April 26, 2025 – Porec, Croatia

We said goodbye to Motovun this morning and made our way west to the Istrian coast in search of our next stop: Poreč. This coastal gem has an incredible 6,000-year history, beginning as a Roman colony. Over the centuries, it has passed through the hands of the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, a brief stint under Napoleon’s France, the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, Italy, and Yugoslavia, before becoming part of modern-day Croatia.

Our Airbnb is a delight. Run by a sweet mother-daughter duo, the space is small but full of charm, with a front and back yard clearly cared for with love. Even better, it’s just a ten-minute walk to the enchanting Old Town. As we get closer, we spot the town across the water and it’s so picture-perfect, we can’t resist pausing for a photo.

The first landmark to catch our eye is the Church of Our Lady of the Angels. It’s cheerfully colourful and still decked out with Easter decorations. Kids run around the square while locals gather to chat and share the day’s news — a lovely slice of everyday life.

Wandering along the pedestrian street, we come across The Pentagonal Tower. Today, it’s home to a restaurant where waiters beckon you in, a far cry from its noble 15th-century origins as part of the city’s defensive walls.

Just a few steps away is the 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s surrounded by modern cafés and bars, which feels a little odd next to such ancient beauty. The complex includes a baptistry, bell tower, atrium, chapel, and what remains of the Bishop’s Palace.

No matter which way you walk from here, you’ll end up at the sea. We wandered along the quiet promenade and eventually found ourselves at a cozy little spot called Wine Corner. The wine and charcuterie were excellent, even if our server seemed a bit aloof. Still, we had a great time.

As the sun dipped lower, the town’s relaxed pace set the tone for a peaceful evening stroll back to our Airbnb — the perfect end to a mellow day on the coast.

🧭 Explore Porec with Viator – If you’re the kind of traveler who feels more at ease with a plan in place, Viator is a great place to start. They offer a wide range of tours that take the guesswork out of exploring a new city — from guided walks to full-day excursions and everything in between. It’s a great option if you’d rather leave the organizing to someone else and just focus on enjoying the experience. We’ve used them often and love how easy they make it to discover the highlights without the stress.