Experience the best of Poreč

Poreč lies on a peninsula on the western coast of Istria, in Croatia, and its old town still follows the grid of the Roman settlement, with the Decumanus as its main street. The Euphrasian Basilica, built in the sixth century, is a World Heritage site; its apse is covered with Byzantine mosaics of gold and colour. Remains of the Temple of Neptune and the Marafor forum survive, and Venetian-era houses line the lanes.

Small islands lie offshore, and the coast north and south has pine-shaded pebble coves and resorts. The Lim Fjord, a long flooded valley to the south, is known for its oysters and mussels, and Baredine Cave has stalactites. Inland Istria has hill towns such as Motovun, Grožnjan and Vižinada, with oak forests, vineyards and olive groves, and Rovinj and Pula lie along the coast.

Istrian cooking uses olive oil, truffles from the Motovun forest, homemade fuži pasta and prosciutto, with Malvazija white wine and Teran red. Seafood grills and fresh oysters are common at harbour restaurants. The summer sea is warm, and spring and early autumn are milder and quieter.