Last Updated: June 21, 2022

Things To Do In Porec, Croatia

Porec is an ancient town on the Istrian peninsula, and it’s a very popular destination with both Croatians and foreigners. The spectacular town has a lot to offer, whether you’re into boat tours, outdoor adventures, or just relaxing vacations, making it one of the best places to visit on Croatia’s Mediterranean coast and a great spot to visit on any trip to Croatia.

This detailed guide covers all the top things to see and do in Porec, including the historical landmarks, the best Porec beaches, and places off the beaten path that are worth exploring. Read on to learn all about the best attractions in Porec, and other ways to have fun in this beautiful Croatian city!

Lim Fjord Scenic Viewpoint

Lim Fjord

Lim Fjord isn’t an actual fjord, but it does have several characteristics of one. It’s a narrow body of water that cuts deep into the Croatian mainland, and it’s a spectacular place to visit. It’s southeast of Porec, and it’s possible to visit the palace on a boat tour or by car.

Bring some delicious local food and you can have a nice picnic with a side of breathtaking panoramic views. The Lim Fjord observation deck offers some of the prettiest vistas you can experience on the Istrian peninsula, and it is honestly impossible to say whether it’s better to admire them from above or from the water.

There are a few local eateries near Fjord Beach, as well as a cocktail bar. These places are great if you want to enjoy delicious local meals and drinks while admiring the gorgeous views and experiencing a Croatian natural landmark that’s still unknown to many.

Plava Laguna Beach

Plava Laguna is a bay in southern Porec that features beaches, resorts, a marina, and a diving center. The name translates to the Blue Lagoon, which perfectly describes the spectacular color of the sea in this bay.

There are several beaches in the bay, but the Plava Laguna beach is by far the most popular one. It features a mixture of rocky and stone terrain with lots of shade thanks to the many pine trees that tower over the beach.

The beach is also popular for water sports, and there’s even a small waterpark for kids here. The Blue Lagoon Diving Center is one of the best diving centers in Porec, with experienced instructors that offer both daytime and nighttime diving excursions.

It’s also worth noting that there’s a huge Blue Lagoon resort here, and it’s a great place to stay if you want easy access to pretty much everything you could possibly need and want during a vacation.

Baredine Cave

Baredine Cave

Image courtesy of tzzimone

The Baredine Cave is located northeast of Porec in the small village of Gedici. It’s a karst cave that first opened in 1995, and it has since become one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Istrian peninsula.

A tour of the cave lasts for about 40 minutes, during which time you get to descend along a pathway of 300 meters. You’re taken some 60 meters below ground, and you get to see a beautiful underground lake as well as the five chambers of the cave.

You’ll also witness quite a few cave animals, and get to see the cave olm, which is endemic to this specific karts area. It’s also worth noting that the temperature inside the cave is about 14°C, so it’s a great place to escape in the summer if the heat in central Porec gets unbearable.

Zarecki Krov Waterfall

Zarecki Krov waterfalls is a ways away from Porec, but it’s one of the best waterfalls in Croatia and it would be a shame not to visit it if you’re already visiting the area. It’s one of Istria’s prettiest cascades, and it’s one of the best places on the peninsula for a fun and exciting day trip.

The waterfall streams down from an overhang into a large rocky pool. It’s possible to swim in the pool if there is enough water, and this is actually a popular thing to do with most visitors who come to see the waterfall. The entire area surrounding Zarecki Krov is incredibly beautiful, and it’s certainly a pleasant change from the crowds and huge waterparks that are so common on the Croatian west coast.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that it’s best to visit the waterfall in the rainy season, preferably a day or two after heavy rain. The area can dry up in the summer, and it would be a shame to make the trip all the way from Porec to Zarecki Krov, only to be met with dried-up rocks.

But if you are in Porec in the spring or autumn and you wish to see a stunning natural landmark, you certainly won’t regret making the trip to this gorgeous waterfall.

