Private car transfer from Venice to Porec

A dash along Slovenia's unspoiled coastline provides jaw-dropping views of the seaside towns and vibrant hills rolling in the distance. A drive along the nation's 30 miles of shore will end in the blink of an eye. Before you know it, you'll be gliding along the Istrian peninsula to the rustic roofs of Porec's old town.

If you're wondering whether to take a land or water cruise from Venice to Porec, you've come to the right place. In our extensive travel guide, we'll explain which one is right for you and give tips on how to turn this venture into an unforgettable experience!

After the collapse of the Roman Empire in 476 AD, Porec was ruled by various powers, including the Byzantines, Ostrogoths, the Franks, and the Venetians, until the 18th century. After WW2, the social regime of Yugoslavia enveloped Porec, along with the rest of modern-day Croatia, until its demise in 1992.

The city's pristine beaches and fairytale-old town gathered attention toward the end of the century. But it wasn't until Croatia joined the EU in 2013 that Porec peaked!

Modern Porec

Porec has come a long way since the Romans first annexed it over 2,000 years ago. However, its maze-like old town sheltered by terracotta roofs and standing with weathered bricks seems millennia behind the 21st century. Snug cafes and boutique souvenir stalls line the idyllic lanes, but it's also home to the Euphrasian Basilica, a majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Throughout the year, you'll discover festivals to celebrate the town's rich traditions in the form of authentic silk dancing and singing traditional songs. At the Peskera Market, you'll feel like you've traveled to the past, where cozy stalls provide the region's freshest and most mouthwatering cuisine. Many still use family recipes and follow ancient methods.

• Language: Croatian
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Climate: Mediterranean
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Plug types: C and F

Select a mode of transport like Daytrip or modern public transport carriages with quality air conditioning. The last thing you want is to feel like you're cooking in an overcrowded setting. Also, remember to pack sun hats and sunscreen, as the rays can still penetrate the glass and burn your skin.

Create a sightseeing itinerary

Whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or someone in between, something will whet your appetite for adventure on the road from Venice to Porec.

In Piran, the Pearl of the Mediterranean, you can stop to ride a bike, admire sea views, and discover why Slovenia is one of Europe's most underrated destinations. Grotta Gigante, the world's largest show cave, is a must-see if you desire natural beauty, while the discounted shopping village of Palmanova Outlet will send shopaholics into overdrive!

Know the recent changes

If you've traveled to Croatia before, you'll know that the border crossing is strict and extensive. Fortunately, the biggest headache of traveling from Venice to Porec has vanished since Croatia joined the Schengen Area in 2023. However, you should still have identification and visa documents if required.

The currency has also switched from the kuna to the euro. So don't waste your valuable money trying to use up any leftover cash you have from Italy. Finally, learning the tipping cultures before you arrive will ensure you don't over or undertip now.

Flixbus is the only operator on this line, and although no direct coaches are available, you can reserve a seat for each trip in a single booking process. After buying a ticket online from Venice Mestre Station to Porec, you'll only need to change once at Trieste Autostazione before continuing your journey.

• Cheapest bus price: $38 (€35)
• Average bus price: $51 (€47)
• Quickest bus duration: 4 hours and 50 minutes
• Longest bus duration: 6 hours and 50 minutes
• First bus departure: 5:35 AM
• Last bus departure: 8:50 PM

Ferries from Venice to Porec

A ferry is undoubtedly the most scenic and unique way to travel from Venice to Porec. Boat firm Kompas crosses the Adriatic Sea four times weekly. However, the downsides are that it's the most expensive option, and you can't stop to admire fascinating sites en route.

Purchase a ticket online through Direct Ferries for the cheapest seats. Due to the high demand in summer and the harsh weather conditions in winter, schedules can drastically vary throughout the year. So remember to plan and book in advance.

• Cheapest ferry price: $80 (€74)
• Average ferry price: $289 (€265)
• Quickest ferry duration: 3 hours and 15 minutes
• Longest ferry duration: 4 hours and 30 minutes
• First ferry departure: 6:30 AM
• Last ferry departure: 4:30 PM

Daytrip from Venice to Porec

Daytrip is the fastest mode of transport from Venice to Porec. A door-to-door service can pick you up at your hotel in Italy and drop you off at your new one in Croatia within 3 hours. So you'll save even more precious vacation time not having to organize a taxi to your accommodation from the bus station.

Daytrip is also the most comfortable and convenient way to travel from Venice to Porec. A professional driver will manage your luggage after greeting you with a smile before whisking you along the Mediterranean in a sanitized vehicle. With the thermostat at your disposal, you don't have to worry about baking under the summer sun or freezing in the winter breeze.

Finally, Daytrip is also ideal if you prioritize flexibility and adventure. As a keen traveler, you can explore the cities and attractions that catch your eye. If you want to tick more UNESCO-listed sites off your bucket list, the Basilica di Aquileia should be at the top of your itinerary. But if you want to stretch your legs and appreciate some downtime, the postcard town of Portogruaro is for you!

• Seats from: $65 (€60)
• English-speaking driver
• Flexible schedule
• Equipped for pets, kids, groups, or those with limited mobility
• 24/7 responsive customer support
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departing

The adrenaline-filled slides of Magicone, the Looping Rockets, and the Space Boat are unquestionably the most sought-after thills here. But you can enjoy a relaxing day weaving along the lazy river before bronzing your skin on a sunbed.

Appreciate the Eurphrasian Basilica

The Euphrasian Basilica is Porec's most iconic landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning 6th-century basilica is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, famous for its magnificent mosaics portraying biblical scenes.

The complex details and colorful tiles in the mosaics are awe-inspiring, showcasing the religious significance of the period. Along with exploring the basilica complex, you can admire the atrium, baptistery, and bell tower, offering panoramic views of the old town and the Adriatic Sea.

Venture down to Baredine Cave

Baredine Cave is around five miles from Porec. But it's definitely worth the journey out here. Not only is it a beautiful natural wonder 430 feet below the surface, but it's a treasure trove for historical tales!

On a guided tour, you can discover the local wildlife living here, stories hidden within farm machinery, and much more. But remember to bring a jacket as the air temperature is 57°F during the 40-minute excursion.

Climb the Round Tower

Most tourists only marvel at the Round Tower from afar without realizing its secrets inside. The town ordered its construction in 1475, and you can still admire the well-preserved loopholes and the original steep stone stairs today.

However, there's another compelling reason to visit the Round Tower, and that's because of its rooftop transformed into a bar! You can sip on delicious handcrafted cocktails while soaking up the unique setting and admiring views of the Adriatic Sea.

Traveling during the fall is better if you're on a budget and searching for the best bang for your buck. Hotels and transportation companies offer significant discounts to allure customers before the quiet winter season. Traveling from November to March may be cheaper, but you won't be able to enjoy outdoor activities as much compared to September and October!