Artúr’s guidebook to stays in Funtana
Food scene
Unassuming restaurant at the side of the road in a small village, where you wouldn't normally stop at as a regular tourist. Atmosphere is lovely, food is fantastic, it's one of the best restaurants around Funtana.
19 Einheimische empfehlen
Gradina GRILL
13 GradinaUnassuming restaurant at the side of the road in a small village, where you wouldn't normally stop at as a regular tourist. Atmosphere is lovely, food is fantastic, it's one of the best restaurants around Funtana.
If you are a seafood person, this is THE place you should try once. Small franchise started by a local fishing family, creating revolutionary street seafood. Decor is lovely, I like how it fits nicely into the traditional buildings. Original location is in Porec, they also have a restaurant in Rovinj. Not much place to sit down at the restaurants, but they also offer bowls and containers which are easier to walk around with.
7 Einheimische empfehlen
TUNAHOLIC fish bar
6 Ul. Svetog EleuterijaIf you are a seafood person, this is THE place you should try once. Small franchise started by a local fishing family, creating revolutionary street seafood. Decor is lovely, I like how it fits nicely into the traditional buildings. Original location is in Porec, they also have a restaurant in Rovinj. Not much place to sit down at the restaurants, but they also offer bowls and containers which are easier to walk around with.
Family restaurant managed by local Croatians (that's unique), open all year round. Lovely staff and delicious foods. Locals love this place and for good reason! We highly recommend this place if you would like to avoid tourist-trap restaurants on the main street. And it's just 5 minutes of walk away from your accommodation!
22 Einheimische empfehlen
More
3 Ulica Antica GašpariniFamily restaurant managed by local Croatians (that's unique), open all year round. Lovely staff and delicious foods. Locals love this place and for good reason! We highly recommend this place if you would like to avoid tourist-trap restaurants on the main street. And it's just 5 minutes of walk away from your accommodation!
Probably one of the best pizzas you'll find around. This place was recommended to us by our local friend who does ship cruises and also tuna fishing with his own ship. Places that locals recommend always turn out amazing for us that's why we pass on this recommendation. If you order for home delivery, you can get a large family-sized pizza which is huge (and not much more expensive than a normal one), and you can ask to split the pizza so one half will be one kind of pizza and the other half could be different.
15 Einheimische empfehlen
Pizzeria Dali d.o.o
bb Ul. Istarskog razvodaProbably one of the best pizzas you'll find around. This place was recommended to us by our local friend who does ship cruises and also tuna fishing with his own ship. Places that locals recommend always turn out amazing for us that's why we pass on this recommendation. If you order for home delivery, you can get a large family-sized pizza which is huge (and not much more expensive than a normal one), and you can ask to split the pizza so one half will be one kind of pizza and the other half could be different.
Another local favourite, again managed by a Croatian family for more than 30 years. Few travellers know about this restaurant as it is located at the very end of the Vrsar Marina. Guests of the Marina love this place, probably one of the bests in terms of value for money. Being located in the Marina, the views are great and the sunset is usually spectacular.
In Summer season you will have to get a ticket when you come into the parking of the Marina, but if you eat at the restaurant you can ask to have your ticket stamped, so your parking will be free when you showcase it when exiting the parking lot.
49 Einheimische empfehlen
Restoran “Trošt”
1 Obala Maršala TitaAnother local favourite, again managed by a Croatian family for more than 30 years. Few travellers know about this restaurant as it is located at the very end of the Vrsar Marina. Guests of the Marina love this place, probably one of the bests in terms of value for money. Being located in the Marina, the views are great and the sunset is usually spectacular.
In Summer season you will have to get a ticket when you come into the parking of the Marina, but if you eat at the restaurant you can ask to have your ticket stamped, so your parking will be free when you showcase it when exiting the parking lot.
Chilli Fusion Streetfood
1 Ribarski trgHighly rated and reviewed streetfood in Porec.
Highly rated Asian streetfood restaurant with a variety of different dishes. We tested it and it really is awesome if you are looking for something asian!
Umi Asian streetfood
1a Prvomajska ulicaHighly rated Asian streetfood restaurant with a variety of different dishes. We tested it and it really is awesome if you are looking for something asian!
