Autumn in Poreč has become synonymous this year with sporting adrenaline, educational encounters, and the primal energy of the community. In the period from October 13 to 19, 2025, the city hosted a series of events that, each in its own way, unwove the story of Poreč as a destination that lives sports all year round. From a major international triathlon to expert panels on the future of sustainable mobility, and a festival of sports and recreation – the program attracted thousands of participants and visitors, and the hotel zones, sports halls, and city streets pulsed just as strongly as at the peak of the summer season. For all those planning a long weekend or an entire active holiday in the city, an overview of the accommodation offer is available here: YOU, I.E., THE AI, MUST ADJUST THE CONTENT OF THE TEXT YOURSELF, and you can find the same link below individual chapters.

Sport Fest in the Žatika hall: three days of knowledge, competition, and motivation

From October 16 to 18, 2025, the Žatika hall was transformed into the center of the regional sports scene. The ninth edition of Sport Fest combined a conference program, educational workshops, an exhibition zone, and exciting competitions, so visitors could follow expert talks on sports business and marketing, participate in workshops, and also cheer for competitors in multiple disciplines. Traditionally, the JUMP awards were also presented – recognitions for individuals and organizations who inspire the community with their work and raise the standards of the sports ecosystem.

The first festival day was dedicated to the youngest, with a rich program for Children's Day, while Saturday was marked by Fitness and Competition Day. The dynamics grew hour by hour: CrossFit races were held, Bodybuilding & Fitness Poreč Open, Dodgeball Croatia Open, street cycling demonstrations in the format of the Trotul BMX show, and an attractive performance by the acrobatic group Dunking Devils echoed through the hall. As the icing on the cake, the evening before the opening brought laughter and theater – a free play by Kerekesh Teatra "I, a pregnant woman", which literally filled the auditorium.

Partnerships without which Sport Fest would not have this reach include the City of Poreč, tourism and sports entities, and national institutions; together they ensured top-notch production, a safe environment for competitors, and diverse content for all ages. Visitors who extended their stay in the city for the festival or were just planning to come for the final day can easily browse accommodation in Poreč in all price ranges – from family hotels and apartments to seaside campsites.

Fourth National Cycling Conference: knowledge in the service of sustainable mobility

In the historic building of the Istrian Parliament Hall, from October 15 to 17, 2025, the Fourth National Cycling Conference was held – the largest expert gathering in the country dedicated to the development of cycling traffic and cycling culture. It brought together representatives from the transport, health, and tourism sectors, local and regional officials, experts in urban planning and environmental protection, and manufacturers and distributors of cycling equipment. Through panels, presentations, and round tables, topics discussed included infrastructure safety, standards, trends in micromobility, and how the bicycle can be the backbone of a healthier, cleaner, and more inclusive life in cities.

The final day featured two focused round tables – one on the relationship between tourism and sustainable mobility, and the other on the development of maritime passenger transport. A symbolic conclusion to the conference was organized with a joint ride along parts of the Parenzana and segments of the Adriatic-Ionian Cycling Route, with the message that networked trails and quality infrastructure are not only a tourist product but also a long-term investment in public health and the decarbonization of transport.

The Parenzana, a former narrow-gauge railway that connected Trieste and Poreč in the early 20th century, has been transformed today into one of the most beautiful transnational recreational routes in Europe. Known as the Path of Health and Friendship, it leads through vineyards, olive groves, and places that preserve the authentic Istrian story. For participants and guests who decided to extend their stay with active excursions, it is practical to secure accommodation in Poreč and the surrounding area in advance, to make exploration relaxed and free of logistical worries.

Plava Laguna IRONMAN 70.3 Poreč, Istria – Croatia: a triathlon that pushes boundaries

The pinnacle of the sports week occurred on Sunday, October 19, 2025, when the Plava Laguna IRONMAN 70.3 Poreč, Istria – Croatia was held, the largest triathlon event in Croatia and one of the most attended in this part of Europe. The race gathered around 1,900 competitors from all over the world, confirming Poreč's status as a location that offers an outstanding combination of a challenging course, professional organization, and a fan atmosphere that carries competitors to the finish line.

Triathletes started with 1.9 km of swimming in front of the Parentium hotel in Zelena Resort, continued with a 90 km cycling section from the Molindrio hotel towards Funtana and Višnjan, and finished it all with a 21.1 km half-marathon that led through the city center back to the finish in Zelena. The schedule was aligned with the best practices of international triathlons, and traffic regulations and fan zones allowed spectators to move between key event points without difficulty.

In addition to the sporting challenge, the economic impact is also significant – thousands of participants and their entourages filled hotel capacities, catering facilities, and local attractions. For 2026, further improvements to logistics and signage on the course have been announced, while organizers have already confirmed that interest from international teams and clubs is on the rise. Those thinking about registering for the next edition will do best if they secure accommodation in Poreč in a timely manner, as capacities sell out quickly.

