Rustic Charm of Porec, Croatia

In Croatia, En-Route, Europe, Our Journeys, Trip-Types, Unesco, World Travel by JanisLeave a Comment

Byzantine traces

During our stay at Rovinj, not only did we decided to venture south and visit the coastal town of Pula, but we also chose to head north and visit Poreč.

Poreč is around 22 miles (36km) north of Rovinj, and you can take in some lovely scenery, with a little detour off the motorway.

Venice on your doorstep

We drove into Poreč, and the rain had stopped yeh!!!

Clouds over the harbour, Porec, Croatia

My initial reactions to Poreč was that it was quite busy, I shouldn’t have been surprised as this ancient town is steeped in centuries of history and is a catamaran’s ride away from Venice.

Stroll along the marina

We wandered around the harbour front soaking up the atmosphere, and the view over the Adriatic Sea, nestled in the bay of Poreč and almost protecting it is the small island of Sveti Nikola.

A harbour view of Poreč, Croatia

A helpful guide

If you've yet to discover the delights of Croatia you're in for a treat. While planning our road trip, I used the DK Eyewitness books.  I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.

We used a previous version of this book to plan our north to south Croatian road trip, now you can grab the revised copy.


Those lovely white cobbles

Heading into the Old Town, once again strolling on the shiny white cobbles, which for me have now become so synonymous with Croatia.

The cobbled lanes, Poreč, Croatia
Taking a stroll, Poreč, Croatia

Charisma

The Old Town of Poreč has some fantastic architecture, from the polished to the not so polished and the mixture gives Poreč quite a rustic charm.

A doorway in Poreč, Croatia
Venetian influence, Poreč, Croatia
Classic Architecture, Poreč, Croatia
The Round Tower, Poreč, Croatia
A balcony view, Porec, Croatia

Why Not?

Start creating your own adventure and discover the delights of Croatia for yourself, Easyjet & British Airways are just a couple of options.

You may even want to combine it into a road trip like us, Rental Cars searches multiple well-known car hire brands and discovers the deals that suit you the best.

Neptune

Strolling around there are reminders of its past life of the Romans and Venetians. The ruins of the Great Temple of Neptune can be seen at the far end of the Old Town and would have once overlooked the Adriatic Sea.

The Great Temple of Neptune, Poreč, Croatia

But there is such a strong influence of Venetian architecture wherever you wander.

Along the promenade

Weaving our way through the streets & lanes, we head along the north promenade and enjoy the beautiful views across the bay.

A view along the shoreline, Poreč, Croatia

UNESCO

Our visit to Poreč was only for a few hours.

However, if you come here, you must tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Euphrasian Basilica and the group of religious monuments that make up the complex.

Entrance to the Basilica, Poreč, Croatia

Amongst the birds

Within the walls, you can visit the Basilica, atrium, octagonal baptistery and archbishop's palace. Also, make sure you climb the Bell Tower; the views are lovely over the rooftops of Poreč.

Intricacies

The amazing architecture and colourful mosaic detail, within the 6th-century Basilica, is stunning.

The original Basilica which stood on these grounds dates back to the 4th-century and part of the original mosaic flooring can be seen within the church garden.

The mosaics in the garden of the Euphrasian Basilica, Poreč, Croatia

Surviving centuries

The courtyard of the Euphrasian Basilica, Poreč, Croatia

Understandably restoration has taken place over the years; however, the centuries of history and detail is incredible.

Our last stop

Heading back to the car and the sun returns!!!

The harbour at dusk, Rovinj, Croatia

We enjoyed our visit to Poreč; however, we had gained quite a soft spot for Rovinj, so heading back and experiencing the sunset across the bay was a lovely way to end our tour of Croatia.

Have You

Visited Poreč, and explored its ancient streets, did you manage to climb the Bell Tower and capture the view across the rooftops?

Inspired to visit Porec?

Poreč is a charming town, and also an ideal base to explore the Istrian peninsular.

Why not checkout the latest deals on Booking.Com?

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Rustic Charm of  Poreč, Croatia

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