In this area Lovely Istria offers holiday villas around Višnjan, in Markovac and in the surrounding villages of western Istria. All have a private pool and stand on quiet hilltops among olive groves and vineyards. From most of them the sea is seven to ten kilometres away, so Poreč and its beaches are half an hour’s drive, and you return to the quiet of the village. Višnjan is a small town known for its observatory, and clear nights above this part of Istria offer a view of the sky you will not see in a city.
During your stay it is worth taking a trip to the Baredine cave or spending a day at the Aquacolors water park. The villas are a good choice for families and larger groups who want privacy and quiet while still having the sea, restaurants and attractions within reach.
Poreč and its heritage
The Euphrasian Basilica dates from the 6th century and is best known for the golden Byzantine mosaics in its apse. Beside it, it is worth seeing Marafor square, the Roman forum with the remains of temples, and exploring the narrow streets of the old town on its small peninsula. An evening stroll along the waterfront is one of the town’s favourite pastimes, and small boats leave the harbour for the nearby island of St Nicholas.
From Poreč there are several fine day trips towards Rovinj and inland Istria. To the south lies Vrsar with its stone centre above the sea, and the Lim Channel is close. Inland are Motovun and Grožnjan, an artists’ town on a hill. The Parenzana cycling trail, the route of the former railway from Trieste to Poreč, also runs through this part of western Istria.
The sea and the beaches
Poreč has maintained town beaches and larger resorts south of the town, such as Plava Laguna and Zelena Laguna, with rocky and pebbly beaches and clear water. If you prefer somewhere quieter, there are many smaller coves along the coast. From our villas the sea is reached by car, and after a swim it is easy to return to the quiet of the village among the olive groves.
Where the villas are
Lovely Istria has five villas near Poreč: four in and around Višnjan and one in Markovac. They are about 7.6 to 10 km from the sea, and the nearest beach is 8.7 to 11 km away. In the village the centre is very close, from 400 m to 2.2 km, and a restaurant and shop are 1.3 to 2 km away. These distances are measured on the map, as the crow flies, so the actual drive is usually longer.
Food and drink
Western Istria is known for olive oil, truffles, homemade sausages and cured ham, and for fuži and pljukanci with truffles or game. Among the wines, the white Malvazija and the red Teran are the ones to try. Village konobas often open by season, and many are set in stone houses with a terrace.