Poreč Marina

Poreč Marina lies right beside the old town of Poreč, on the western coast of Istria, and its rows of moored boats form the foreground to the stone houses and church towers of the historic centre. The old town occupies a small peninsula, and the harbour area on its southern side is where the town's maritime life takes place: sailing boats and motor yachts arrive and depart, excursion boats load passengers, and fishing boats sell their catch. For visitors who arrive by land, the marina is a pleasant place to walk, sit and watch, and for those who arrive by sea, it is the natural gateway to the town.

Poreč has been a port since Roman times, when the colony of Parentium was an important harbour on this coast. The waterfront was always the town's front door, and the modern marina carries on that tradition with an organised mooring system, services for sailors, and a wide variety of boats, from small local craft to large charter yachts in summer. The location is excellent for cruising, with the Istrian coast, the Lim Fjord, the Brijuni islands and the open Adriatic all within a day's sail, and the marina is used as a base by charter companies and private skippers. The town's seafront promenade begins at the marina and runs along the old town wall, with cafes and restaurants on the other side.

The most practical benefit for ordinary visitors is the choice of boat trips. Excursions leave from the harbour to the Lim Fjord, a long, narrow inlet cut into the limestone landscape between Poreč and Rovinj, to the island of Sveti Nikola just off the coast, and to Rovinj and the Brijuni islands. Options include sightseeing cruises, fishing trips, swimming stops and sunset cruises, and small boats can be rented. Check the timetable and prices with the operators on the quay, since schedules change with the season and weather.

The marina is also a pleasant place to sit. In the evening, the light on the old town facades is warm, and the masts and rigging stand out against the sky, and cafes along the waterfront are good for a drink at sunset. The old town, with the Decumanus Street, Marafor Square and the Euphrasian Basilica, is a few minutes' walk, so a visit to the marina fits naturally into a wider stroll. For families, the aquapark and mini-golf listed in this guide are nearby.

The marina is open at all times and free to walk around. Bring sun protection in summer and a light jacket for the evening. It suits sailors, anyone planning a boat trip, and visitors who like harbour atmosphere. Allow thirty minutes to an hour.