POREC
Poreč is a city located on the west of the Istrian peninsula in Croatia. It is a popular tourist destination set around a harbour that is protected from the sea by the little island of Sveti Nikola and has a population of 17,000.
A brief history of Poreč
Inhabited for over 2000 years, the Romans built a fortress in Poreč and under Emperor Augustus, the site became a city. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Ostrogoths took over, and in 539, the town became part of the Byzantine Empire. From 788, the Franks ruled the city. In 1267 Parenzo, as the city was then known, became the first Istrian city to chose to become part of the Republic of Venice and their rule lasted for more than five centuries, during which time they built several palaces, squares and religious buildings in the characteristic Venetian style. At the end of the 16th century, the plague reduced killed many people; then at the beginning of the 17th century, after the fall of the Venetian Republic, the city went under the Habsburgs. Between 1805 and 1814, Parenzo was part of the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy.
After this period, Poreč was re-annexed by the Habsburgs, and in 1844 they established a steamship connection between Parenzo and Trieste. Throughout the 19th-century the city developed, aided by the construction of a train line between the town and Trieste. It became become a centre for shipbuilding and a tourist resort for the Austro-Hungarian aristocracy. After the First World War, the city became part of the Kingdom of Italy, and in 1944 during the Second World War, the town was bombed by 34 times by the Allies, and 75% of the city was damaged! Two years after World War II, Yugoslavia occupied the town and changed the name to Poreč as it is known today, the Italians left, and Slavic people from different regions of Yugoslavia arrived. In 1991 Croatia got independence and today, the city's Italian name, Parenzo, is also used in an official capacity.
Things to do in Poreč
There is plenty to see just strolling around the city centre, firstly the impressive Romanesque house, a recreation of a traditional house from the middle ages. The Euphrasian Basilica or the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of Mary is a must-see! It is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman Catholic basilica built in 553, on the site of the older basilica that had become dilapidated, it is a real medley of baroque, Romanesque and Gothic buildings.
If 'you're looking for some fun in the sun, then the Aquacolors water park is nearby. It was opened recently and covers over 10 hectares as one of the largest waterparks in southeast Europe, featuring water slides, a wave pool, lazy river and kids corner! If you prefer a gentler ride, then take a boat trip down the Lim bay and valley, which is a unique geographic feature found near Rovinj and Vrsar on the western coast of Istria, south of Poreč. You can also take a short ferry trip to the small island just off 'Poreč's coast to visit the lighthouse on San Nicolò; there are great beaches on this tiny island along with restaurants and bars, it's great for a day trip.
Beaches around Poreč
Koversada is a beach on a little island of Otočić Koversada; it is connected to the mainland by a bridge. The island is very simple and features just a campsite, bar, bakery and restaurant. Most of the beaches are quite rocky and 'it's best to swim in the designated areas. Sandy Porec Zelena Laguna is nearby, with its crystal clear waters it is also well equipped with sunbeds, restaurants, and bars. There is also Plava Laguna Beach, which has rocks rather than sand and showers are available, you can also rent boats and jet skis here.