Cycle The Parenzana Route

The Parenzana Route runs between the cities of Trieste, Italy, and Porec, Croatia, following the route of a hundred-year-old railway. If you’re an outdoor lover visiting Porec, this is definitely one of the top things to do in Porec for you. The cycling route is 125 kilometers long over gravel tracks and asphalt roads.

You’ll pass through tunnels, over bridges and viaducts, through nature reserves, and get to admire the beauty of three different countries along the way.

It’s worth noting that the original route passes through Slovenia and Italy, so you will need your passport if you decide to embark upon this journey.

Porec Old Town

Porec Old Town

Porec has a rich history and a great way of exploring it by going on a tour of its old town. It sits on a small peninsula, and it has been inhabited for thousands of years. You can observe many landmarks that are a testament to the history and culture of this lovely town, all the while enjoying magnificent views of the Adriatic Sea.

The Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica is the most important historical landmark in this stunning town. It dates back to the 6th century, and it’s truly an incredible sight with its beautiful mosaics, tall bell tower, and stone Byzantine architecture.

The fascinating basilica is just one of the many incredible landmarks in the city center of Porec. There’s also the Neptune Temple with ancient ruins, the Poreč-Parenzo Town Museum, the House of Two Saints, the Romanesque Palace, Marfor square with ruins dating back to the Roman Empire, Gothic and Baroque palaces, and a few other attractions that are special enough to warrant their own sections!

Visit Damjanic Winery

The story of the Damjanic Winery begins in the early 18th century. Since then, they’ve become one of the best and most famous Istrian wineries, with a tradition that’s several centuries long.

The winery is southeast of Porec, about 10-15 minutes away from the city. It’s one of the best places in Istria for wine tasting, so it’s the perfect place in Porec for anyone who enjoys a bit of hedonism. They also make great olive oil, so this is a great time to stock up on the local goodies!

You need to call ahead if you want to tour the vineyard and the wine cellar, so keep that in mind. It’s also worth noting that you should be able to reach the winery with a local bus from Porec, so don’t have to worry about how you’ll get back home after you’ve tried all 12 of their wines.

Sveti Nikola Island

Sveti Nikola Island

Image courtesy of Marko Maras

Sveti Nikola is a small island southwest of Porec with breakwaters that were constructed during the Austro-Hungarian period in Croatia. The main purpose of the island was to protect the Porec harbor from strong winds, but over time it has become a popular destination for luxury tourism.

The tiny island boasts luxury hotels and resorts, and it’s a great place for a five-star vacation. If that’s how you’d like to spend your time in Porec, then Sveti Nikola Island is one of the top places to be in Croatia.

Alternatively, you can visit the island on a quick boat trip from Porec. It boasts a beautiful 15th-century lighthouse that’s worth checking out, as well as some spectacular beaches.

Pical Beach

Pical Beach, also known as the Parentino Beach, is a beautiful beach in northern Porec. It’s lined with pine trees that offer plenty of shade, plus it features beach bars and lounger rentals. It’s also possible to rent a boat at the beach, in case you want to go on a quick tour of the area.

The pebble beach is best known for offering spectacular views of the Porec peninsula, which are wonderful to enjoy while you’re soaking in the sun. The best thing about this beach is that it’s usually very quiet, making it a great place for anyone looking for some peace and privacy.

Another thing worth noting is that there are quite a few rocks in the water here, so getting in the sea can be a bit tricky. They’re easy to avoid for the most part, but you might need to be just a little extra cautious if you visit the beach with small children.

Zelena Laguna

Zelena Laguna is a charming bay in northern Porec. The name literally translates to the Green Lagoon, and it describes the area perfectly. The beautiful bay is lined with green pine trees that provide shelter from the hot summer sun.

The area is also quite popular for beach volleyball, and there are a couple of pretty good restaurants nearby. Visitors can even see the semi-submarine that takes passengers on underwater tours, which is another fun thing you can do in this part of Porec!

It’s also worth noting that Zelena Laguna is home to quite a few of the city’s three-star hotels. They’re great value for money, partly because of the excellent service, but also because of the fabulous location in this beautiful bay.

