What to do
Beaches in Poreč
Sea quality in the area of Istria has been monitored continuously since 1988. Based on years-long examination, the criteria of sea quality have been introduced, classifying it into four categories marked by different colours. Blue colour marks high quality sea, green colour marks the sea acceptable for bathing, yellow colour marks moderately polluted sea, while red marks heavily polluted sea. These criteria tend to point out the coastal areas with very clean sea. It is precisely the blue colour that makes the basis of the Blue Flag project which aims at preserving sea and shore. Beaches and marinas with Blue Flags are the ones with clean sea, quality services and equipment, and in order to be recognized as such they have to meet numerous criteria of the sea and shore preservation project which has been implemented in Europe since 1987, and since the year 2000 even in the rest of the world. The award is given for the period of 1 year and has to be earned every year. This year on Brulo Beach in Poreč one more Blue Flag, 21st in a row, was hoisted ceremoniously. Twenty beaches in the area of Poreč proudly show off their Blue Flags, the beaches of Plava laguna (Blue Lagoon) boast 9, and those of the Poreč Riviera 8 of them. There is one more flaunting in the marina, while the town beaches have 3. For as long as 12 years Poreč has been included in the international project for the preservation of sea and coastal area as well as safe beaches and shoreline. From year to year the town tends to prove how much it contributes to the welfare of its citizens and guests. We are proud to say out loud that 20% of all the Blue Flags in Croatia belong to Poreč!
Sea activities
Sea lovers will surely not be bored in Poreč, especially if they are entrepreneurially-spirited. The beauty of the Adriatic Sea and underwater environment can be explored year-round. Alongside the flora and fauna of the sea hidden amongst the underwater reefs and caves, you can also tour the silent world of shipwrecks.
Diving centres are well-equipped for organising and leading diving expeditions at attractive locations and for providing diving assistance. During the summer diving schools are organised and if necessary can take on larger groups of divers.
Along the coast from Lanterna to Poreč and Zelena Laguna (Green Lagoon) there are a number of sports centres where it is possible to rent sailboats, paddle-boats and motorboats, beach canoes, pedal-boats, jet skis and windsurfing boards. It is also possible to rent all necessary beach equipment and also go watersking with the help of a cableway. Those who are more agile can go waterskiing while being pulled by a motorboat.
The sea area around Poreč is an excellent area for sports fishing, either angling or underwater spear-gun fishing. Angling is done from the shore or from a boat in shallow waters near shoals.
Poreč is also registered on sailing maps. It is host to many regattas, and insailing school you too can begin a new adventure with the wind at your back.
Extreme Sports
Paragliding, parachuting out of an airplane, a panoramic airplane flight, karting tracks and adrenaline park are only a part of the extreme sports Poreč has to offer.
When the sky above Poreč is clear and a light breeze blows above the Mirna River Valley the 'sky conquerors' gather. Those who have tried the magic of paragliding say that it is an unforgettable experience. But other than the liberating feeling of flying, the relaxing beauty of the landscape is also unforgettable.
Some would rather choose parachuting out of an airplane. The Crljenka Sports Airport near Poreč awaits these adventurers. To start they may undecidedly choose a panoramic airplane flight or glider flight above the Riviera which is unique in many ways, mostly because of the proximity to the line that divides the green Mediterranean landscape and blue of the sea.
Speleological groups will take those who desire on underground explorations while climbing expeditions will find the steep slopes of the Adriatic fjord – Lim Canal – a must-try. The prize for their efforts will be a view of nature’s unique creation at the feet of those who arrive at the top of the cliff.
If it is speed that drives you, near Poreč there is a safe polygon for mind-bending speeds – the karting track of the Poreč Motordrome. You can also get your dose of adrenaline from practice at one of the attractions of the Adrenaline Park.
Wellness in the greenery of pine trees
Poreč offers tourists more than sun and sea – Poreč offers many other things that can make your stay better, more comfortable and more relaxing during all four seasons of the year.
One of the things Poreč offers is a rich wellness program at the Valamar Diamant Hotel, ideal for relaxing from everyday stress and is intended for all those who want to attain balance in their lives with a healthy body and healthy appearance.
The Wellness Centre at the Valamar Diamant is located in a natural park of green pine trees on the seashore, surrounded by walking and biking trails.
This comfortably designed centre only a kilometre from the centre of Poreč includes an indoor swimming pool, a pool with a waterfall and geyser fountains, a children’s pool with water sprayers and geyser fountains and various types of saunas as well as rooms for massages and relaxing while experiencing the Mediterranean and the exotic Amazon. Music, colour and aroma therapies have been created for you to renew your body and spirit.
Excursions
The program of excursions from Poreč and Poreč's tourist resorts is extremely rich and diverse and includes excursions on the sea and to the Istrian hinterland. For example, you can take a small boat to the Lim Canal, Rovinj, Brijuni National Park, or you can go on an organised boating, fishing and 'pirate' picnic. Hydrofoils and fast boats take excursionists to Venice, Trieste and Pula. Travel agencies also organise excursions to the renowned natural attraction, the Plitvica Lakes National Park.
Excursions to Istrian cities and towns in the hinterland are a must and include visits to Motovun, Hum, Grožnjan, Oprtalj, Momjan, Vižinadu, Višnjan, Beram, Sv. Lovreč, Pazin, Savičentu, Barban… Every town will enchant you in its own way. You can also cool off with an excursion to the karst Baredine Cave near Nova Vas.
You can also research specific Istrian wines should you take off on one of Istria'wine roads. No matter which way you turn on your short trips, the view will include numerous olive groves which can take you along olive oil roads. On these roads you can taste various olive oils that liquid gold that represents a true abundance of health.
Nightlife
Fun in Poreč is available at every step. Should you head from Freedom Square (Trg Slobode) to the city waterfront during summer nights the music of top international hits and dance rhythms will follow you from numerous clubs, night bars and cafes, while those who want to try their luck can do so at the enchanting atmosphere of Poreč’s casinos.
Summer terraces of hotels and restaurants are hosts to various entertainers almost every night as they entice you to demonstrate your dancing skills while lounge and beach bars by the sea offer additional refreshment during hot summer nights.
An unforgettable, all-night experience can be found at the largest night club in the region, the Byblos Discotheque. Byblos has already hosted all eminent electronic musicians: David Guetta, Erick Morillo, Umek, Sander Kleinenberg, Sharam, Axwell, Paul Oakenfold, David Morales… The list is heavy, and awards continue to come in. This year DJ Mag placed Byblos at number 71 on the list of The World's TOP 100 Clubs, which promises first-rate entertainment at the Poreč Riviera!
