Self-catering in Poreč: supermarkets, markets and Sunday hours

In short

Poreč has all the big Croatian and international supermarket chains, plus a town market for fruit, vegetables and fish. Since July 2023 most shops in Croatia may open on only 16 Sundays a year, so do a big shop on your arrival day. Buy local olive oil, pršut, cheese, wine and seasonal fruit for the best value.

A villa holiday means your own kitchen, and in Istria that is a pleasure: excellent olive oil, cured ham, cheese, wine and fruit straight from the farm. Here is how shopping works around Poreč, and what to do on your first day.

Supermarkets

Poreč and its surroundings have plenty of supermarkets, from small local shops to large hypermarkets on the edge of town:

Croatian chains: Konzum, Plodine, Studenac, Tommy
International chains: Lidl, Kaufland, Spar

Bigger stores have bakery, deli and fish counters, a good wine section and everything for children. Opening hours are long in summer, typically from early morning to the evening.

Sunday opening: plan ahead

Since 1 July 2023, Croatian law allows most shops to open on only 16 Sundays a year. Each retailer chooses its Sundays, and many concentrate them in the summer season, but you cannot count on every supermarket being open.

Do a big shop on your arrival day. In summer most guests arrive on Saturday.
Exempt shops include those at petrol stations, ports and some other locations, so you can find basics on any Sunday.
Bakeries and kiosks often have Sunday morning hours.

The town market and fish market

Poreč’s town market (tržnica) is the place for seasonal fruit and vegetables, often from small growers. Next to it is the fish market (ribarnica). Go in the morning for the best choice; it winds down after lunchtime.

What to buy in season:

Spring: wild asparagus, strawberries, cherries
Summer: tomatoes, peppers, watermelons, figs, peaches
Autumn: grapes, chestnuts, figs, mushrooms, truffles

Local products worth buying

Extra virgin olive oil from a local producer. See our olive oil guide.
Istrian pršut (dry-cured ham) and ombolo (cured pork loin).
Cheese: Istrian sheep’s and cow’s milk cheeses, young or aged.
Wine: Malvazija and Teran. See Istrian wine.
Honey, fig jam and truffle products for souvenirs.
Farm signs saying prodaja (for sale) mean you can stop and buy direct.

A first-day shopping list for a group of 8 to 12

Water (several large packs), juices, milk, coffee
Bread, butter, jam, eggs, yoghurt and fruit for breakfasts
Pasta, rice, olive oil, salt, pepper
Tomatoes, cucumbers, salad, onions, garlic
Pršut, cheese and olives for snacks
Meat or fish and vegetables for a first grill night (see our summer kitchen guide)
Sun cream, insect repellent, washing-up liquid, kitchen roll
Charcoal and lighters for the barbecue

Practical tips

Bring bags: plastic bags cost extra.
Cards are accepted everywhere; markets and farm stalls may prefer cash.
Deposits: many drinks bottles and cans carry a small deposit, refunded at machines in supermarkets.
Tap water in Istria is safe to drink.

Planning meals for a big group? Read our tips on a villa holiday for 12, and see our villas for kitchen and barbecue details.

Opening times, timetables and prices change from year to year, so check them with the venue before you go.

Questions and answers

Are supermarkets open on Sundays in Croatia?

Only on some Sundays. Since July 2023 most shops may open on 16 Sundays a year, chosen by each chain and often concentrated in summer. Shops at petrol stations, ports and some other places are exempt.

Which supermarkets are there in Poreč?

Croatian chains such as Konzum, Plodine, Studenac and Tommy, as well as international ones such as Lidl, Kaufland and Spar. Small village shops cover basics.