Holiday in Porec

What makes Porec special as a destination?

Porec is the cultural heart of Istria and a city that proves that world heritage and beach holidays can be perfectly combined. The small peninsula town on the west coast of Istria boasts the Euphrasius Basilica, one of the most significant structures of early Byzantine art worldwide - a UNESCO World Heritage site, whose shimmering gold mosaics from the 6th century are in a league with Ravenna and Istanbul. At the same time, Porec is one of Croatia's most popular holiday destinations with excellent tourist infrastructure. The Euphrasius Basilica is the crown jewel of Porec. The bishop's ensemble from the 6th century, consisting of the basilica, atrium, baptistery, and bishop's palace, has survived the centuries almost unchanged. The gold mosaics in the apse depict the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child, flanked by angels and saints - a splendor that regularly overwhelms visitors. The climb to the bell tower rewards with a panorama over the old town, the offshore islands, and the Istrian coast. The old town of Porec is located on a narrow peninsula and still follows the Roman street grid: The Decumanus, the main street, and the Cardo form the framework of the alleys, where today restaurants, galleries, and boutiques line up. The remains of the Roman temple on the forum, the round tower from the defensive structure, and the Venetian palaces tell of two thousand years of uninterrupted settlement. Surrounding Porec are some of the best holiday resorts in Croatia. The Blue and Green Lagoon south of the city offer crystal-clear water, pebble and rocky beaches in pine forests, and an infrastructure that covers everything from camping to holiday apartments to five-star hotels. The Zelena Laguna Resort has been repeatedly awarded as the best camping resort in Europe. For families with children, the shallow bays and numerous recreational offerings provide ideal conditions. From Germany, Porec can be reached in six to eight hours by car or by flight to Pula (60 km) in just under two hours. The season extends from May to October, with June and September being the best months for pleasant temperatures and less hustle and bustle.