Around the Planet

If you are looking for a coastal resort that is relatively unspoilt by commercialism, then I recommend the ancient harbour town of Porec, which dates back to Roman times, and is stunningly located on the Croatian peninsula of Istria on the Adriatic Sea. Istria was once part of the Venetian Empire, and the Italian influence is evident, not just in terms of the architecture, but also the good food, wine and, last but not least, delicious ice cream.

Like many of the Croation coastal towns, Porec is built predominantly of white stone, with narrow stone paved streets, and there are fine examples of Gothic and Romanesque architecture.

Stretching out from the town on either side is a long road along the coast, and both routes are served by a little train, for those who do not feel like walking. On the north side of the peninsula the road is flat, and lots of people whizz past on skates. Outside of Porec it is just grass, trees, hotels and holiday chalets. The coastline is relatively unspoilt by commercialism and the woods run right down to the sea. There is no beach, but people sunbathe on the grass, or lie in the shade of the trees, and go into the sea from jetties.

If you don’t like excessive heat, Porec makes an ideal place for a summer holiday, as the climate of the area is very mild, with the August temperature averaging 30 degrees Celsius, with low humidity.

On my last visit there I stayed at the Hotel Pical, which is just outside Porec, a mere twenty minutes walk away along the coast. The hotel is clean and modern, with a large salt water pool. It is a half-board hotel with an excellent buffet breakfast to satisy every breakfast taste, and a wonderful buffet evening meal. There is even unlimited wine and beer at the evening meal included in the cost of the stay. Our room was pleasant and comfortable with a big balcony that looked out onto the woods, and beyond to the sea.

If you want to include a day trip to Venice as part of your holiday, then Pore? is the ideal place from which to do this – you can get the catamaran in the morning, and two hours later you are coming into Venice, taking in those fabulous vistas.

For good hotel bargains, some fabulous architecture, an unspoilt coastline and some truly worthwhile day trips, Porec makes a great holiday destination.