Restaurant area of Camping Polidor with nice dishes and great atmosphere by the camping's pool (the pool is for camping guests only, but the good food and the atmosphere is for everyone!). Some dishes I found somewhat oily (could be vegetable oil) and I prefer other places for steaks. Breakfast meals are large, and the fish plate for 2 are the probably the best here.
Nandos Grill
Ž5002Restaurant area of Camping Polidor with nice dishes and great atmosphere by the camping's pool (the pool is for camping guests only, but the good food and the atmosphere is for everyone!). Some dishes I found somewhat oily (could be vegetable oil) and I prefer other places for steaks. Breakfast meals are large, and the fish plate for 2 are the probably the best here.
A bit tucked away, but has amazing views and a nice outdoor seating area to enjoy their great wines. They organize both guided wine tasting (in multiple languages) and factory tours. Make sure to reserve a table for your group in high seasons. If you need assistance, we are happy to help in reserving a table , tasting or tour for you.
60 Einheimische empfehlen
Kozlović Winery
A bit tucked away, but has amazing views and a nice outdoor seating area to enjoy their great wines. They organize both guided wine tasting (in multiple languages) and factory tours. Make sure to reserve a table for your group in high seasons. If you need assistance, we are happy to help in reserving a table , tasting or tour for you.
A tucked away, hidden restaurant with amazing, fantastic cuisine and warm atmosphere. Many locals say its just a hair below the Michelin-star level.
42 Einheimische empfehlen
Restoran konoba Stari Podrum
52 MostA tucked away, hidden restaurant with amazing, fantastic cuisine and warm atmosphere. Many locals say its just a hair below the Michelin-star level.
Great resstaurant, literally on the seaside and the rocks. The majority of the dishes are sea related, but everything seems delicious that we have tried so far!
94 Einheimische empfehlen
La Puntulina
38 Ul. Sv. KrižaGreat resstaurant, literally on the seaside and the rocks. The majority of the dishes are sea related, but everything seems delicious that we have tried so far!
Casanova Beach Bar
For gastronomy addicts looking for the best. Fantastic Michelin-star restaurant, possessing the star since 2016.
67 Einheimische empfehlen
Monte
75 Ul. MontalbanoFor gastronomy addicts looking for the best. Fantastic Michelin-star restaurant, possessing the star since 2016.
Restaurant Sveti Nikola
23 Obala Maršala TitaCasa Manzolin Wine & Food by Poletti
16 Eufrazijeva ulicaAmazing food and wine selection
One of Istria's two Michelin-star restaurants, newly awarded in 2021.
The Michelin-starred Agli Amici restaurant by Emanuele Scarello from the town of Godia, Italy is coming to Rovinj and bringing exquisite cuisine, offering guests a unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Located in the heart of the marina, the restaurant offers an astonishing view of Rovinj’s old town centre and the Island of St Catherine.
Agli Amici Rovinj
One of Istria's two Michelin-star restaurants, newly awarded in 2021.
The Michelin-starred Agli Amici restaurant by Emanuele Scarello from the town of Godia, Italy is coming to Rovinj and bringing exquisite cuisine, offering guests a unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Located in the heart of the marina, the restaurant offers an astonishing view of Rovinj’s old town centre and the Island of St Catherine.
The place around Funtana and Porec for meat lovers, with other dishes also available. Atmosphere is chic and lovely. You can ask for long plates that has a variety of dishes if you would like to try more things at once.
OX Steaks, Grill & Burgers
The place around Funtana and Porec for meat lovers, with other dishes also available. Atmosphere is chic and lovely. You can ask for long plates that has a variety of dishes if you would like to try more things at once.
Groceries & Shopping
Recently a law made supermarkets closed on some Sundays, but shops can choose which Sundays. Likely they will still be open on sundays in the summer because of tourists, but keep that in mind.
Plodine
38 Ul. Mate VlašićaLarge supermarket in Funtana, open all year round
Riva Mall
1a Ul. Rade KončaraGreat shopping mall with lots of different stores. You can find cafés and supermarkets around here too
Trgovački centar GALERIJA
46 Ul. Mate VlašićaGreat shopping mall with lots of different stores. You can find cafés and supermarkets around here too
Kaufland
55 Ul. Mate VlašićaLocal Market 2 minutes of walk away. We found it to be a bit more expensive, but the produce is that much better.
