St Nicholas island (Sveti Nikola): a half day off Poreč

Sit on the seafront in Poreč and you will see it: a low, green island just across the water, with a hotel half hidden in the pines and small boats crossing back and forth. St Nicholas island (Sveti Nikola) is the easiest boat trip in Poreč, and a lovely way to spend a morning or an afternoon.

Getting there

Taxi boats leave from the harbour (riva) along the old town seafront. The crossing takes about five minutes. In the summer season, boats run regularly, roughly every 30 minutes, from morning until late evening. Hotel guests travel free; everyone else buys a ticket at the jetty. Times and fares change from year to year, so check the board on the harbour.

Outside the main season, services are less frequent, so note the last boat back.

What to do on the island

Swim

The island has a ring of beaches:

• a small sandy beach, the only one on the island, popular with families with young children;
• pebble and fine gravel coves;
• paved sunbathing areas with steps and ladders into deep, clear water.

A few areas are mainly for resort guests, and one is adults-only. The rest are open to everyone.

Walk

A path runs around much of the island under the pines, with views back to the old town of Poreč. It is a pleasant, flat walk at any time of day, and especially at sunset, when the old town glows on the other side.

Eat and drink

There are bars and restaurants belonging to the island’s resort. Prices are resort prices; many families bring a picnic and buy just drinks and ice cream.

Tips for families

• Bring water shoes for the rocky entries. Read our swimming safety guide.
• Arrive early in July and August for a shady spot near the sandy beach.
• The boat ride itself is an adventure for small children, and short enough that no one gets bored.

Combine it with Poreč old town

Spend the morning on the island, then cross back for lunch and an afternoon in the old town. Our walking guide to Poreč old town starts from the harbour where the boats arrive.

Getting to the harbour from the villas

• From Villa Duga, the old town is 3.6 km away. Cycle along the coast or drive and park in one of the town car parks.
• From Villa Bina and Villa Cvita Domenica in Labinci, Poreč is about 11 km by car.

For more swimming spots, see our guide to the beaches near Poreč.