Holidays to Porec

Founded as a Roman military camp in the second century BC (as Parentium), many changes happened as Porec passed from empire to empire and then in 1267 it was the first of the cities on the Istrian coast to come under the Venetian Republic. After the fall of the Venetian Republic came the Austrian rule. Fast forward to the 1970s, this is when Porec became Istria’s principal tourist resort with the arrival of new large hotels. Happily, our featured BO Hotel Palazzo was around long before that and a million miles away from it , aesthetically speaking.

Something worth remembering is that while the centre of Rovinj takes an uphill climb to the top point, Porec is completely flat. Both the old town and the seafront promenade are quite charming with tiny courtyards, a Baroque window here, a Renaissance once there and some interesting small shops.

Porec has a great choice of bars and restaurants and one of our favourite bars is Torre Rotonda, a unique spot on the sea facing promenade close to the public square. This is a round tower built in 1471 under the Venetian government as a defence tower against attack from the Turks. Today, the rooftop, open air section allows fabulous views across to St Nikola Island and to the harbour while, on the way up, find a nook or alcove in stone and candlelight to suit you. Do not attempt the narrow twisting stone staircase in heels!

Regarding beaches, we suggest avoiding the crowds where the big hotels are (areas called Plava and Zelena Laguna). Instead, we suggest the small pebble beach directly through the little pine wood past the harbour and there is a great beach bar too. Or take the boat over from the town dock (5 minutes) to St Nikola island (tickets from the kiosk or on board) , Ignore the large hotel there and just choose any beach you fancy, mostly pebble ones since all beaches in Croatia are for the use of anyone.

Did You Know?

• That Porec has a legendary fresh market, most of it covered with its own cafes and restaurants. Fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, honey, hams, oils – again perfect for that picnic. Just ask anyone for directions, open 6am – 2pm
• There are many boat trips from the waterfront of Porec. Some advertise dolphin spotting. Certainly, dolphins have been often seen here, just remember that it is not guaranteed.
• The Michelin recommended Sv Nikola Restaurant is just a one-minute walk from our featured BO Hotel Palazzo, it’s fabulous and booking is essential.
• Parenzana is the name of the hiking and biking trail that has been created after the railway tracks were ripped up from the line that once connected Trieste in Italy to Porec in Croatia. A stunning route passing olive groves, vineyards, ancient hamlets and aqueducts. Many people do just a small part using an organised excursion
• Porec is just 38 minutes’ drive from Livade, the truffle centre of this part of Europe and featured in the Guinness book of Records. Just say “Zigante” in Livade. Visit in your own car or on an excursion.
• Porec - the Romans called it Parentium, the Italians call it Parenzo, the rest (including modern day Croatia) call it Porec
• As with Rovinj, it’s easy to enjoy a two centre in or around Split using the direct flight from Pula airport to Split in Croatia’s Dalmatia region, on Mondays and Fridays, flight time 50 minutes.
• Regular catamaran service from Porec to Venice several times per week, for a day trip or for a two-centre holiday Porec with Venice. Journey time 2 hours.