Porec is located on a beautiful peninsula in Istria on the north-west coast of Croatia. There has been a settlement here for over two thousand years which has seen its share of troubles both in ancient times and in the recent past. Porec lies around a harbour which is sheltered from the sea by the small island of St. Nicholas. A canal separates the old town from the mainland and to the south of the town the tourist areas of Playa Laguna and Zeluna Playa are found. Porec has much to offer visitors particularly those who enjoy sporting activities. The beaches here are comprised of pebbles and shingle, the waters are crystal clear and a wide variety of water sports are offered. Modern accommodation provides excellent amenities, restaurants cater for all tastes and nightlife is lively. The warren of narrow cobbled streets in the old town are filled with wonderful buildings and churches as well as many small shops and pavement cafes. A Porec holiday offers much more than lazy days on the beach or lounging by the pool. Visitors can enjoy many sports both in and out of the water, sightseeing in the old town, visits to St. Nicholas Island and, since Venice lies just across the bay, a day trip to what is considered by many to be the most beautiful city in the world.
Porec is an ideal base for those wishing to combine a cultural visit with a relaxing seaside holiday. The beauty of the surrounding countryside, the crystal clear waters and its rich history combine to make Porec a very popular holiday destination. Those seeking an active holiday will find plenty to occupy their days from water sports to cycling, tennis and much more.
Porec holidays are very popular with British holidaymakers thanks to its exceptionally sunny climate, its stunning scenery and its historic centre. The pebbly beaches will probably deter families with small children for whom buckets, spades and acres of sand are considered essential holiday ingredients.
The climate along the Adriatic coast gives long dry summers and pleasantly mild winters. Porec can be visited at any time of year but the long summer holiday season lasts from April until October.
Porec has been taking care of tourists since the nineteenth century and has developed into a prestigious holiday resort, hosting many cultural events and offering a high standard of service. This Adriatic resort lies in Istria, across the bay from Venice, and is surrounded by low fertile hills filled with pine and oak, vineyards, olive groves and orchards. Its pebble beaches are washed by warm translucent waters and a variety of water sports are available including jet skiing and water skiing. Small road trains run between the hotels and the beaches. Land based activities include cycling, tennis, go-karting, paintballing and horse riding. Porec has an excellent range of hotels and apartments to suit most tastes and budgets. Its numerous restaurants provide for all palates and its bars, discos and clubs offer party nights for those who wish. There are plenty of small shops where visitors mosey around, searching for holiday gifts and souvenirs.
Although Porec is primarily a seaside destination, its history and its architecture should not be overlooked. The jewel in its crown is the sixth century Basilica of Euphrasius with wonderful mosaics, but there are many other fine buildings including the Venetian merchants’ houses.
A Porec holiday can be as relaxing, as energetic or as cultural as you wish. You chose.
Porec has a lively nightlife with bars, discos and nightclubs where dancing continues until the early hours of the morning. The Colonia Beach club is a very popular and offers an eclectic range of music throughout the week. There are of course many peaceful venues where you can relax over a meal and a glass of wine while watching the sun descend into the sea. Whatever your taste, Porec nightlife will satisfy.
Shopping in Croatia is generally more expensive than in Britain, but the quality of goods tends to be excellent. Certainly you should be prepared to spend more on food whilst there. Porec has many small shops and supermarkets supplying holiday essentials and market stalls provide the freshest of fruits and vegetables as well as creating a wonderful display of nature’s brightest colours. There are many small shops in the old town where tourists can purchase traditional handicrafts such as wood carvings, ceramics and embroidered linens. These make very acceptable gifts and holiday mementoes.
Porec has a good many cafes and restaurants serving a variety of cuisine that caters for most tastes and pockets. Fish features prominently on menus and there are some excellent eateries down by the harbour and along the seafront. Enjoy your evening meal while watching glorious sunsets and end the day with a relaxing travarica which is a locally produced herbal brandy. Croatian wines are pleasant and inexpensive.
