While Croatia suffered much political instability until the end of the 20th century, the last decade has seen it transform into a leading tourist destination. Sandwiched between the Adriatic Sea and several Balkan countries, Mainland Croatia is a topologically diverse land consisting of plains, hills, rivers, mountains, and an 1800km long coastline. Moreover, with the country’s 4 million population primarily residing in urban cities and the coastal area, Mainland Croatia offers a plethora of exciting holiday options with a heady mix of history, architecture, sun, sand, and unmatched natural beauty.

The country’s capital, Zagreb, in the north, is a fantastic city escape to spend a festive weekend. Its most interesting attractions include the Cathedral of Zagreb, the 13th-century Lotrščak Tower, Zoo Zagreb, and the city’s oldest public park, Maksimir. Zagreb also boasts a high concentration of museums ranging from the Museum of Contemporary Art and Zagreb City Museum to the somewhat eccentric Museum of Broken Relationships and Museum of Hangovers.

The country’s north is also home to Istria, a fertile county known for its wine and culinary specialties, from seafood and truffles to Boškarin, a must-have meaty delicacy. It is also alongside the Istrian Peninsula that travelers can arrive by ferry at the quaint port towns of Poreč and Rovinj. Both places are popular summer retreats known for their beaches and old-world charm. Ferry tickets to Mainland Croatia are available through Ferryscanner, with several sailing throughout the year.

A drive slightly south along the coast will take you to Rijeka. An important port, the city serves as an excellent base for tourists planning to explore the Croatian islands. While in Rijeka, wander around to admire the architecture and stroll on the Korzo, the town’s main promenade lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. For something more vibrant, visit Rijeka during the annual Carnival, held on the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday.

One can witness a different side of Mainland Croatia at any of its eight national parks. Krka National Park in southern Croatia, in particular, is a unique ecosystem. Visitors to the park can relish everything from gorgeous waterfalls and natural lakes to the gushing Krka River, Roman ruins, and monasteries.

Furthermore, Split and Zadar are two quintessential additions to any must-visit list of cities in Mainland Croatia. The historical center of Split is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where tourists can see the ruins of Diocletian Palace and walk on marbled streets. In contrast, Zadar has a more hip and contemporary atmosphere even though it has several ancient findings and museums. Attracting a younger crowd as well as families looking to enjoy life by the sea, Zadar’s quirky attractions include the art installation known as Sea Organ and the Pillar of Shame, a column used for punishment in the Middle Ages.

Last but certainly not least, no visit to Mainland Croatia is complete without a few days in the walled city of Dubrovnik, famous for its gardens, monasteries, and grand squares. Moreover, the town’s Old City has been a part of the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1979. Among the main places to visit in Dubrovnik is Lovrijenac. The grand fortress perched 37 meters above the sea offers fantastic city and sea views and plays host to theatrical performances during summer. Gourmands wanting to savor regional cuisine in Dubrovnik should stop by Lucin Kantun or Proto alongside Stradun, the main street in Old Town. For more scenic panoramas, you can go to the top of Mount Srđ in a cable car. Or, take a 10-minute ferry to Lokrum Island, a nature reserve with a monastery, fort, and an array of flora and fauna.

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Continue reading “Mainland Croatia”

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All About Poreč

\r\nA 2000-year-old city located in the northwest of the Istrian Peninsula, Poreč is as eccentric as it is appealing. Croatia’s leading resort town, Poreč, welcomes regional and overseas tourists mainly from June to August when the day temperature tends to be a comforting 25°C (77°F) and above. Poreč’s distinctiveness as a top holiday spot radiates through its versatility, wherein it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful ancient buildings, beaches, resorts, and natural marvels. In recent years, Poreč has evolved into a favorite European party destination, albeit one that still maintains a family-friendly aura. Taking a ferry to Poreč is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.\r\n \r\n

