Istria: A postcard from Poreč

Birds eye view of Poreč at sunset, a town jutting out into water with cream buildings with red rooves — Poreč from above.

(Image credit: Supplied by Poreč Tourist Board.)

Published 9 September 2026 In Features

Situated on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula, the town of Poreč (Parenzo) stands as a microcosm of Istrian culture and history. A confluence of cultures, languages and traditions – Croatian, Italian and Slovenian – the city still fiercely preserves a uniquely ‘Istrian’ sense of identity.

Coastal Poreč, Istria’s second largest town (after Pula), has lived through a turbulent history of conquest and invasion over millennia, spanning Roman, Venetian, Austrian, Italian and Yugoslavian rule. Today, Poreč is part of modern-day Croatia and is easily reachable with just a 45-minute drive from Pula airport, or 75 minutes from Trieste, across the Italian border.

A town where history meets the sea, Poreč is also known as Istria’s city of wine. It is home to the headquarters of Association Vinistra, which hosts its annual international wine fair in early May in the impressive Žatika Sports Centre (see back cover). The fair offers both industry professionals and wine lovers alike the chance to discover local producers and varieties, with a strong focus on Malvazija Istarska and Teran.

From Byzantine mosaics to exquisite beaches, delicious local fare and coastal walks, there is so much to explore. With its five-star hotels and island-hopping adventures, Poreč provides the perfect base from which to discover this magical peninsula.

A cobbled street in Porec, with a cafe with outdoor seating on the left — Poreč's old town.

Top 10 things to do around Poreč

1. Discover the Euphrasian Basilica. Admire the dazzling interior of this sixth-century basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Byzantine gold mosaics adorn the apse and exquisite Roman floor mosaics.

2. Visit a winery. Within easy reach of the town, try Vina Laguna/Festigia, Damjanić, Kadum, Anđelo Brčić’s AB Vina, Matošević and DeFratta.

3. Stay in five-star luxury. The Pical Resort 5*, Valamar Collection, opened its doors in spring 2026. A stay here offers endless luxury with 11 pools, three beaches, a wide choice of bars and restaurants, and Michelin-star restaurant, Harry’s Piccolo. The resort boasts an impressive wine list of more than 350 carefully-selected labels, with a focus on premium Istrian wines as well as outstanding Croatian and international producers.

4. Bike the Parenzana Trail. This 123km bike and walking route follows the old 20th-century railway line that used to connect Italy, Slovenia and Croatia, linking Poreč with the Italian city of Trieste.

5. Island hop. Take a short boat ride to the island of Sveti Nikola or to the islands that make up the Brijuni National Park.

6. Feast on Istrian culinary delights. Enjoy an aperitif with a glass of local Malvasia or an excellent cocktail at Old Town, Ulixes Wine Garden, Rotonda or Sveti Nikola. For delicious pizzas try Nono. Serving local fare at its very finest, from freshly-caught seafood to Istrian truffle fuži try one-star Michelin guide Harry's Piccolo or Michelin recommended restaurants Spinnaker and JAZ by Ana Roš.

7. Walk along Poreč’s lungomare. Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront as the sun sets: this promenade stretches from Poreč old town and passes through the Plava Laguna and Zelena Laguna resorts. Why not round off the evening with a stroll and ice cream at Gelateria Venti 22.

8. Explore the old town and the remains of the city walls. Take a stroll down the main drag, Decumanus Street, admire the Venetian gothic façade of the Zuccato Palace and the layers of history revealed by the 13th century Romanesque house, discover the remains of the old Roman forum in Marafor square.

9. Unwind at the beach. Try Plava Laguna, Parentino, Maro or the 5-star resort beach of the Pical Resort 5* for a refreshing swim.

10. Book a day trip to Pula. Boasting one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres, the city of Pula is home to many events and concerts, including performances from the likes of John Legend, Sting, Jovanotti and Nick Cave.