Pical Resort: New Five-Star Destination in Poreč
The new star of Istrian tourism, Pical Resort 5*, Valamar Collection, is the largest single investment in Croatian hospitality and a landmark development that marks a turning point not only for tourism in Poreč, but for Istria as a whole. Introducing a new dimension to year-round travel, the resort elevates Poreč's position as a destination capable of competing with the Adriatic's most prestigious luxury resorts.
Pical Resort 5*, Valamar Collection transforms the Pical area into a vibrant lifestyle destination, setting new standards through the seamless integration of luxury accommodation, public infrastructure, sports facilities, exceptional gastronomy and cultural experiences. Just a few minutes' walk from Poreč's historic centre, the resort features 514 accommodation units alongside an outstanding selection of premium amenities, including a year-round wellness and spa centre, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, landscaped beaches, scenic promenades, cycling trails, and a wide range of sports and recreational facilities.
Designed as an open resort that blends naturally with the surrounding city, Pical places families at the heart of its offering. More than 3,000 square metres are dedicated to children and family experiences, with innovative play and learning spaces, themed activity areas, children's clubs with full-day programmes, and immersive multimedia attractions that establish Pical as one of the region's most advanced family resorts. The family experience is further enhanced by PlayLand, an interactive entertainment and learning centre with creative, educational and recreational activities for all ages, the Fun Zone with playgrounds, Valamar's Maro Club with thoughtfully designed children's programmes, and a wealth of additional facilities tailored to unforgettable family holidays.
The Pical Event Centar, the largest congress venue in Istria with capacity for up to 1,200 delegates, is set to become a major driver of the region's meetings and events industry. As part of the resort, this state-of-the-art venue provides Poreč and Istria with world-class infrastructure that will strengthen business tourism and attract international conferences.
The Historic Significance of Pical
The original Pical Hotel, built in the 1970s, was one of the defining landmarks of Poreč's early tourism development. At the time, it represented a significant step forward, introducing a new standard of hospitality with a strong emphasis on active holidays, sport and family experiences. It quickly became a gathering place for athletes, sailors and surfers, while also serving as an important social hub for the local community, hosting celebrations, cultural events and public gatherings. For generations of Poreč residents, Pical has been intrinsically linked with sport, recreation and everyday life.
The new Pical carries this legacy forward in a contemporary and more ambitious form. Rather than replacing the site's rich history, it reinterprets it through a philosophy of openness, accessibility and close integration with the local community. By combining world-class hospitality with spaces designed to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike, the resort honours its heritage while opening an exciting new chapter in the evolution of Poreč as a destination.
Harry’s Piccolo Poreč - A New Star on Istria's Gourmet Scene
Pical Resort also plays a key role in Poreč's emergence as a premier gastronomic destination with the opening of Harry's Piccolo Poreč. One of Croatia's most exciting new fine dining restaurants, it is the latest venture from acclaimed chefs Matteo Metullio and Davide De Pra, whose restaurant in Trieste has earned two Michelin stars. The kitchen in Poreč is led by chef Goran Hrastovčak, bringing their distinctive culinary vision to the heart of Istria. Their arrival reflects the growing recognition of Istria as one of Europe's most exciting emerging food and wine destinations. At Harry's Piccolo Poreč, the concept is built around the idea of connecting regions through gastronomy, celebrating the shared culinary heritage of Croatia, Italy and Slovenia.
The restaurant's philosophy is rooted in seasonality, exceptional local ingredients and a refined approach that blends tradition with contemporary technique. Particular emphasis is placed on menus that express the character of the region, from tasting experiences inspired by the historic Parenzana railway to dishes showcasing the finest Adriatic seafood and locally sourced produce. Every aspect of the dining experience is carefully considered - from the atmosphere and presentation to expertly curated wine pairings and attentive service - creating an immersive gastronomic journey for every guest. Under the guidance of the head chef in Poreč, the Harry's Piccolo philosophy is both faithfully preserved and thoughtfully interpreted through the flavours, traditions and ingredients of Istria.
Poreč – A Destination That Thrives All Year Round
Alongside Harry's Piccolo, Pical Resort introduces a diverse collection of dining concepts that further enhance Poreč's reputation as a premier gastronomic destination. Home to eight restaurants and ten bars, the resort presents an outstanding culinary offering, from contemporary Mediterranean cuisine to international flavours, complemented by carefully curated wine lists, signature cocktails and innovative dining experiences.
This exceptional blend of hospitality, gastronomy and world-class infrastructure reinforces Poreč's identity as a destination that flourishes throughout the year, with outstanding food and wine becoming one of its defining attractions. At the same time, the development of landscaped beaches, promenades, sports facilities and recreational areas, many of them accessible to both visitors and the local community, enhances quality of life while strengthening the connection between tourism and the everyday life of the destination. Together with continued investment in congress tourism, wellness, sport and exceptional gastronomy, these developments further elevate Istria's profile on the global tourism stage, reinforcing its reputation as a year-round destination.
[June 2026]