Routes and Ferries to Poreč

\r\nSince most travelers visit Poreč in the summer, a pleasant transportation possibility is taking the ferry from Venice. Easy to book via Ferryscanner, these Venezia Lines high-speed boats connect the two towns primarily during peak tourist season, stopping service altogether in the winters. A ferry ride from Venice takes less than 3 hours, and with regular vessels operating every day, you can visit Poreč for a weekend excursion from Italy.\r\n\r\nPula Airport caters to most Istrian towns with flights arriving from various European countries. While most international airlines are seasonal, domestic ones fly to Pula from Zagreb and Split throughout the year. The airport is a 45-minute drive from Poreč. A shuttle from the airport costs €30. Otherwise, you can take the bus to Pula bus station and then take a regular service to Poreč for an economical price.\r\n\r\nWithin Croatia, there is a bus service from Zagreb and Rijeka to Poreč, whereas internationally, you can take a 2-hour bus from Trieste in Italy.\r\n \r\n

Ports of Poreč

\r\nAs an adoringly pretty settlement, you get a hint of Poreč’s quaintness from its equally small port. Located close to the Old Town, only passenger catamarans and ferries can dock here. A customs and immigration office in the vicinity handles overseas travelers. Once you are on land, there are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. The port can be reached on foot or by taxi, and there is a bus station within walking distance. A marina next to the port is reserved for private yachts and leisure boats. Taking a ferry to Poreč is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets\r\n \r\n

Best Beaches

\r\nPoreč lacks sandy beaches, but don’t let that dissuade you from planning a summer vacation to this absolutely delightful corner in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea. Known as 'the town of Blue Flags', the rocky coastline of Poreč offers sun-worshippers ample nooks and strips for an offbeat and relaxed seaside experience.\r\n

Poreč City Beach

\r\nPoreč City Beach remains permanently crowded during peak season because of its closeness to the marina, with stunning views of St. Nikola and the Old Town adding to its charms. The water at the beach has a mesmerizing shade of turquoise, while the surroundings have a natural disposition with abundant covered and open spaces to sit, tan, or play. Safe for children, on-site excursions include paddle boating, snorkeling, and splashing straight into the sea via a water slide. The beach area is a popular choice to sojourn in Poreč as it has several budget apartments on rent.\r\n

Delfin Beach

\r\nAs a part of the Zelena Laguna Resort, there are plentiful pursuits for all ages at the Blue Flag awarded Delfin Beach. You can rent parasols and loungers, dine at waterfront cafes, and indulge in a variety of water sports while savoring a day in the sun. When taking a break from sunbathing on the gravel, go visit the water slides, rent a jet-ski, play beach volleyball, or take a bouncy banana boat ride out in the sea.\r\n

Lotosi Beach

\r\nThree kilometers from Poreč center is a typical city beach situated alongside Hotel PC Lotosi. With lifeguards on duty from May to October, it’s a safe spot to come with children. The 300-meter-long beach has pebbles and rocks as well as a raised paved frontage. Benches on the sloping garden in the back are perfect for taking a breather when walking around the area on foot. You can rent a canoe or even a boat here and indulge in a snack or two at the nearby cafes.\r\n

Olivia Beach

\r\nOlivia Beach is amongst the best on the islet of St. Nikola and is a fun place to spend an enjoyable day with the family. A Blue Flag accredited beach, the crystal-clear water at Olivia is inviting and makes for a refreshing swim. You may bring along a towel to lie down near the water on the paved area or sit on the softer ground under the pine trees behind the beach. Facilities at Olivia include showers, toilets, a kiosk, and few restaurants nearby. St. Nikola also has a small nude beach in its south, which isn’t very popular, and thus, the perfect secluded getaway for naturists.\r\n

Brulo Beach

\r\nA 500m long pebble strip near Poreč City Beach, Brulo has a paved section and grassy areas used by locals for sunbathing. A pine and oak forest edges the coast, providing a shaded relief from the afternoon sun. As a resort beach, it is clean, disability-friendly, and a favorite with families. You can also bring along your pets, provided they are kept on a leash and stay in a designated part of the beach.\r\n \r\n

