ISTRIA - Croatia and Slovenia - page 237

Poreč

WhenyoutellEuropeansyou'regoingtoIstria,theysay,“Ah,youmustgotoPore č !”Pore č
(poh-RETCH, Parenzo in Italian), the tourist capital of the Istrian coast, is the kind of resort
that brags about how many hotel beds it has, rather than how many museums, churches, or
gelato stands are packed into its Old Town. It's also proud to have more than its fair share
of “blue-flag beaches” (called laguna s)—meaning that the water is crystal-clear for swim-
ming. Finally, Pore č has won several “Croatia's cleanest city” contests. None of this makes
for very compelling sightseeing, but...there you go.
Despite the town's appeal to European holiday-makers, most American visitors find
Pore č too big to be charming, but too small to be exciting. Its only real sight is the basilica,
with its exquisite mosaics. Beyond that, it's mostly interesting as a case study on how Ger-
mans like to vacation: Set up camp for a week at a distant resort hotel, bake in the sun, and
occasionally trek into the Old Town for dinner. Think of it as the Croatian Acapulco.

Planning Your Time
For the typical speedy American visitor, spending time in Rovinj, Piran, Pula, or the Istrian
interior is more satisfying. If you're still curious, see Pore č en route or as a day trip: Zip in,
stroll theOldTown,oglethemosaics inthebasilica, thenmoveon.Despite itsmanyhotels,
Pore č lacks soul—I prefer sleeping elsewhere.

Orientation to Poreč

LikesomanyCroatiancoastaltowns,theOldTownofPore č isonapeninsula.Surrounding
it are miles of hotels-and-concrete sprawl. Traffic into the city funnels into Zagreba č ka
street, which passes the TI and ends at the spacious square named Trg Slobode. From there,
Decumanus street marches straight through the middle of the Old Town.

Tourist Information
Visit the TI to pick up the information booklet, sightseeing guide, and city map (July-Aug
daily 8:00-21:00; progressively shorter hours and closed Sun off-season; a few steps from
Trg Slobode at Zagreba č ka 9, tel. [phone], www.to-porec.com ).

Arrival in Poreč
The bus station and big parking lot straddle the base of the Old Town.
Drivers follow Centar and blue P signs to reach the big lot nearest the Old Town (8 kn/
hour, 50 kn/day, take ticket as you enter and bring it with you; when leaving Pore č , pay

Arrival in Poreč