Villa MateaPoreč, Istria

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Poreč beaches: which one suits you

Poreč has plenty of coastline but little sand. According to the tourist board, the coast of Poreč and its islands is 37 km long, and the official beach descriptions mention rock, pebbles and paved sunbathing areas almost everywhere. This guide shows which beaches you can walk to from Villa Matea, where to find sand, what families can expect and where dogs are allowed in the water.

Updated: October 2026

The nearest beach: about 10 minutes on foot to the north

Villa Matea is in the north of Poreč, at Ul. 43. istarske divizije 2. The nearest beach lies to the north, in the Špadići area according to OpenStreetMap, about a 10-minute walk away. The old town around Trg Slobode is a 15 to 20-minute walk. You can see exactly where the house is in the location section.

Špadići is also home to the Donji Špadići town beach, which the Istria Tourist Board places about 2 km north of the centre, between two hotels and near a sports centre. Pebbles, rocks and concrete alternate; the renovation added retaining walls, paved sunbathing areas and new steps into the sea. Lifeguards are on duty in season. Donji Špadići holds the Blue Flag in 2026.

Beaches in the north: the promenade, Borik, Pical and Materada

Right next to the old town runs the seafront promenade «Obala 154. brigade Hrvatske vojske». It is 500 m long, has separate lanes for pedestrians and cyclists and links the north of Poreč with the centre. Along it lies the Peškera Cove town beach, which the tourist board calls the first beach in the northern part of town: free access to the sea, two sunbathing areas and a pebble beach above the promenade. For what to see in the old town, read things to do in Poreč.

Also in the north, a promenade under the pines leads to the town beach below the Valamar Parentino Hotel, created in 2014: a pebble sunbathing area, sea access points, a ramp for people with disabilities, showers, parasols and a beach bar nearby.

Borik lies on the north side with a view of the old town. The beach is partly pebbly and partly paved, and you get into the water via stone steps with handrails. About 150 m from the Pical hotel is Val Parentino Family Beach, with pebble and paved areas, a lawn under the pines, a sandy sunbathing area, beach bars and a water sports centre.

By the Valamar Collection Marea Suites you will find the sandy Val Marea Sandy Family Beach with a lawn and a playground; if you are looking for a beach club, The Beat Beach Club there has an infinity seawater pool. In Materada, the rocky beach at Hotel Materada also serves, according to the tourist board, as a town beach for locals. About 3 km from Poreč is the town beach of Červar Porat, with pebbles along the whole shore, showers, changing cabins and a picnic area with barbecue facilities.

South of the old town: the town beach, Brulo and Plava Laguna

Gradsko kupalište, the town beach, lies about 1 km south of the centre and stretches from Marina Poreč to the Brulo resort. The tourist board counts it among the most popular beaches in Poreč. On more than 150 m of newly developed beach you lie on pebbles with a view of the town; you can enter the water gently, via a concrete slip or steps, also with reduced mobility. There are lifeguards, an outdoor gym under the pines and, above the beach, a musical fence on which you can play the song «La mula de Parenzo» as you walk by.

It connects to Brulo beach, which you can reach on foot, by bike or by tourist train along the southern side of the riviera. It sits in a sheltered bay under pine trees; pebble, concrete and rocky sections alternate, and there is also a lawn, a sports centre with water sports and an aqua park. Brulo holds the Blue Flag in 2026.

Further south are the large hotel and campsite beaches of Plava Laguna and Zelena Laguna. Bellevue, in the south-west of the Brulo peninsula about 2 km from town, is mostly rocky and levelled with stone slabs. The Zelena Laguna campsite beach is about 5 km from the centre, partly paved and pebbly, partly rocky, with its own naturist section.

Sveti Nikola island: swimming opposite the harbour

Opposite the harbour lies the small island of Sveti Nikola (St. Nicholas); you get there by boat from the town waterfront. Oliva beach is pebbly, with stone sunbathing areas and an easy entry into the sea, partly shaded by oaks and pines. The Istria Tourist Board describes it as suitable for older people and families with small children.

