town hall and the Palace of the Bishops of Porec.
Tourist sights and attractions Porec Old Town: It is a maze of narrow streets and alleys flanked by beautiful historic buildings. Visitors can stroll through the town and admire the beautiful architecture, which reflects the rich history and cultural influences of the region.
One of the most popular attractions in the old town is the Euphrasius Cathedral, a magnificent cathedral dating back to the 6th century AD. The cathedral’s beautiful mosaics and frescoes are considered the best examples of Byzantine art in Croatia. The Old Town is also home to several historical buildings and sights such as the Town Hall, the Palace of the Bishop of Porec and the House of the Two Saints. Visitors can also explore the many shops, cafés and restaurants in the Old Town, which offer a taste of Istrian cuisine and hospitality.
Another popular attraction in the Old Town is Piazza Marafor, a historic square that was once the heart of the Roman colony. Today, the square is home to several beautiful buildings, including the Temple of Neptune and the House of the Four Saints.In Croatian, this square in the old town is called: Trg Marafor
The Old Town of Porec is a beautiful and historic district that offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. With its beautiful architecture, historic buildings and charming streets, the Old Town is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors of all ages.
Baredine Cave Porec
Baredine Cave is a popular tourist attraction near the town of Porec in Istria, Croatia. The caves are natural wonders formed over millions of years and are home to a variety of unique geological formations and underground organisms. In this article you will learn what visitors can expect when visiting the Baredine Cave.
Location and history: Baredine Cave is located in the village of Nova Vas, a short drive from the town of Porec. The cave was discovered by a team of speleologists in 1955 and opened to the public in 1995. Cave:
Baredine Cave is a 1320 m long limestone cave, 300 m of which is open to the public. A cave is a network of interconnected passages, rooms and galleries filled with fascinating geological formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, columns and curtains.
One of the most striking features of the cave is the 5-metre high “organ” formation. It resembles a pipe organ and produces a unique sound when played. Visitors can also admire the “Ice Age” room, where calcite crystals reminiscent of snow and ice can be seen.
The caves are also home to a variety of underground creatures, including blind crickets, spiders and beetles. Visitors can take guided tours to learn more about these fascinating creatures and their adaptations to the cave environment.
Entrance fee 2024: Adults pay 12 euros to visit the Beredine Cave, children over 5 years pay 8.50 euros, younger children are free. There is a discount of around 2 to 3 euros on admission for seniors, students and groups.
Guided tour: Visitors to Baredine Cave can explore the cave on a guided tour. The guided tours last about 40 minutes and allow visitors to explore different rooms and galleries. The tours are led by experienced guides who provide information about the geology, history and biology of the caves.
Visitors can also take part in special tours such as. “Adventure Tours” or “Educational Tours”. The Adventure Tour is a more challenging tour involving climbing and crawling through narrow passages and is recommended for those who are not claustrophobic and are physically fit. The “Educational Tours” are aimed at school groups and focus on the geological and biological features of the cave.
Visitor information: Baredine Cave is open 7 days a week and guided tours are offered in Croatian, English, German, Italian and Slovenian. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket as the temperature in the cave is around 14 °C all year round.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at the cave entrance or online. Discounted tickets are available for children, students and groups. The cave is wheelchair accessible and special arrangements can be made for visitors with disabilities.