Trznica Funtana
15 Coki ul.Local Market 2 minutes of walk away. We found it to be a bit more expensive, but the produce is that much better.
Beaches & Nature
Recently renamed to D'OR Beach Club, with an atmosphere geared more towards having fun.
24 Einheimische empfehlen
Polidor Beach
Recently renamed to D'OR Beach Club, with an atmosphere geared more towards having fun.
Great beach bar, with great looking meals. Also hosts live music on some days of the week. Has a beach right next to it.
10 Einheimische empfehlen
Fuente Beach Bar
2a Istarska ul.Great beach bar, with great looking meals. Also hosts live music on some days of the week. Has a beach right next to it.
Sunshine Bar
Bijela uvalaWhen looking to escape the heat or when travelling outside the summer season, make sure to check out Baredine Cave. It is an ancient monument of nature and the first ever cave opened to visitors in Istria in 1995.
There are guided tours every 30 minutes (included in the price) in many languages: Croatian, Italian, German, English, Russian (with prior announcement Slovenian and French are available).
During a tour, you descend in a chilly (14°C), well-lit and organized environment along a 300 meter long pathway up to 60 meters below ground to discover 5 beautifully decorated chambers, an underground lake, and a 4 meter wide opening that would lead 66 meters down vertically to the cave's deepest point at 132 meters. The pathway and stairs have firm rails to help you navigate. During your visit you may meet the secret residents, the cave olms (Proteus anguinus Laurenti), which are native and can only be found in the coastal regions of Croatia. :)
The Baredine Cave is located just a few kilometers north-east from Poreč, and in addition offer tastings and an agricultural exhibition to immerse yourself in local traditions during your stay.
259 Einheimische empfehlen
Jama - Grotta Baredine
55 GedićiWhen looking to escape the heat or when travelling outside the summer season, make sure to check out Baredine Cave. It is an ancient monument of nature and the first ever cave opened to visitors in Istria in 1995.
There are guided tours every 30 minutes (included in the price) in many languages: Croatian, Italian, German, English, Russian (with prior announcement Slovenian and French are available).
During a tour, you descend in a chilly (14°C), well-lit and organized environment along a 300 meter long pathway up to 60 meters below ground to discover 5 beautifully decorated chambers, an underground lake, and a 4 meter wide opening that would lead 66 meters down vertically to the cave's deepest point at 132 meters. The pathway and stairs have firm rails to help you navigate. During your visit you may meet the secret residents, the cave olms (Proteus anguinus Laurenti), which are native and can only be found in the coastal regions of Croatia. :)
The Baredine Cave is located just a few kilometers north-east from Poreč, and in addition offer tastings and an agricultural exhibition to immerse yourself in local traditions during your stay.
Sightseeing
Vidikovac Casanova
54 Ul. Rade KončaraUNESCO World Heritage Site. Roman Catholic basilica in Poreč. The complex, which comprises the basilica itself, a sacristy, a baptistery and the bell tower of the nearby archbishop's palace, is an excellent example of early Byzantine architecture in the Mediterranean region.
307 Einheimische empfehlen
Euphrasius-Basilika
22 Eufrazijeva ul.UNESCO World Heritage Site. Roman Catholic basilica in Poreč. The complex, which comprises the basilica itself, a sacristy, a baptistery and the bell tower of the nearby archbishop's palace, is an excellent example of early Byzantine architecture in the Mediterranean region.
Funtana's church and church square that also hosts events. In July, 2024 there were concerts and operas every Tuesday on the square, so look out for the posted program on the notice boards around the church and Funtana.
Župna krcva Sv. Bernarda
13 Gašparini ul.Funtana's church and church square that also hosts events. In July, 2024 there were concerts and operas every Tuesday on the square, so look out for the posted program on the notice boards around the church and Funtana.
Bepo i Tonina
Razgledna točka
St. Euphemia's Basilica
Trg Sv. EufemijeSixth largest Roman amphitheatre in the world and the best preserved that still has all four side entrances. Interestingly, it was build on a slope, so on one side it has 2 rows of arches while on the other it has 3 rows. It hosts concerts and sport events.
