Swimming safely in Istria: sea, sun and private pools

Most of our guests’ best memories are in the water: a morning swim in a clear cove, cannonballs into the villa pool, a sunset dip. A few simple habits keep it that way. None of this is complicated, but it is worth reading before your first beach day.

At the beach

Rocky entries and deep water

Beaches around Poreč are mostly pebbles, rocks and concrete platforms. The water is clear but often gets deep quickly, especially off the platforms with ladders.

• Wear water shoes: they protect against sharp rocks and sea urchins.
• Check the depth before you jump or dive. Never dive into water you have not checked.
• Choose gravel coves with a gentle slope for small children.

Sea urchins

Black sea urchins live on rocks in shallow water. They are a sign of clean sea, and painful to step on. Look where you put your feet. If you are stung, carefully remove spines with tweezers, keep the area clean, and see a pharmacy or doctor if spines stay in.

Jellyfish

Some summers bring jellyfish into the northern Adriatic, often for a few days at a time. Most cause only a mild sting. If you see many, swim elsewhere. Rinse stings with seawater (not fresh water) and ask at a pharmacy for a soothing cream.

Boats and swimming zones

In summer, swimming areas are often marked with buoys. Stay inside them: boats and jet skis are not allowed within the marked zones, but drivers may not see swimmers outside them. Use a bright swim buoy if you swim long distances.

Lifeguards

Large resort beaches may have lifeguards in high season; small coves do not. Swim with a friend, and keep an eye on children at all times.

Sun and heat

• The sun is strongest between 11:00 and 16:00. That is a good time for the shade, a long lunch or the villa pool under the terrace.
• Use high-factor sun cream and reapply after swimming. Hats and UV swim shirts are great for children.
• Drink plenty of water. Heat creeps up on you during long days out, especially in July and August.

Wind and weather

• When the bura blows from the north-east, the west coast sea is usually calm, but the wind can push inflatables and paddleboards out to sea. Keep inflatables close to shore or leave them on the beach.
• Summer storms can arrive quickly on hot afternoons. Get out of the water at the first thunder.

At the villa pool

Our villas each have a private pool, and there is no lifeguard. Please:

• Always supervise children in and around the pool, even good swimmers. Agree which adult is “on watch” at any moment, especially at busy family gatherings.
• No diving and no running on wet stone.
• Keep glass away from the pool area.
• Armbands and floats are not a substitute for supervision.
• After dark, swim only where you can see clearly and with another adult present.

Read more in our guide to Istria with children.

Emergency numbers

• 112 – European emergency number (ambulance, fire, police)
• 195 – coast guard / search and rescue at sea

Pharmacies (ljekarna) in Poreč are well stocked and pharmacists usually speak English, German or Italian.

Before you go

Check the weather and sea temperature, pick a beach from our beaches near Poreč guide, and pack water shoes. Then enjoy the sea.