POREC
ISTRIA AND KVARNER RIVIERA
LOCAL AREA, BEACHES & THINGS TO DO
Porec
Porec is one of the principal tourist centres on the Istria coast. The town has a long history. Porec was an important Roman army base in the second century AD (the Roman name was Parentium). Today the old town has elements originating from its Roman and later Venetian history. The most notable building is the Basilica of Euphrasius dating from the 6th century, an important example of early Byzantine architecture and the earliest example of a triple apsed church in Western Europe.
In the summer Porec is a busy tourist centre with an abundance of restaurants, cafes and hotels around the centre and along the coast, a selection of beaches and a wide range of activities close at hand.
Porec old town
The Istrian coastal towns
The west coast of Istria is within easy reach. Many of the towns on this coast are communities first established in the Roman era or earlier but the dominant influence that can be seen today is Venetian. Most of the major coastal towns were under the control of the Venetian Republic during the medieval period. At the northern end of the coast the charming town of Novigrad is worth visiting; it has an attractive harbour crowded with local fishing boats and an old town surrounded by fortifications and on the outer side (away from the harbour) a lungamare (promenade) providing a pleasant walk along the coast and an ideal place to sunbathe and swim.
Further down the coast Rovinj is unquestionably the most picturesque of the medieval Venetian towns on the Adriatic. Every guide book features the colourful facades of the tightly packed houses that encircle this tiny peninsula with the cathedral of St Euphemia and its dominating 60 metre bell tower standing over the town.
Rovinj
Other coastal towns well documented in guide books are Porec, Umag, Vrsar and Piran in Slovenia. On the east coast of Istria, Opatija provides a contrast with its grand villas built in the 19th century for the Austro Hungarian aristocracy, a delightful lungamare (promenade) and some fine restaurants.
Central Istria
Central Istria is often compared to Tuscany. The undulating landscape with vineyards, olive groves, woodlands and river valleys is studded with numerous hilltop towns and villages, many originating from the medieval period and earlier and almost all offering spectacular vantage points over the surrounding countryside. The guide books pick out the hilltop towns of Motovun and Groznjan but there are many others worth exploring and we will provide you with our own suggestions of places off the usual tourist routes that should not be missed. These medieval settlements have charming village houses, squares and alleyways and in towns like Oprtalj and Motuvun more imposing architecture and fortifications.
Oprtalj |
Motovun |
To the east side of Istria the old town of Labin and the hilltop village of Gracisce are worth visiting.
Excellent wines are produced in the area and well marked wine routes lead you through charming countryside to wineries where you can sample some of the best Croatian wines. Notable are the Kozlovic and Markezic wineries.
Our Villas in Porec
| Villa Bragnano | |
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Luxurious modern three bedroom, three bathroom, air-conditioned stone farmhouse; heated pool and stunning acre garden with a summer kitchen, fitness area and badminton court. Internet. Fifty minute drive from a golf course. Maid and chef available on request. Sleeps 6 |
| Villa Castellina | |
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A five bedroom, seven bathroom air conditioned and very luxurious villa with a large pool, garden surrounded by woodland, olive groves and vineyards. Rural and secluded location, 10 min drive from beaches and local towns. Internet. Sleeps 10 to 12. |
| Villa Plum | |
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A luxurious three bedroom, three bathroom villa in Istria, with a 55m sq swimming pool, stunning views and air-conditioning. Internet. Sleeps 7. |
| Villa Germana | |
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A luxury newly built stone villa with the character of an Istrian farmhouse, but with all the modern facilities. Three bedrooms, three en-suite bathrooms, lovely light interiors, lush garden and a heated swimming pool. Wonderful countryside views and proximity of charming Istrian towns, within the best culinary region of Croatia. Pet friendly. Internet access. Fans provided. Sleeps 6-10 |
| Villa Dulcetta | |
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A luxury newly built stone villa with the character of an Istrian farmhouse, but with all the modern facilities. Three bedrooms, three en-suite bathrooms, lovely light interiors, lush garden and a heated swimming pool and jacuzzi. Wonderful countryside views and proximity of charming Istrian towns, within the best culinary region of Croatia. Air conditioned. Pet friendly. Sleeps 6 |
| Villa Trompette | |
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A charming Istrian luxury farmhouse with lots of character, situated in a picturesque village near a well known resort of Porec. Air conditioned, three well proportioned en-suite double bedrooms with balconies, secluded garden, large pool. Only 4km from a nice beach and restaurant. Sleeps 6-8. |
| Villa Prezzo | |
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This amazing villa is situated just outside Sveti Lovrec in Istria. The location is ideal, only walking distance to shops and restaurants, but totally private and surrounded by woods and meadows. There are five ensuite double bedrooms. Wifi, air-con, Jacuzzi. Garden. Private pool. Parking. Wheel chair accessible. Pets allowed. Sleeps 10-12 |
| Villa Collonade | |
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A four bedroom, four bathroom, air conditioned new villa with modern interiors, large garden and pool. Access to wheelchairs. 10km from Porec and its beaches. Breathtaking sea views. Sleeps 8-10. |
| Villa Trina | |
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A four bedroom, three bathroom air-conditioned villa close to a small town of Kanfanar. WiFi. Pet friendly. Sleeps 10. |
| Villa Talia | |
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A four bedroom, two bathroom air-conditioned country private and tranquil villa with large garden and pool. Outdoor summer kitchen and a BBQ. WiFi. Pet friendly. Bicycles. Beach 12 miles. Sleeps 6-8. |
| Villa Bellezza | |
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A newly built, three bedroom, three bathroom air conditioned villa with large private pool and walled garden, BBQ, internet access. Pet friendly, plenty of parking. About 15km from Porec. Sleeps 7. |