Neighborhoods

\r\nTo truly appreciate Poreč and its neighborhoods, spend your days here strolling around. Only when you walk through its streets, aimlessness, does the town reveal itself, allowing you to discover the region’s vibrant heritage and hidden gems.\r\n

Old Town

\r\nThe best place to stay when arriving with ferry tickets to Poreč for first-time visitors is the Old Town. Even though it is a car-free zone, this historic part of the city is perpetually busy with sightseers. The highlight of the neighborhood is the 4th-century Euphrasian Basilica with its ornately attractive gold mosaics. Other interesting buildings worth finding are the 13th-century Romanesque House, the 15th-century House of Two Saints with its elegant façade, and Zuccato Palace, known for its gothic architecture. A small aquarium and the Poreč-Parenzo Town Museum are wonderful opportunities to learn more about Poreč’s past and present, both above and below the water.\r\n

Brulo

\r\nBrulo is a quiet residential area that lies 15 minutes south of the city center. Several apartments, a few resorts, and beaches make it an attractive proposition for seekers of calm and quiet. It is also in Brulo that you’ll find the Mediterranean Summer Tango Boat Quay. A five-hour dance excursion famous as the 'legendary boat trip' departs from here every Sunday. The diving center, bike rental, and water sports options will keep your stay in Brulo exciting.\r\n

Plava and Zelena Laguna

\r\nTourists in Poreč typically prefer to reside at either Plava (Blue) or Zelena (Green) Laguna. Both resorts come loaded with attractions. You can stay in camps, villas, or hotels. Connections with the city center are frequent and comfortable. A must for families, both Lagunas offer amenities ranging from water parks, exclusive beaches, and fun workshops to on-land sports, swimming pools, and restaurants.\r\n

Špadići

\r\nŠpadići is situated in the north of the Old Town and is frequented by tourists looking for budget accommodations. The neighborhood also has an excellent waterfront, with beaches such as Plaza Špadići Materada and Donji. Also, Windsurfing Center Poreč is ideal for water sport enthusiasts who want to learn something new during their vacation.\r\n

St. Nikola

\r\nWishing to experience that relaxing island vibe when in Poreč? Take a 5-minute boat ride to the islet of St. Nikola and spend a day exploring its many temptations. A mere 500 meters away, St. Nikola offers a chance to view Poreč from a unique vantage point. While on the car-free island, you can walk a scenic trail to St. Nicolas Light Tower, swim off beautiful beaches, and have fun at the Wibit Sports Park or the Istrian Fantasy Forest. St. Nikola has a few restaurants and accommodation alternatives, perfect for those wanting to stay away from the crowds of Poreč.\r\n \r\n

Transportation Around Poreč

\r\nThe best way to explore this seaside destination is on foot, and Poreč allows visitors to do just that due to its compact nature. The Old Town is full of hidden treasures that you’ll appreciate more when touring about slowly with no fixed itinerary in mind. Taking a ferry to Poreč is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.\r\n\r\nFor slightly longer distances, such as travel from resorts to the city center, opt for the 'tourist train' that runs throughout the day from April to October. The open-sided train is a favorite with kids and typically costs €2.5 for a point-to-point journey.\r\n\r\nAlternatively, you can hop on a water taxi that will take you to the Zelena and Plava Laguna from near the ferry terminal for €3. Otherwise, hire a water taxi for half and full-day tours to explore nearby islands, hard-to-reach spots along the coastline, and dolphin sightseeing in the Adriatic Sea.\r\n\r\nTaxis are readily available throughout the Istrian Peninsula but tend to be expensive. If you wish to go up and down the coast, stopping at various other resort towns, it’s better to rent a car for the duration of your stay.\r\n ","post_title":"Poreč","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"porec","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-09-09 11:24:41","post_modified_gmt":"2022-09-09 09:24:41","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":778873,"guid":"https://cms.ferryscanner.com/ferry-destinations/croatia/parenzo-porec/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"page","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw","permanlink":"https://www.ferryscanner.com/en/ferry-destinations/croatia/mainland-croatia/porec","image":"https://cms.ferryscanner.com/media/2021/09/ferryscanner-croatia-porec-2.jpg","template":"Destination","api_url":"https://cms.ferryscanner.com/wp-json/wp/v2/pages/ferry-destinations/croatia/mainland-croatia/porec/"},{"ID":96394,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2020-12-02 16:45:16","post_date_gmt":"2020-12-02 14:45:16","post_content":"

