6 Best Hotels in Istria, Croatia

Its outstanding location on the head of a small peninsula in Poreč’s Old Town sets this historic hotel apart; built in 1910, it housed the very first hotel in town. The original architecture has been preserved, but the comforts are contemporary: stylish furnishings, heated floors in the bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and high-speed Internet. On-site facilities include a small outdoor pool, spa area with saunas, restaurant, casino, and bar.

The ideal family resort, the Park Plava allows each family member to choose what they most want to do: animation activities, beaches, sports, fine dining, or hanging out at the five on-property pools. Take a walk along the sea, through the pine forest, or around the resort's landscaped gardens, or find a cabana to call your own for the day. You really never need to leave the resort, but should you want to, it's easy to visit Old Town Poreč as its cafés, bars, shops, and restaurants are just a short walk or drive away.

Accommodations at this sprawling premium resort on car-free Sveti Nikola island (across the harbor from Old Town Poreč), include apartments, villas, and hotels. The southern part of the island is active and attracts families with children, while couples tend to stay in the five-star properties on the northwest end. And to vacation like royalty, consider an apartment in the 19th-century castle. Sand beaches, water activities, spas, restaurants, formal gardens, forest parks, and pools are all available and accessible via a shuttle boat that operates every half hour.

Located a mile south of Old Town Poreč in the Brulo neighborhood, this large hotel is surrounded by pine forest but still close to the sea and a favorite for travelers looking for an activity-rich vacation. Modern styling and a new emphasis on sports and wellness have given this local favorite a new life, including the introduction of their Balance Mediterranean Spa and professional physiotherapy treatments. Great sports facilities—tennis courts; covered multipurpose sports hall for basketball, handball, fitness gym, or mini-soccer; diving center; bike rentals; indoor and outdoor pools; and beach volleyball courts—make this hotel an ideal choice for travelers seeking active holidays. Additionally, the hotel has its signature Maro family services and facilities, including playrooms, a cinema, and a multimedia game lounge.

On the seafront promenade, where Poreč's oldest hotels are found, the Valamar Riviera is an adults-only hotel with a chic restaurant and comfortable, traditionally appointed rooms, most of which have sea views and balconies. The restaurant does a generous buffet breakfast, and there are outdoor tables on the seafront for à la carte dining. There's good air-conditioning throughout and all the perks available—beaches, pools, restaurants, and activities—via the hotel's private shuttle boat to Sveti Nikola Island.