Porec Old Town

The Basics

Inhabited since prehistoric times, Porec has a long and tumultuous past. There are many museums and notable buildings throughout the Old Town, including the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Euphrasian Basilica, with its distinctive 6th-century Byzantine mosaics. You can also see the remains of a Roman forum, ancient temples, and the old parliament buildings, which were converted from a 14th-century Franciscan church.

Porec is a jumping-off point for exploration of the Istria region. Tours of this region often visit larger cities such as Trieste, Rijeka, Ljubljana, and Zagreb.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Porec Old Town is a must-visit for history buffs.

• Entry to the Euphrasian Basilica is free and donations are appreciated.

• Wear comfortable shoes to explore Porec Old Town.

• Old Town is doable but can be challenging for wheelchair users due to cobbled streets and narrow walkways. The basilica has one steep ramp and some steps.

How to Get There

Porec is about 56 miles (90 kilometers) from Trieste, Italy, and 155 miles (250 kilometers) from Zagreb. The closest airports are in Pula and Trieste. You can easily reach Porec Old Town by car, or on foot if you are already staying in Porec. There are many transportation connections with the nearby cities of Trieste, Rijeka, Ljubljana, and Zagreb, including a direct ferry from Venice.

When to Get There

The high season for Porec is in the summer, when tourists from all over the world flock to the Croatian coast. To avoid the masses, plan a trip for the spring or autumn shoulder seasons, when the weather is still warm and the crowds tend to be thinner.

Swimming Near Porec

After exploring the historical sites in Porec Old Town, take advantage of the Croatian coast and go for a swim. Porec contains the Blue Lagoon, the Green Lagoon, and the White Cove, all of which are lovely for swimming. You can also take a short boat ride to Sveti Nikola island for a day of swimming and sunbathing.