Attractions in Poreč and its surroundings that you should definitely visit!

The main historical attraction in Poreč is the 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica located in the historic town centre. The basilica is open to the public every day, and if you climb to its bell-tower, you'll enjoy a spectacular view of Poreč and its surroundings.

The streets in the old town of Poreč still have the layout of an ancient Roman castrum. Other sites of interest include Marafor Square and the remnants of Neptune's Temple, a Romanesque House, the Pentagonal Tower, and the Round Tower.

After visiting the old town, you can explore the enchanting small island of Sveti Nikola, which can be reached by boat in only five minutes from Poreč. The island will thrill you with its beaches, lush hrubbery and fantastic views of the sea.

We also recommend visiting the quaint medieval hilltop towns of Grožnjan and Motovun situated in Istria's interior, the remains of the uninhabited medieval town of Dvigrad, and the attractive Baredine Cave, which is located 10 km from Poreč.

Euphrasian Basilica

a large church with a large stained glass window

Be impressed by the most beautiful, preserved monument of Early Byzantine art found in the Mediterranean. Built in the sixth century during the rule of Bishop Euphrasius, its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is the only church from that period with a preserved original structure. You will be stunned by its outstanding Byzantine mosaics, one of the most significant mosaic samples in Europe. The basilica has been listed in the UNESCO World Cultural and Heritage List since 1997.


The Old Town of Poreč

a stone building with a staircase

Stroll gently down the old Roman streets (Decumanus and Cardo Maximus) and their original structure. Towards the end of Decumanus Street you will find Marafor Square, where the Roman forum and temples honouring Roman gods used to found, as well as an intriguing Roman house. The most significant cultural monument is the Euphrasian basilica which has been listed in the UNESCO World Cultural and Heritage List since 1997.

a stone building with a staircase

Sveti Nikola Island

an island with buildings and trees

Why not spend a day on a green island overlooking the impressive old town of Poreč? Hop on a boat which leads you to the island and soak up the sunshine throughout the day enjoying yourself on one of the beaches or perhaps go for a walk along one of the numerous trails exploring the island and the natural Mediterranean surroundingse.


Poreč Heritage Museum

a large room with a large painting on the wall

Visit the oldest museum in Istria founded back in 1884 whose primary role is to collect, preserve and explore the civilization and cultural wealth of the Poreština region and the way they are presented to the public.

a large room with a large painting on the wall

Sveti Lovreč

a stone building with a tower

This small town, named after St. Lovro's church, is located in the vicinity of Poreč. An interesting location due to its specific features resembling a fort, which includes well-preserved walls, towers, a Venetian town gate, a bell-tower and a charming paved square featuring the pillar of shame and the town lodge.


Dvigrad

a stone castle on a hill with Tumalo Falls in the background

See the remains of the old town of Dvigrad situated in the vicinity of Kanfanar. In the past, this town only had 200 houses with approximately 2000 inhabitants and today, most of the buildings are still there for you to admire. Over the years, many stories and legends have been told about the Dvigrad. According to one of them, lovers who visit the town, will leave feeling even deeper in love which is why it is aptly named the "town of lovers".

a stone castle on a hill with Tumalo Falls in the background

Motovun

a hillside with trees and buildings on it

The legend states that Motovun was built by giants who lived in the valley of the River Mirna. This town, which is also a monument, dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries, and now nestles on the peak of a hill. Head towards the very top of the Motovun hill and its Venetian Square by taking the longest Istrian stairway made up of 1,052 stairs.


Grožnjan

a building on a hill

Grožnjan is one of the most attractive small medieval Istrian towns, perched on the top of a hill. This small town packed with magical and narrow stone streets is also known as the "artists' town" thanks to the various events and festivals taking place over the year as well as the countless private art galleries and studios.

a building on a hill

Baredine Cave

a person standing in a cave

Visit the Baredine Cave which tunnels approximately 60m deep into the ground, located near the charming town of Višnjan. Explore its five halls known for an array of stalactites and stalagmites and their interesting forms. See the Leaning Tower of Pisa and snowman – the symbol of the cave.


Dinosaurs Park

a statue of a dinosaur

Go wild having fun in the first amusement park in Istria - Dino Park in Funtana! See 17 different types of life-size dinosaur. With a combination of movement and sound, the figures will take you way back into the past, millions of years. Apart from learning more about these large creatures, prepare to be amazed by a magic show and circus performers!

a statue of a dinosaur

Festivals in Poreč

a man and woman holding balloons

Porec can offer more than just a beautiful beach, wonderful landscape and a super Mediterranean air. In the summer there is one by one event in Porec. Experience action at the hill climb championship or funny entertainment at the Solaris carnival.The hill climb championship is the second eldest racing and is made up of 12 rounds.The twelfth and last race is every year in Buzet, just a few cilometres away from Porec.Or you celebrate at the Solaris carnival like there is no tomorrow. For seven days the nudist hotel Solaris is a carnival stronghold. Enjoy funny performances and games, the vote of the carnival king and of course a top gastronomic offer.But there are even more events in Porec like the bunches of grapes feasts, the Lanterna Bike Week or the History Festival Giostra. Come and enjoy the Adriatic, take part in exciting and funny events and experience dreamful holidays.