Poreč Welcomes Pical Resort: A Landmark Five-Star Investment

With the opening of Valamar’s Pical Resort, Poreč has gained a new tourism landmark following an intensive construction period of over 18 months. This five-star project represents the most significant current investment in Croatian tourism. 

The resort welcomed its first guests in mid-March as part of a promotional campaign, and while high occupancy is expected over the Easter holidays, the strategic focus remains on extending the season. Specifically, the new congress center, the largest in Istria with a capacity of 1,200 participants, has already generated strong interest among business travelers for the pre- and post-season periods.

The resort’s operational team will consist of more than 800 employees, many of whom are already actively engaged following a year of systematic training designed to meet top-tier service standards. While the hotel facilities are already operational, outdoor amenities including the coastal promenade, the beach, and Purobeach are in the final stages of completion and are scheduled to open in May. The entire investment cycle will culminate in June with an official grand opening ceremony for partners and the public.

Inspired by the historic Parenzana railway, which once linked Poreč and Trieste, Pical translates this story of connection into architecture, gastronomy, and experiences. The resort comprises three complementary elements that together create a harmonious mosaic of experiences. 

Elegant Pical Suites offer exclusive V Level service, Pical Family Hotel is designed as a lively hub for family vacations, while Pical Hotel, in the central building, blends Mediterranean leisure with contemporary luxury. From exclusive V Level suites and swim-up rooms to all-inclusive family apartments, each unit offers a unique sense of comfort and pleasure, the hotel is equipped with 514 accomodation units. 

Flavors That Unite Three Nations

At Pical, pleasure is a way of life. Its eleven restaurants and ten bars bring together the Mediterranean, Istria, and the world into a singular culinary tale. At the heart of the offer is Harry’s Piccolo Poreč, where the two-Michelin-starred duo Matteo Metullio and Davide De Pra bring their philosophy of the modern Mediterranean to Croatia, combining tradition and innovation. Their tasting menus, inspired by the Parenzana, tell a story of place, culture, and a journey through the flavors of three countries.

With Valamar’s Dine Around program, guests can explore a diverse array of signature restaurants: Fogo by Bekal presents fire-cooked cuisine in the interpretation of chefs Marko Turković and Tvrtko Šakota, JAZ by Ana Roš delights with signature seasonal dishes, and Miramare by Fratelli Cerea introduces Italian charm and elegance. 

There is also the Spinnaker Restaurant, offering creative interpretations of Istrian cuisine, and Beach Club & Restaurant, where the combination of Mediterranean and Asian dishes is made complete by the sounds of the sea. Days at Pical end in elegant bars, with a glass of champagne at Pical Rooftop Bar overlooking the sea, or in the Beach Club & Restaurant’s relaxed setting.

The Art of Living

The harmony of space, body, and spirit is what makes Pical truly luxurious. ESPA at Pical, the first ESPA center in Croatia, spans 1,300 square meters and brings the philosophy of one of the world’s leading wellness brands to life through a combination of expertise, simplicity, and attention to detail. 

Inspired by Istrian landscapes and the story of the Parenzana, the spa provides an experience that combines light, scent, and touch in complete tranquility. Global ESPA experts use natural Mediterranean ingredients, such as olive oil, sea salt, and aromatic herbs, in various treatments, while programs for different generations promote the idea that vacations should renew and connect.

Three thematic beaches are located along nearly a kilometer of coastline: a sandy beach shaded by pine trees, a family-friendly pebble beach, and an elegant paved beach with an infinity pool overlooking the old town of Poreč. Below the resort, a promenade links the beaches into a vibrant Mediterranean scene, featuring bars, shops, and spaces for taking a break. 

A day at Pical can be calm and quiet, filled with wellness rituals and the flavors of the sea, but also be playful, with pools, sports, children’s games, and activities that connect different generations. This is where the resort’s variety is revealed: beyond world-class gastronomy, world-class wellness, and beaches designed for relaxation, Pical is also a place for family moments, active vacations, and genuine Mediterranean joy.