Also on the island is Val Maro Family Beach, according to the tourist board the only sandy beach on the island, about 50 m long with a gentle entry. On the 2026 Blue Flag list it appears as Maro Sandy Beach, together with Sunrise Beach.

Sand, pebbles or rock: what to expect

Sandy beaches are the exception in Poreč. The tourist board's descriptions mention rock, pebbles and paved stone or concrete areas almost everywhere. Sand is found only at a few hotel beaches: Val Maro on Sveti Nikola, Val Marea in the north, a sandy sunbathing area at Val Parentino and, in Tar-Vabriga near Poreč, the roughly 200 m long Val Adria Family Beach at Lanterna Premium Camping Resort with a gentle entry. For rocks and stone slabs, water shoes are a good idea.

The Blue Flag stands for a clean sea and a well-kept, safe coast. The Istria Tourist Board's 2026 list includes 16 beaches with the location Poreč-Parenzo, among them the town beaches Gradsko kupalište, Donji Špadići and Špadići–Materada as well as Borik, Brulo and Val Marea. The award is valid for one year, and the new list is published every year on 5 June.

Beaches for kids in Poreč

After the beach, the shared garden with a barbecue awaits you at Villa Matea. Dina and Matea each offer 50 m² for up to four guests, Veronika 40 m² for up to three: see the apartments. For more family ideas, read the guide Poreč with kids.

For families with children, the tourist board highlights these beaches in particular:

  • Gradsko kupalište: a gentle pebble entry, lifeguards and a children's playground.
  • Materada Sjever in St. Martin's Bay in the north: a favourite with families, with a sandpit, a playground and a picnic area.
  • Borik: a children's playground and a kids' club for the youngest.
  • Val Maro and Val Marea: sand and a gentle entry.
  • Červar Porat: pebbles along the whole shore, described by the tourist board as ideal for families with children.

Dog beaches in Poreč

The Poreč Tourist Board counts 11 dog beaches, most of them near pet-friendly hotels, campsites and apartments. The Istria Tourist Board points out that in Poreč dogs may swim only on parts of the beaches and are not allowed on Blue Flag beaches. Look out for the signs on site.

In the north, part of the town beach below the Valamar Parentino Hotel is reserved for pets. Other dog areas are mainly at campsites and resorts, for example in Funtana and at Lanterna Premium Camping Resort. Pets are not allowed at Peškera, Gradsko kupalište or Materada Sjever. Whether your dog can come to Villa Matea is something to check with Zlatko before you send your enquiry.

Frequently asked questions

Which beach is closest to Villa Matea?

The nearest beach lies north of the villa, in the Špadići area according to OpenStreetMap, about a 10-minute walk away. Špadići is also home to the Donji Špadići town beach, which holds the Blue Flag in 2026.

Which beach in Poreč is best for kids?

There is no single best beach. For families, the tourist board highlights Gradsko kupalište with its gentle entry, playground and lifeguards, as well as Materada Sjever with a sandpit and playground. You will find sand at Val Maro on Sveti Nikola island and at Val Marea in the north.

Are there sandy beaches in Poreč?

Only a few, and most are small. The official descriptions mostly mention rock, pebbles and paved areas. Val Maro on Sveti Nikola, Val Marea in the north and Val Adria Family Beach in Tar-Vabriga have sand.

Where can dogs swim in Poreč?

Only at designated dog beaches and dog areas; the Poreč Tourist Board counts 11. In the north, part of the town beach below the Valamar Parentino Hotel is reserved for pets. According to the Istria Tourist Board, dogs are not allowed on Blue Flag beaches. The Poreč Tourist Board, however, also lists dog areas at some Blue Flag beaches, so follow the signs on site. More: Poreč with a dog. Please check with Zlatko beforehand whether your dog can come to the villa; he speaks English, Croatian, German and Italian.

Do you need a car to get to the beaches?

Not for the beaches in the north: the nearest beach is about a 10-minute walk away, the old town 15 to 20 minutes. You can also reach Brulo in the south on foot, by bike or by tourist train. If you arrive by car, parking at Villa Matea is free.

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