All About Rovinj

\r\nIstrian Peninsula’s popular summer destination, Rovinj, is a fishing town with unmatched vintage glamour. Having gained much recognition amongst international travellers recently, this Croatian city exudes a distinctly Italian charm visible in the local architecture, food, and the fact that Italian is an official language here along with Croatian. The real magic of Rovinj, though, is in exploring its quaint cobblestone streets, the fascinating Old Town with the hilltop church of St Euphemia, and its archipelago consisting of 22 islands and islets. Romantic and artistic, any amount of time spent in Rovinj results in an unforgettable vacation. Taking a ferry to Rovinj is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets\r\n \r\n

Routes and Ferries to Rovinj

\r\nSince Venice is well-connected with the rest of the world by air, most tourists prefer to land there and then take a ferry across to Rovinj. There are frequently scheduled sailings between the two cities during peak season with Venezia Lines. Boats typically take under three hours for a direct connection. You may also purchase a ferry ticket to Rovinj through Ferryscanner for a slower boat that adds another hour to the trip as it stops at Pula and Poreč.\r\n\r\nThe other option is to fly into Pula Airport. From there, take the train or drive. A cheaper possibility is first reaching Pula center from the airport and then catching the public bus to Rovinj.\r\n\r\nThose in favor of road transport can take a two-hour bus from Trieste for €13. If already in Croatia, hop on the three-hour bus from Zagreb, which costs around €20.\r\n \r\n

Ports of Rovinj

\r\nThe small size of Rovinj’s port somewhat limits the tourist rush at this seaside town, making sure it maintains its old-world attractiveness. Only a limited number of passenger ferries arrive at the pier, located within walking distance from the Old Town and bus station. A marina with over 300 berths for yachts and private boats lies alongside the port.\r\n \r\n

Best Beaches

\r\nRovinj has a mind-boggling array of beaches. There are pebble beaches in quiet corners for naturists, areas with grassy borders for sunbathers, pet-friendly beaches, isolated ones for couples, and busy beaches with activities galore that attract families. With water temperatures touching an inviting 24°C (75°F) in the summer season, the question is how many different beaches you’ll manage to visit during your vacation.\r\n

Lone Beach

\r\nAccess to Lone Beach is only through a foot and bicycle path because of which it remains a quiet part of the city, away from traffic and heavy tourist movement. The beach underwent refurbishment in 2014 and now has paved and pebble areas along with a grassy stretch favored mostly by sunbathers. The lush greenery bordering the beach gives it an intimate appeal, whereas bars and restaurants make it a convenient place to spend time.\r\n

St. Andrew’s Island Beach

\r\nThe beaches on Red Island are some of the very best in the region. Therefore it is worth taking a 15-minute taxi boat to St. Andrew’s Beach, located near Hotel Istra, for a fun day in the sun. Since it’s a Blue Flag beach, rest assure that the facilities and water clarity are excellent here. Families often visit the beach because of all happenings on offer, ranging from a children’s playground and boat rentals to parasols, cafes, showers, tennis, and windsurfing. However, it is advisable to stay in the center of the bay when with kids as the currents tend to be strong around the edges of the beach.\r\n

