Poreč has been transformed into a crossroads of world sports stories since the beginning of October, with a schedule that leaves even the most demanding competition enthusiasts breathless. The past weekend opened a wave of adrenaline with the international wrestling Valamar Cup in the Žatika hall and fast, foamy trails on the sea during the Alpe Adria Jet Ski Tour 2025 – GP Poreč in Peškera bay. From Saturday, October 4 to Sunday, October 12, the Padel Poreč Center courts are also hosting the rich Padel Poreč Week with a professional FIP tournament and a program for recreational players. Simultaneously, from Tuesday, October 7 to Saturday, October 11, the Žatika hall hosted thousands of athletes and their companions at the ITF World Taekwondo Championships, with which Poreč once again confirmed its status as one of the leading international sports destinations on the Adriatic.

The calendar is packed, the stands are full, and the economic and social effect is visible at every turn – from full terraces and seaside promenades to additional public transport offers and extended working hours for hospitality establishments. If you plan to be a part of these days full of sports and fun, check out the accommodation in Poreč and take the opportunity to get to know the city districts, nearby villages, and wine roads that surround this Istrian gem along with the competitions.

Wrestling at the highest level: Valamar Cup in the Žatika hall

The one-day international wrestling tournament Valamar Cup, held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, brought elite names in Greco-Roman and women's wrestling to the mat in Žatika. Over a hundred registered competitors from more than a dozen countries – from the closest neighbors to national teams that came to Istria from European and Asian tatamis – guaranteed a dynamic program, frequent changes in results, and strong support from the stands. The special value of the tournament lies in the combination of two disciplines: the Greco-Roman style, in which control of the upper body dominates, and women's wrestling, which breaks down barriers of popularity and media visibility from year to year.

The organizers formatted the schedule so that spectators could see a large number of matches in a short time, without long breaks and downtime in the hall. In the morning part, qualification fights and repechages took place, while the afternoon brought finals and medal ceremonies. The Žatika hall, a multi-purpose sports complex that has hosted European championships, qualification tournaments, and a series of training camps in the last decade, once again confirmed its logistical readiness and technical capacities for events of an international profile. For visitors who came from outside the city and want to stay until the evening matches, we remind you that the accommodation options in Poreč are varied – from hotels on the coast, through camps, to private accommodation in the quiet streets of the old town.

The focus, of course, was on young names – juniors and seniors who, along with experienced national team members, demonstrated how selections create continuity. Given the fact that the peak of the world wrestling calendar is traditionally concentrated in early autumn, the results from the Valamar Cup often serve as a reference for the list of travelers for larger international tournaments until the end of the year. For the local community, this means a double benefit: fans get the opportunity to see the best, while clubs and wrestling schools use the moment to promote the sport among the youngest.

Waves, speed, and acrobatics: Alpe Adria Jet Ski Tour 2025 – GP Poreč

From Friday, October 3 to Sunday, October 5, Peškera bay was transformed into a natural amphitheater for GP Poreč, one of the most attractive stops of the Alpe Adria Jet Ski Tour. The program consisted of training sessions, qualifications, and scoring rides, with routes that are well known to both local judges and technical staff. It's not just about a race of speed: jet ski brings a combination of explosive power, precise maneuvering, and the skill of reading the wave, which the audience feels right after the first start when the sea turns into an exciting scene full of splashing and the sound of engines.

Drivers from a dozen countries arrived in Poreč, including enthusiastic local representatives. As in previous years, the audience lingered the most on the promenade along Peškera where they could follow all the key points of the race – from the starting straight to jumps on the waves and technically demanding turns. For those who planned a full day by the sea, it was recommended to find a spot early and choose a point with a good view of the buoys, and everyone who stayed longer easily found evening entertainment in the old town and neighborhoods along the coast. If you are just planning to come, check out the accommodation Poreč offer to secure your stay near the bay itself and easy access to morning training sessions and afternoon finals.

The organizers emphasized safety – a clearly delineated competition field, mandatory equipment, and the constant presence of rescue teams – as well as sustainability, through noise control and compliance with rules on the protection of the marine environment. Jet ski in Poreč has grown into a magnet for visitors from all over Istria and beyond, so it's no wonder that hoteliers and rental providers noted increased demand weeks before the event itself. That's why it is recommended to book accommodation in Poreč as soon as the calendar for the next season is announced.

Padel week with a professional FIP tournament: Padel Poreč Week (October 4–12)

Padel Poreč Week, which takes place from Saturday, October 4 to Sunday, October 12 on the courts in the Motodrom zone, has become one of the fastest-growing sports events of the autumn in Istria. The program was opened by the humanitarian Luka Otočan Memorial, and the central sports event of the week is the professional FIP tournament – with the announced status "FIP 15000" – with a prize fund of 15,000 euros. This tournament rank attracts pairs from several countries and brings important points for the international ranking, as well as a top-level spectacle for spectators who increasingly recognize padel as a dynamic, tactically interesting, and accessible sport.

