8 Best Sights in Poreč, Istria

The magnificent Eufrazijeva Bazilika is among the most perfectly preserved early Christian churches in Europe, and as a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the most important monuments of Byzantine art on the Adriatic. Built by Bishop Euphrasius in the middle of the 6th century, the basilica consists of a delightful atrium, a church decorated with stunning mosaics, and an octagonal baptistery. Added in the 17th century was a bell tower you can climb (for a modest fee) and a 17th-century Bishop's Palace, whose foundations date to the 6th century; the basement contains an exhibit of stone monuments and mosaics previously on the basilica floor. The church interior is dominated by biblical mosaics above, behind, and around the main apse. In the apsidal semidome, the Virgin holding the Christ child is seated in a celestial sphere on a golden throne, flanked by angels in flowing white robes. On the right side are three martyrs, the patrons of Poreč; the mosaic on the left shows Bishop Euphrasius holding a model of the church, slightly askew. High above the main apse, just below the beamed ceiling, Christ holds an open book while apostles approach on both sides. Other luminous, shimmeringly intense mosaics portray further ecclesiastical themes.

Far from sun and sea though it may be, this cave has long been one of the Poreč area's top natural attractions. About 8 km (5 miles) northeast of town, near Nova Vas, this wonderful world of five limestone halls includes not only the miniature olm (known as the cave salamander) and insects but, of course, stalactites, stalagmites, and dripstone formations—from "curtains" 30 feet long to "statues" resembling the Virgin Mary, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the body of the 13th-century shepherdess Milka, who supposedly lost her way down here while looking for her lover Gabriel (who met the same fate). One of the halls includes a hatch some 70 yards deep that leads to underground lakes. Groups leave every half hour on a 40-minute guided tour. Those without car transport may wish to join an excursion to the cave from Poreč or another nearby town.

This pretty, waterfront medieval hilltop town just 10 km (6 miles) south of Poreč is situated near the Limski fjord's northern juncture with the sea (and yet another place you can catch a tour of the fjord). Famous since Roman times for its high-quality stone, which helped build Venice, Vrsar is home to the 12th-century Romanesque church Svete Marija od Mora (St. Mary of the Sea), which has three naves. In his memoirs, the Venetian adventurer Casanova fondly recalled the local Teran red wine. Additionally, Croatia's oldest and largest naturist/nudist resort, FKK Park Koversada, is just a couple miles south.

You can taste, experience, and shop all at this well-regarded value-oriented winery. The tasting room provides a sampling of their high-quality Istrian wines, olive oils, and cheeses. One white varietal, Malvazija, is well known throughout the Adriatic, dating back to the days of the Venetian city-states. Muškat Ottonel is another high-quality native variety. Small lovingly produced batches of barrique provide high-quality (red) wine that is well-regarded in restaurants and hotels across Croatia. You can also get guided tastings, cellar tours, wine roads, and vineyard tours, and the winery has the largest AgroLaguna single olive grove in Croatia.

Whether you're looking for an adrenaline-filled day or a relaxing one by the pool, Aquacolors Water Park has you covered. With 12 slides and over a full acre of pools, it's the largest water park in Croatia. A 61-meter-long (200-foot-long) looping slide rockets you down at high speed, while a 204-meter-long (⅓-mile-long) lazy river eases you along on an inflatable tube. The park offers endless hours of fun for the whole family and favorable pricing. There's even an adult-only area with a high-tech bar. 

The Limski kanal is a 13-km-long (8-mile-long) karst canyon, whose emerald-green waters are flanked by forested valley walls that rise gradually to more than 300 feet inland. The canyon was formed in the last Ice Age, and it is Istria's most fertile breeding area for mussels and oysters—hence, you'll find the excellent Viking seafood restaurant on-site. Tours are available from both Poreč and Rovinj, with various agencies and independent operators whose stands and boats are impossible to miss. A reservation a day or two in advance can't hurt, though, particularly in midsummer. Expect to pay approximately €25 for the four-hour tour or €50 for a daylong tour that includes a "fish picnic." You can also visit the canal on your own by car. And hiking enthusiasts can take a trail to the Romualdova Cave, which is open daily from June to September.

This square is located toward the tip of the peninsula and was the site of Poreč's Roman forum, whose original stonework is visible in spots amid the present-day pavement. Beside it is a park containing the ruins of Roman temples dedicated to the gods Mars and Neptune. It's still an important meeting place, so you will find a variety of cafés, restaurants, and shops around the square.