Kuvi Beach

\r\nSituated close to Villas Rubin, Kuvi is a cute spot by the water to visit with the family. The ground here is a mix of sand and pebbles. The beach has a gentle slope, resulting in low-level water ideal for children to play safely. The beach itself isn’t too wide or long, but there are still plenty of facilities such as showers, toilets, lifeguards on duty, and water sports available.\r\n

FKK Punta Križ

\r\nDrive north for 15 minutes from Old Town, and you’ll reach the infamous Punta Križ. A nude beach, it is known for attracting sunbathers who are pretty open about their alternative lifestyle. Avoid bringing children here. Adults interested in an offbeat adventure will find that Punta Križ provides plenty of entertainment along with fantastic sea views and a bar to enjoy a refreshing drink. A winding dirt road typically keeps the general beach-going public away, while a shaded area next to the gravel strip offers respite from the sun.\r\n

Skaraba Beach

\r\nA curiously small pebble beach with a paved section, stone steps to sit on, and no amenities, Skaraba is an eccentric gem that many tourists don’t know about. Set alongside Zlatni Rt Park, the water here is clean, but since it gets deep relatively quickly, and there is hardly space to play around, mostly adults come here. Skaraba is popular with the locals because it is only a kilometer from the center and has free parking.\r\n \r\n

Neighborhoods

\r\nBe it the engrossing and unusually captivating Old Town or the natural appeal of the islands not far away, neighborhoods of Rovinj have a distinctly vibrant atmosphere that gives the city an incomparable identity. When arriving with ferry tickets to Rovinj be sure to check these ones out.\r\n

Old Town

\r\nAll roads in Rovinj lead to the Old Town. The city’s pulsating heart is where you’ll find a mix of antiquated buildings, tiny streets, clothing shops, and taverns. The main square with its fountain and St. Euphemia’s church is a tourist hotspot. At sundown, everyone heads to the waterfront bars located on Obala Alda Rismonda, a street that outlines the harbor. Not to be missed in the Old Town is Valdibora, a daily market where locals sell everything from fresh produce to handmade souvenirs.\r\n

Wider Town

\r\nThe neighborhood around Old Town is known as Wider Town. It is still central to the city, but unlike the Old Town, it allows car traffic. The area has a modern outlook, so you’ll find lovely cafes, yoga studios, and boutique residences here. Wider Town is a must for gourmands who want to experiment with Croatian wine and regional cuisine. Families should pay a visit to Rovinj Aquarium for an educational break when strolling around the neighborhood.\r\n

North Rovinj

\r\nBudget travellers take note, for it is in the northern part of Rovinj that you’ll find several pocket-friendly accommodations. The neighborhood is known to have a bit of an industrial vibe since there is a fish processing plant here. Still, the area has excellent nightlife, and it’s possible to book tours at comparatively lower prices in this region.\r\n

Red Island

\r\nCrveni Otok is an island duology that consists of St. Andrew’s Island and Maskin. Both these islets are connected via a manmade walkway and present travellers with an idyllic day trip from the mainland. Island Hotel Istra operates on St. Andrew’s from April to October, but you can visit and explore the islands’ scenic attractions throughout the year. There are beautiful short trails and beaches, still unknown to summer tourists, which are worth discovering on both the islands. The water around Maskin has fantastic clarity, perfect for snorkeling.\r\n

Sv. Katarina Island

\r\nKatarina Island is right opposite the city center and can be reached via a taxi boat from Delfin Pier. Once on the island, you are privy to fantastic views of the Old Town. The hotel on the island is extremely accommodating, even with day-trippers who can eat at one of the on-site restaurants. Katerina Island has a few rocky beaches with places to cliff jump. On the whole, the island is very green, with diverse flora covering the land.\r\n \r\n

