Secret places that locals don’t want to share

You know that feeling when you see a perfect photo from Istria on Instagram and wonder 'Where is that?!' - and nobody wants to tell you? Well, today we're changing the rules of the game. We reveal secret places that locals have kept to themselves for years and don't want to share. But shh... don't tell everyone! 🤫

What you'll discover in this post:

• 📍 GPS coordinates of secret locations (yes, really!)
• ⏰ Best time to visit each location
• 💡 Insider tips you won't find anywhere else
• 📸 Best angles for Instagram photos
• 🚗 How to get there + where to park

There are destinations everyone knows. Beaches with thousands of loungers, restaurants advertised in guidebooks, squares full of tourists. And then there are hidden locations – small coves, secret vineyards, abandoned villages, which locals guard like treasure. These are the places that make Poreč and its surroundings special.

As a tourism agency from Poreč, we're often asked: "Where do locals go? Where are the places not found in guidebooks?" This blog is a small guide through experiences that stay in your heart and that you'll rarely find on your own.

1. Hidden coves and stone beaches without crowds

Location: between Zelena Laguna and Bijela Uvala, Poreč

Walking through quiet pine forests, you'll find several small coves where the sea sparkles like crystal. Perfect for an early morning swim or sunset.

• 📍 GPS coordinates: 45.2167°N, 13.5936°E
• 🚗 Parking: Along the road to Bijela Uvala
• 👟 Trail difficulty: Easy (5 min walk)
• 📸 Instagram spot: Rocks at sunset⏱️ Time needed: 2-3 hours

Tip: The best time to visit is early morning or evening when the sun lights up the rocks and you feel like you've discovered a private paradise.

How to get there: From the main parking at Zelena Laguna, head toward the sea, turn left onto a trail marked only by a small stone. After 5 minutes walking through the pine forest, you'll hear the sea. Follow the sound!

2. Olive groves that tell stories

Location: around Višnjan

Century-old olive trees and earthy scents create a connection with the past. If you're lucky, local olive farmers might introduce you to oil production and offer a tasting.

• 📍 GPS coordinates: 45.2733°N, 13.7361°E
• 🚗 Parking: At Ipša oil mill
• 👟 Trail difficulty: Easy
• 📸 Instagram spot: Between olive rows at sunset⏱️ Time needed: 2 hours

Tip: Bring comfortable shoes and a camera – every tree tells its own story.

3. Village taverns that don't advertise their existence

Location: Rakovci near Poreč

These small konobas have no signs, and the menu depends on the day's fresh ingredients. Octopus under the bell or homemade sausages served with a smile – the experience is like visiting family.

• 📍 GPS coordinates: 45.2394°N, 13.7181°E
• 🚗 Parking: In the village center
• 💰 Price: €15-25 per person
• ⏱️ Time needed: 2-3 hours for a meal

Tip: Reserve in advance through a local agency, as places are limited.

4. Chapels and frescoes off the beaten path

Location: St. Michael's church near Flengi, St. Mary's church on Škrilina near Beram

Quiet, hidden places full of frescoes centuries old. For a moment, you'll feel a peace rarely experienced.

• 📍 GPS coordinates (St. Michael): 45.3442°N, 13.8231°E
• 📍 GPS coordinates (St. Mary): 45.2783°N, 13.8967°E
• 🚗 Parking: Roadside, 5-10 min walk to church
• 💰 Entry: Free
• 👟 Trail difficulty: Easy to medium
• ⏱️ Time needed: 1-1.5 hours per location

Tip: Bring a light jacket and peace – the chapels are small and silence is part of the experience.

5. Paths through vineyards at dusk

Location: vineyards near Kaštelir and Nova Vas

A walk through vineyards at sunset offers a spectacle of colors and scents. Locals often invite you for a glass of wine, and every step creates a feeling of private adventure.

• 📍 GPS coordinates (Kaštelir): 45.3031°N, 13.6867°E
• 📍 GPS coordinates (Nova Vas): 45.2456°N, 13.6483°E
• 🚗 Parking: At wineries or roadside
• 💰 Wine tasting: €5-10 per person (optional)
• 📸 Instagram spot: Vine rows at sunset
• ⏱️ Time needed: 2-3 hours

Tip: Light clothing and comfortable shoes are essential, a camera is welcome.

6. Abandoned stone houses and lost villages

Location: Kotli village, around Dvigrad

Walking through silent streets with stone houses that were once homes feels like stepping into a time machine.