Poreč in motion and beyond the halls: a city that lives sports 365 days a year

The value of the autumn sports week is not just in the numbers but also in the message the city sends – Poreč is a destination that successfully combines sports, tourism, and the local community. Local clubs and volunteers, health and utility services, tourism workers, and numerous partners have once again shown how synergy creates a recognizable experience. Families with children came to the city for children's polygons and workshops, recreational athletes aiming for their personal records, professionals hungry for new challenges, and visitors who just wanted to feel the atmosphere that motivates movement.

For those who want to experience Poreč as a starting point towards the Istrian interior, cycling routes like the Parenzana or shorter themed trails offer an ideal platform for an active holiday. After a full day outdoors, it is easy to find rest and refreshment – browse the current offer at the link accommodation in Poreč and plan your route according to your own preferences.

The next big chapter: European Majorette Cup 2025 in Žatika

After a week filled with sports, conferences, and recreation, Poreč continues at the same pace. From October 22 to 26, 2025, the Žatika sports hall will host the European Majorette Cup 2025, an international competition that brings together teams from all over Europe. The arrival of more than 1,200 competitors from about fifteen countries is expected, with a program that combines compulsory choreographies, freestyle routines, and exhibition performances. The event is part of the international twirling and majorettes competition system calendar and brings a true explosion of colors, music, and precise formations to the hall floor.

In line with the experiences of similar events, organizers have planned clear schedules, entry protocols, and zones for the audience, with the option to purchase tickets online and at the box offices before the start of the blocks. For parents and fans arriving from outside Istria, it is recommended to book accommodation in Poreč in a timely manner, especially near Zelena Laguna and the city center, to facilitate movement between hotels, the hall, and city amenities. In the breaks between competition categories, it is worthwhile to take a walk along the waterfront and the old town, climb up to the Euphrasian Basilica, or take a short ride along the sea.

Infrastructure and logistics: how Poreč manages major events

The key to Poreč's success as a sports stage lies in the combination of modern infrastructure and long-term experience. The Žatika Hall has the capacity for various indoor sports, exhibition programs, and concerts, with a sufficient number of changing rooms and technical spaces. The peripheral zones thrive thanks to good transport connections, traffic regulation during races and at fan points, and medical and security teams on the ground. For the triathlon, for example, this also means precise cooperation with the traffic police, utility services, and volunteers, to ensure the safe flow of competitors and the public.

The city also uses its natural advantage – the terrain configuration, the network of promenades and trails, and the proximity of the sea. This ensures that the events are not only technically well-executed but also visually impressive, and every shot from the route or the hall becomes promotional material in itself. In practice, this means that families who come for one event often stay longer, creating their own itineraries – from morning workouts outdoors to evening outings in the old town. A practical tip: check the accommodation offer in Poreč as early as possible, especially during the weeks when major events are held.

City of sports, city of community: what participants and visitors say

Feedback from competitors, coaches, speakers, and visitors most often highlights three elements: professionalism, hospitality, and the availability of facilities. Poreč offers everything needed within a relatively compact zone – from halls and open sports areas to hotels, campsites, and restaurants. Because of this, the city has naturally established itself for years as a host for championships, cups, international conferences, and sports festivals. The rhythm of the autumn calendar confirmed this once again: conference panels were followed by competition programs, and the climax was the triathlon spectacle that filled the waterfront, promenades, and fan zones.

For many, the most beautiful moments are those between the official program points – a team photo on the pier, spontaneous cheering from passersby, or a morning coffee by the sea before the first starts. It is precisely this connection between professional organization and the Mediterranean atmosphere that makes Poreč special. If you are looking for a starting point for your next sporting adventure or a weekend full of movement, browse accommodation in Poreč and choose a location according to the schedule of events you want to follow.

Practical information for visitors

The easiest way to reach Poreč is by car via the Istrian Y motorway, but also by bus lines that connect it with major Croatian cities and the region. For those arriving by plane, the nearest airports are in Pula, Trieste, and Ljubljana, and transport to Poreč can be organized by shuttle or rent-a-car service. Within the city, walking and cycling are the fastest ways to move between the hall, the coast, and the accommodation zones. When it comes to major sporting events, it is recommended to follow the organizers' instructions and traffic services and to use marked parking lots and fan zones.

The autumn period brings pleasant temperatures and long sunny days, ideal for being outdoors. Therefore, it is good to include short trips in your stay planning – a drive to Višnjan or Funtana, a walk among the dry-stone walls and olive groves, or a ride on a part of the Parenzana that even less experienced cyclists can master. After a full day of activities, reserve a table at one of the taverns (konobas) that nurture local recipes and flavors. If you haven't already, click on accommodation in Poreč and compare options based on proximity to the Žatika hall, the city center, or the coast.