This summer I went to PoreÄ, a little town located on the west coast of Istria Peninsula in Croatia. PoreÄ is almost 2,000 years old and it has a population of approximately 17,000. It is a place perfect for tourists and for people who just want to relax but also be able to see and do a variety of different things.
The beaches are rocky but they are equipped with ladders that provide easy access into the clean and clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. You can relax in the shadow of the aromatic pine trees or take part in on of the many water sports available for all ages.
Aside from the amusement park that is perfect for kids, there are also many sights that are beyond beautiful. The church in PoreÄ is 1,600 years old, the oldest Catholic church in Europe. At night, the old town looks like it is made out of gold. It is full of little shops, great restaurants, and ice cream parlors selling delicious varieties of gelatto. One of the restaurants is located on the top of an ancient tower which was once used my the scouts to protect the town.
Near PoreÄ there is a town called Groznjan that dates back to Roman times and is protected by UNESCO. It is located on the top of a hill and it overlooks the Istrian Peninsula. Also, the town is home to an annual jazz festival perfect for musicians as well as a summer school for young musical talents from all over the world.
About six kilometers from PoreÄ is Baredine Cave which is home to a unique type of creature called Olm or Proteus anguinus. This blind amphibian is endemic to the subterranean water of caves of the Dinaric karst of southern Europe. The cave also contains stalactites forming magical figures at the bottom and ceiling of the cave including one of Madonna.
To top it all off PoreÄ is only a two hour boat ride across the sea from Venice.
PoreÄ has some of the best food I have ever eaten: from fish and squid to jumbo sized pizzas bigger than the table you are seated at. Every last Friday of the month, the local fisherman bring in the fresh catch of the day and prepare it in the Marine for the residents and the tourists.
The local people are very friendly and they are great hosts. They will go out of their way to make you feel at home.
Overall, I believe that PoreÄ has so much to offer. It’s beautiful nature, clear blue sea, delicious food, historical sites, and friendly people make it a great destination for family vacations. Once you go, you will keep coming back.
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