1283 Einheimische empfehlen
Arena von Pula
bb Flavijevska ul.Sixth largest Roman amphitheatre in the world and the best preserved that still has all four side entrances. Interestingly, it was build on a slope, so on one side it has 2 rows of arches while on the other it has 3 rows. It hosts concerts and sport events.
Crkva sv. Martin
11 Ul. PodzidineA spectacular bay and valley found between Rovinj and Vrsar with amazing views. Locals grow fish and oyster here. The name comes from latin "limes" for "limit" as it was the border between the two Roman provinces of Dalmatia and Italia.
156 Einheimische empfehlen
Lim
A spectacular bay and valley found between Rovinj and Vrsar with amazing views. Locals grow fish and oyster here. The name comes from latin "limes" for "limit" as it was the border between the two Roman provinces of Dalmatia and Italia.
Brijuni-Nationalpark
10 Brionska ulicaProfessional and friendly, speaks languages. Great boat trips on a spacious ship, all the way to Rovinj and nearby islands, with cruising in the sunset while spotting dolphins. Highly recommended. Make sure to mention Artúr and Csaba suggested :)
Tuna Tail Fishing boat trips and excursions
Obala Maršala TitaProfessional and friendly, speaks languages. Great boat trips on a spacious ship, all the way to Rovinj and nearby islands, with cruising in the sunset while spotting dolphins. Highly recommended. Make sure to mention Artúr and Csaba suggested :)
Entertainment & Activities
Considered one of the largest waterparks in Southeast Europe, and the biggest in Croatia in terms of water attractions
394 Einheimische empfehlen
Aquapark Aquacolors Poreč
Considered one of the largest waterparks in Southeast Europe, and the biggest in Croatia in terms of water attractions
Dinopark Funtana is a theme-park for families with children in Funtana, with a number of attractions. Crazy Cars Moviepark offering evening shows is located next to it in a separate part of the parking lot.
227 Einheimische empfehlen
Dinopark Funtana
16 Istarska ul.Dinopark Funtana is a theme-park for families with children in Funtana, with a number of attractions. Crazy Cars Moviepark offering evening shows is located next to it in a separate part of the parking lot.
MOTODROM Porec
Aquapark Istralandia
1 Ul. RonkiAquarium Pula
33 VerudelaZip Line Pazin Cave
4 Ul. Šime KurelićaEvenening show with stunts, cars, monster trucks, transformers. Quite funny for children and anyone who likes any kind of engines. Located in a separate part of the parking lot in front of Dinopark Funtana.
Crazy Cars Moviepark
Evenening show with stunts, cars, monster trucks, transformers. Quite funny for children and anyone who likes any kind of engines. Located in a separate part of the parking lot in front of Dinopark Funtana.
City/town information
Motovun
Grožnjan
During your stay in Istria you can spend a day visiting Venice as there is a direct ship tour from the port of Poreč. We have used the agency KOMPAS multiple times and their ship called Prince of Venice. Look out for them they offer not only transportation there but tour guiding and different programs you can opt in for.
Venice, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads, just canals – including the Grand Canal thoroughfare – lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. The central square, Piazza San Marco, contains St. Mark’s Basilica, which is tiled with Byzantine mosaics, and the Campanile bell tower offering views of the city’s red roofs.
788 Einheimische empfehlen
Venice
During your stay in Istria you can spend a day visiting Venice as there is a direct ship tour from the port of Poreč. We have used the agency KOMPAS multiple times and their ship called Prince of Venice. Look out for them they offer not only transportation there but tour guiding and different programs you can opt in for.
Venice, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region, is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads, just canals – including the Grand Canal thoroughfare – lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. The central square, Piazza San Marco, contains St. Mark’s Basilica, which is tiled with Byzantine mosaics, and the Campanile bell tower offering views of the city’s red roofs.
Getting around
Porec Autobusni kolodvor station
Vrsar Central Bus Station
TURISTIČKA ZAJEDNICA OPĆINE FUNTANA
Funtana Tourist Board
Vrsar Tourist Info
23 Obala Maršala TitaTourist Office Porec
9 Zagrebačka ul.