There’s also a campsite nearby, so in case you’re considering camping in Porec, you should definitely look into getting a place in this area. It’s one of the best campsites in Porec with a fantastic beachside location, and a wide variety of amenities on the site, including a market, tennis courts, and a children’s playground.

The Round Tower

The Round Tower is one of the most impressive landmarks in the Porec old town. It was built in the late 15th century, and it’s another incredible testament to the rich history of this beautiful city.

The tower features the original embrasure and steep stone steps, as well as a fairly modern bar at its top. The bar is a great place to enjoy some local wine or craft beer while admiring panoramic views of Sveti Nikola Island and the Porec seaside promenade.

It’s a great way to experience this impressive landmark, but keep in mind that it’s not exactly a premium bar. Prices are higher than in most other locales in the city, and that’s mainly because of the location and not the quality of drinks and service. It’s a bit of a tourist trap, but the view is so incredible that it’s okay to get trapped for an hour or two.

Decumanus Street

Decumanus Street

Decumanus Street is the heart of Porec Old Town. It’s a straight street that connects Marafor Square and Liberty Square (Trg Slobode), which are on opposite sides of the old town of Porec.

This famous street is impossible to miss when you’re doing a walking tour of the city center since it’s lined with the city’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll also find some of the best bars and restaurants in Porec along Decumanus Street, as well as a plethora of souvenir shops.

The cobblestone street is one of the highlights of Porec and it truly breathes life into this gorgeous town. Whether you’re looking to admire historical landmarks, try great food, or just want to do some shopping, Decumanus Street is the place to be in Porec.

Brulo Beach

Brulo Beach is another one of the many beaches in this beautiful city in Istria. It’s situated in the southern area of the city, and it’s perhaps the best place for adventurers who want to have some water fun in Porec. The sea is surreally clean here, which is one of the main highlights of Brulo Beach.

It’s worth noting that for the most part, it’s a stone beach with easy sea access and no shade, but it does feature lounge areas in the vast park just before the beach. It’s also possible to rent loungers and umbrellas both on the grass and on the small sandy part of the stone beach.

There’s a sports center here, so you can go parasailing, rent kayaks, and jet skis to ride around in the sea. The Porec Diving Club is also situated right here in Brulo, in the shade of the many pine trees that line the stone beach.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that there are many pebble and sand beaches just a short walk away from the main park area if you’re not that impressed by the stone beach.

Aqua Colors Waterpark

Aqua Colors Waterpark is one of the best waterparks on Croatia’s west coast. It features more than a dozen water slides, a lazy river, pools, playgrounds, and beaches, and it’s easily the best place in Porec for families with children.

While the kids are running around exploring all the different slides and pools, adults can relax at one of the many different cafes and lounge bars on the grounds of the water park.

The waterpark is extremely fun for both kids and adults, but it’s worth noting that it can get quite busy during peak season. If you want to enjoy the place without crowds, it’s best to visit it in the off-season.

Spadici Municipality

Spadici is a small municipality in Northern Porec, best known for its many beautiful beaches. The entire place is lined with beaches that offer everything from fancy loungers to water sports, so it’s a great place to visit if you want to explore a bit outside central Porec.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that there are a lot of beachside hotels and rental apartments in this part of Porec, and it’s a great place to stay if you’re going on a longer vacation. A lot of ground-floor houses are just a stone’s throw away from the beach, plus all the other amenities you might need are within a few minutes of each other.

One thing to note is that the place can get quite crowded, especially during the high season.

Adventure Park Sky Fox

Adventure Park Sky Fox is one of the best places in Porec for adventurers and thrill-seekers. It’s popular among both tourists and local outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to the wide variety of fun and exciting activities they offer.

The park features several adventure trails where you get to walk across hanging bridges, ride bikes on a hanging platform, and do a 10-meter free fall. They have activities for both kids and adults, including something called human table football, where people act like the figurines in table football.

In any case, it’s an interesting place to visit in Porec, and certainly one of the best places in Istria for everyone who just wants to spend some time having fun in the great outdoors.

About the Author Anna Timbrook

Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.

Leave a Comment: