Gastro Tour: Scents & Tastes

Poreč isn't just beaches and old streets – it's a journey through the scents, tastes, and stories of people who have lived here for centuries. Every stone hides a secret culinary story. We bring you everything you need to know to discover the Gastro Tour: Scents & Tastes of every destination.

Did you know that Istria's gastro guide has been the most sought-after publication among tourists for nearly 30 years? No wonder – Istria has over 2000 km of developed trails connecting wineries, olive groves, and konobas, creating the perfect network for gastro adventures.

1. Morning at the Market – Where Scents Awaken the Soul (and Where Exactly to Go)

Location: Market in Poreč, small market in Tar, market in Funtana

Imagine this: the sun just touching the stone squares, stalls filling with colorful vegetables, and Grandma Višnja offering homemade cheese: "Take it, son, try it while it's fresh!"

What You Can Specifically Expect:

• Opening hours: 6:00-13:00 (come before 9am for the best selection)
• Homemade cheese: €10-15/kg
• Istrian olives: €8-12/kg
• Lavender honey: €15-20/kg
• Fresh vegetables: €2-5/kg

Special event you mustn't miss: Gušti Merkata – every Friday from 10 to 1 PM at Poreč City Market. There you can taste brodetto with polenta that takes you back to our grandmothers' kitchens.

Insider tip: The market in Tar is smaller but more authentic – ideal for photos and conversations with locals who still speak the old dialect.

2. Street Food – Surprises at Every Corner (with Prices That Won't Shock You)

Location: Old Town Poreč, Zelena Laguna, Červar Porat

While strolling through the stone streets, the smell of grilled squid leads you to a stand that locals call the "little paradise for hungry travelers."

What Street Delights Cost in 2025:

• Grilled squid: €8-12
• Fritule with raisins: €3-5
• Octopus under the bell: €15-20 (order 2 hours ahead!)
• Ice cream: €2 per scoop (agreed price for all vendors)
• Large latte: €3.50

"Peka must sit for two hours, no rushing!" – says the local chef while turning the octopus. That's the philosophy that makes Istrian food special.

3. Olive Groves and Honey – Nature's Gift with Specific Addresses

Location: Olive groves near Višnjan, Momjan, surroundings of Tar-Vabriga

The elders in Višnjan have been keeping the secret of their olive groves for centuries. Trees rustle in the breeze, and the scent of fresh oil mixes with the aroma of pine.

Where Exactly to Go:

• **Vias Oliveti** (near Vižinada) – offer tastings of 6 oil varieties
• Mandatory reservation by email or phone
• With oil: homemade kroštule, fritule, cheese and prosciutto
• Web shop available for orders

Tasting Prices:

• Basic tasting of 5 oils: €15/person
• With lunch: €25/person
• Oil purchase: €20-30/liter

4. Wine Tours – Wine with a View and a Story

Location: Vineyards near Kaštelir, Novigrad, Motovun, Grožnjan

Every glass of wine carries a story of 2500 years – that's how long vines have been grown here! "This Malvasia loves morning sun and sea breeze," says winemaker Ivica while pouring the golden elixir.

Best Wine Tours 2025:

• **Half-day classic:** €45-70/person (2 wineries + tastings)
• **Full day premium:** €120-165/person (3 wineries + lunch)
• **VIP private tour:** €320/person (private guide, 3 top wineries)

Tip: Combine tasting with a walk through the vineyards between 5-7 PM – the golden hour when scents become more intense.

5. Truffles – Secret Konobas and Hidden Treasures

Location: Motovun Forest, Buzet, Mirna Valley

Autumn in Istria smells of truffles! October is the peak season when these "underground wonders" reach astronomical prices.

Current Truffle Prices 2025:

• White truffle (first class): €4,600-5,000/kg
• White truffle (second class): €3,000/kg
• Black summer truffle: €800/kg

Where to Taste Without Going Bankrupt:

• **Tartufi Istra Motovun** – tastings on the main square terrace
• Portion of fuži with truffles: €15-25
• Truffle hunting with lunch: €75-120/person

Hidden Konobas for True Gourmets:

• **Rakovci** (25 min from Poreč) – konoba without a name by the church
• **Funtana** – family kitchens, reservation required
• **Baderna** – specialty game with truffles

Price per portion in konobas: €25-35, but the value of the experience – priceless!

6. Sweet Ending – Desserts to Remember

Location: Old Town Poreč, small pastry shop in Tar, Funtana

Fritule, kroštule, gingerbread – every bite smells of childhood. "This is best with espresso," laughs the owner while serving a warm fritula.

Where to Find the Best:

• Poreč old town: 3 traditional pastry shops
• Tar: family bakery since 1952 (a true treasure trove of flavors!)
• Funtana: modern interpretation of classics

Prices of Sweet Delights:

• Fritule: €3-5 per portion
• Kroštule: €4-6
• Gingerbread with local honey: €2-4/piece

7. Gastro Workshops – Cook with Locals

Location: Family kitchens Kaštelir, Višnjan, Momjan

For those who want more than just tasting – roll up your sleeves and learn from the best!

Popular Workshops 2025:

• **Truffle preparation:** €60-80/person (3 hours)
• **Truffle hunting:** €75-120/person (half day)
• **Traditional anchovy salting:** Tar-Vabriga, July
• **Olive oil workshop:** €40-60/person (2-3 hours)

Practical Tips That Change Everything

When to Come:

• **April-June:** Wild asparagus everywhere!
• **July-August:** Tomatoes sweet as honey
• **September-November:** Truffles, mushrooms, grape harvest
• **December-March:** Fresh olive oil, true explosion of flavors

What to Bring:

• Cash (many producers don't accept cards)
• Empty stomach (seriously!)
• Instagram ready (you don't miss these shots)

Best Outdoor Combo:

Istria is connected with over 2000 km of cycling paths! Bike Center Biba Poreč offers e-bikes so you can combine gastro stops without fatigue. The Parenzana trail is the most visited – leads through vineyards and olive groves.

Packages That Save Time and Money

For Beginners (€45):

• Morning market
• 2 tastings
• Local guide

For Lovers (€120):

• 3 wineries
• Lunch in konoba
• Private transport

True Gastro-Maniacs (€200+):

• VIP treatment
• Private guide
• Exclusive locations
• Meet the producers

Frequently Asked Questions (Yes, We Wondered Too)

Can children join tours? Of course! We have family-friendly options where kids learn to make fritule.

What about vegetarians? Istria has a rich tradition – maneštra, fuži with asparagus, truffle pasta... Just let us know in advance!

Is it worth the price? When you taste a truffle worth €5000/kg for just €25 in a pasta portion? Definitely!

Conclusion That Smells of More

Poreč and Istria aren't just a destination – it's an experience for all senses. The market scents at 6 AM, the taste of Malvasia at sunset, grandparents' stories about the first oil...

Statistics say that gastro tours have been the most sought-after content for tourists for 30 years. We say – come hungry, leave happy!

Booking Hack:

• 5% discount for early bird (30 days ahead)
• 10% for groups of 5+
• Weekend packages especially popular

Published: 26.02.2026.