• 📍 GPS coordinates (Kotli): 45.3350°N, 14.0522°E
• 📍 GPS coordinates (Dvigrad): 45.2667°N, 13.7833°E
• 🚗 Parking: Small parking areas at village entrances
• 💰 Entry: Free
• 👟 Trail difficulty: Medium (uneven terrain)
• 📸 Instagram spot: Stone ruins with a view
• ⏱️ Time needed: 2-3 hours per location

Tip: Explore in a group or with a local guide – paths may be unmarked.

7. Secret fishing spots

Location: cape near Červar Porat, Lanterna area

Perfect spot for a peaceful day by the sea, where fishermen have been coming for generations.

• 📍 GPS coordinates (Červar): 45.2731°N, 13.5869°E
• 📍 GPS coordinates (Lanterna): 45.3289°N, 13.5000°E
• 🚗 Parking: Smaller parking spots along the coast or promenade
• 💰 Free
• 👟 Access difficulty: Easy to medium
• 📸 Instagram spot: Rocks and sea at dawn
• ⏱️ Time needed: 2-4 hours (depending on fishing)

Tip: Best time is early morning, and the walk to the location adds extra adventure.

8. Forest paths leading to springs

Location: St. Ivan spring near Vižinada, Butori spring near Momjan

Cold water, forest peace, and nature's scents – a true escape from everyday life.

• 📍 GPS coordinates (St. Ivan): 45.3347°N, 13.7736°E
• 📍 GPS coordinates (Butori): 45.4833°N, 13.6000°E
• 🚗 Parking: Small roadside space, 10-15 min walk
• 💰 Free access
• 👟 Trail difficulty: Easy to medium
• 💧 Water is drinkable (verified)⏱️ Time needed: 1.5-2 hours

Tip: Bring a bottle and enjoy a picnic or short break along the way.

9. Hidden viewpoints for sunsets

Location: St. Vital viewpoint near Višnjan, hills near Motovun

These viewpoints offer breathtaking views – sea, vineyards, and hills in one frame.

• 📍 GPS coordinates (St. Vital): 45.2736°N, 13.7389°E
• 📍 GPS coordinates (Motovun): 45.3364°N, 13.8283°E
• 🚗 Parking: Small roadside parking areas
• 💰 Free
• 👟 Access: Easy (5 min walk)
• 📸 Instagram spot: Panoramic view at sunset
• ⏱️ Time needed: 1-2 hours

Tip: Arrive before sunset for a spectacular experience.

10. Markets without tourists

Location: small market in Tar, village fairs in Višnjan

Here you buy local products but also experience local life. Honey, cheese, rakija – all firsthand.

• 📍 GPS coordinates (Tar): 45.3008°N, 13.6264°E
• 📍 GPS coordinates (Višnjan): 45.2758°N, 13.7208°E
• 🚗 Parking: Free in village center
• 💰 Prices: Honey €10-15/kg, Cheese €15-20/kg, Rakija €15-25/L
• 🕐 Opening hours: Sat-Sun 7:00-12:00
• 📸 Instagram spot: Colorful stalls with local products
• ⏱️ Time needed: 1-2 hours

Tip: Best visiting days are Saturday and Sunday when produce is fresh and the atmosphere relaxed.

"Try it yourself" checklist:

• Find cove number 3 between Zelena and Bijela Uvala
• Photograph sunset from St. Vital viewpoint
• Try local cheese at Tar market
• Find frescoes in St. Mary's church
• Have coffee with locals in Rakovci

Seasonal Guide

Spring (March-May): Best for forest trails and springs

Summer (June-August): Hidden coves in early morning

Autumn (September-November): Vineyards and olive groves in full glory

Winter (December-February): Konobas and abandoned villages

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a guide for these locations?
A: For some yes, especially abandoned villages and unmarked trails. We organize tours!

Q: Can I go with children?
A: Coves and markets are great for families. For forest trails we recommend 8+ years.

Q: What if I get lost?
A: Download an offline map of the area. Or better yet – come with us!

Conclusion: Istria you can feel

The secret places of Poreč and surroundings aren't attractions – they're experiences. Locals guard them, and those who find them carry them in their hearts. As a tourism agency from Poreč, we guide you through these stories, providing safety, comfort, and authenticity.

If you want to experience Poreč beyond the guidebooks, discover secret coves, chapels, vineyards, and konobas – contact us and book your exclusive tour. Experience Istria like a local and create memories that last a lifetime.

💙 Want a personal guide?

You don't have to search for secret places alone. Our local guides know every corner!

Ready for adventure?

These secret places are waiting to be discovered. But why alone? Book a private tour with our local guides who know every story, every path, and every hidden corner.

📞 Contact: +385 98 331 556
📧 Email: info@velox-tours.com
🌐 Web: www.velox-tours.com/en

P.S. The first to book a tour mentioning this blog gets 10% off! Code word: SECRETISTRIA