Transportation Around Rovinj

\r\nConsidering that the Old Town is a hilly car-free zone, the only possible way to explore it is on foot. Rovinj is, in general, small enough that you can avoid public transport altogether if visiting for a short period.\r\n\r\nHowever, when staying at either of the two famous resorts nearby, Villas Rubin and Amarin Resort, it’s convenient to take a boat or shuttle to the Old Town. During summer, regular boat transfers are available to Katarina Island and Red Island from the ferry port. While St. Catherine is a five-minute hop, a trip to Red Island lasts 20 minutes and costs €6 for a return ticket.\r\n\r\nAlthough there are ample options of things to see and do in Rovinj, if you wish to perform an in-depth exploration of Istria’s delightfully amusing towns, hire a car and drive to places such as Pula, Buzet, Fazana, Poreč, and Bale. Taking a ferry to Rovinj is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets\r\n ","post_title":"Rovinj","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"rovinj","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-12 18:58:53","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-12 16:58:53","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":778873,"guid":"https://cms.ferryscanner.com/ferry-destinations/croatia/rovigno/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"page","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw","permanlink":"https://www.ferryscanner.com/en/ferry-destinations/croatia/mainland-croatia/rovinj","image":"https://cms.ferryscanner.com/media/2020/12/ferryscanner-destination-page-croatia-rovinj.jpg","template":"Destination","api_url":"https://cms.ferryscanner.com/wp-json/wp/v2/pages/ferry-destinations/croatia/mainland-croatia/rovinj/"}],"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"Ferry to Mainland Croatia","yoast_wpseo_title":"Ferry to Mainland Croatia: Information, Destinations, Routes | Ferryscanner","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Book your ferry tickets to Mainland Croatia with the help of Ferryscanner. Head to our website, compare prices, routes, ferry companies and book your trip now!","yoast_wpseo_linkdex":"60","yoast_wpseo_metakeywords":"","yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-adv":"","yoast_wpseo_canonical":"","yoast_wpseo_redirect":"","yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"","yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"","yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image":"","yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"","yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"","yoast_wpseo_twitter-image":""},"languages":[{"active":true,"language_code":"tr","url":"https://cms.ferryscanner.com/tr/feribot-destinasyonlari/hirvatistan/anakara-h-rvatistan"},{"active":true,"language_code":"sv","url":"https://cms.ferryscanner.com/sv/farjedestinationer/kroatien/fastlandet-kroatien"},{"active":true,"language_code":"ru","url":"https://cms.ferryscanner.com/ru/paromnye-napravlenija/khorvatiya/materikovaia-khorvatiia"},{"active":true,"language_code":"pt","url":"https://cms.ferryscanner.com/pt/destinos-de-balsa/croacia/croacia-continental"},{"active":true,"language_code":"nl","url":"https://cms.ferryscanner.com/nl/ferry-bestemmingen/kroati/vasteland-van-kroati"},{"active":true,"language_code":"it","url":"https://cms.ferryscanner.com/it/destinazioni-dei-traghetti/croazia/croazia-continentale"},{"active":true,"language_code":"fr","url":"https://cms.ferryscanner.com/fr/destinations-de-ferry/croatia/croatie-continentale"},{"active":true,"language_code":"es","url":"https://cms.ferryscanner.com/es/destinos-de-ferry/croacia/croacia-continental"},{"active":true,"language_code":"en","url":"https://cms.ferryscanner.com/ferry-destinations/croatia/mainland-croatia"},{"active":true,"language_code":"el","url":"https://cms.ferryscanner.com/el/aktoploikoi-proorismoi/kroatia/ipeirotiki-kroatia"},{"active":true,"language_code":"de","url":"https://cms.ferryscanner.com/de/faehrziele/kroatien/festland-kroatien"}],"breadcrump":[{"count":1,"href":"https://www.ferryscanner.com/en/ferry-destinations","title":"Ferry Destinations"},{"count":2,"href":"https://www.ferryscanner.com/en/ferry-destinations/croatia","title":"Croatia"},{"count":3,"href":"https://www.ferryscanner.com/en/ferry-destinations/croatia/mainland-croatia","title":"Mainland Croatia"}],"canonical":null,"gallery":false,"iframe":"","abbr":"","location":{"lat":"45.1000","lon":"15.2000"},"image":false}}