Unlike tennis, padel is played on a smaller court with transparent walls, which favors quick exchanges and non-stop action. The local community has opened more courts in the last few years, and recreational tournaments have almost become a weekly routine. The professional part of Padel Poreč Week was accompanied by additional content: open training sessions, workshops for children, free trial lessons in the morning hours, and evening "exhibition" matches. The public could buy daily and weekly tickets, with family packages including discounts at event partners.

Accommodation near Motodrom is extremely sought after during the final weekend, so be sure to check the current accommodation offer in Poreč. In addition to being close to the courts, the advantage is easy connectivity to city roads and tourist zones, which facilitates arrival and return after late matches. For those who are staying longer, the recommendation is to combine sports days with excursions to the interior of Istria – to Brtonigla, Motovun, or Grožnjan – and with gastronomic stops in taverns that offer seasonal specialties, from Istrian prosciutto to dishes with truffles.

World Taekwondo spectacle in Poreč: ITF World Championships (October 7–11)

As of today, Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the ITF World Taekwondo Championships are in full swing in the Žatika hall, where seniors, juniors, and pre-juniors are competing. The championships last until Saturday, October 11, and the schedule includes qualifications, semifinals, finals, and solemn medal ceremonies. In the main slots, individuals and national teams compete in disciplines that include forms, fights, and special techniques. Visitors can expect a rich program every day, with changes in fighting areas and rotation of categories that guarantee a rhythm without breaks.

In terms of logistics, the organizers' priority was to facilitate the entry and exit of a large number of participants during peak competition times. Official volunteers direct teams between the warm-up zone and the fighting areas, while official accommodation capacities and additional private capacities in Poreč were planned months in advance. For the audience arriving from other cities and countries, morning arrivals are recommended due to crowds in the afternoon, while for evening sessions it is wise to arrive at least an hour earlier to be seated on the stands without a rush.

It is especially interesting to see how Poreč transforms into a multicultural stage in a few days. In the old town core, on the coast, and in the neighborhoods near the hall, languages from all over the world can be heard, and fans in national team jerseys create an atmosphere that is remembered. Caterers have adapted their menus, extended working hours, and introduced faster serving lines to accommodate the wave of visitors between the afternoon and evening sessions. If you are just getting ready to travel, book accommodation Poreč to stay near the hall and avoid daily drives.

The city that loves sports: infrastructure, tradition, and economic effects

The reason why Poreč has been synonymous with top international competitions in recent years lies in the combination of sports infrastructure and experience. The Žatika hall has enough fighting areas for parallel programs, changing rooms, and logistical zones, and a hospitality and transport network has also been developed alongside it. Outdoors, bays and beaches, such as Peškera, offer natural conditions for aquatic disciplines and water sports, while the hinterland is ideal for cycling and running routes. At the same time, the city has already tested the "sports week" model that connects several disciplines – which was perfectly seen now in the overlapping of wrestling, jet ski, padel, and taekwondo.

Economists in the tourism sector point out that one-day and multi-day sports guests spend significantly more than the average off-season, and at the same time fill capacities that would otherwise be underutilized outside the main summer peak. This also applies to accommodation in Poreč, where an increase in occupancy is recorded in October, stimulated precisely by large events. The added value is manifested in the promotion of the destination – competitors and their companions often return privately, and some of them also choose Poreč for their preparations in the next season.

How to plan a day in Poreč during a sports week

The morning hours are ideal for arriving for qualifications, walking along the waterfront, and having a coffee in the old town. If you have tickets for afternoon or evening programs in Žatika, expect increased traffic around the hall and use marked parking lots. For events at sea, such as jet ski races, the best visibility is achieved on parts of the promenade where it is possible to watch the starting straight and key turns. In the case of padel, the match schedule offers a wide range of daily times, so it's worth following the game plan to catch your favorite pairs. After the competitions, you can spend the evening on cultural programs or culinary tours; Poreč has an extensive network of wine and olive oil routes in the close vicinity.

Special advice goes to families and groups: combine sports content with visits to cultural sites, such as the Euphrasian Basilica, and with short trips to nearby coastal towns. If you are staying for more than one day, choose accommodation in Poreč that shortens your journey to the location of your main event – proximity to Žatika for taekwondo and wrestling and access to Peškera for jet ski means you will spend more time in the stands than in driving.

Tips for beginner fans and experienced sportophiles

For wrestling: bring a bottle of water, the seats in the stands can fill up quickly, and the program is dynamic – watch the category scoreboard and follow the speaker's announcements. For jet ski: sunglasses and sun protection are mandatory, and it's also worth having a light windbreaker due to the sea breeze. For padel: look for places along the side of the court, where the perspective of the exchanges is most interesting; in the evening, expect a slightly lower temperature and a light drizzle on the grassy areas around the court. For taekwondo: the schedule of disciplines changes quickly – pay attention to the order of fights and medal ceremonies so you don't miss the highlights of the day.

In all cases, the rule of sports culture applies: cheer loudly, but with respect for the opponent. Bring cash for faster purchases of food and drinks – although most points are card-enabled, queues form during breaks between matches. If you are in the city with children, plan shorter but more frequent breaks and explore the green zones and playgrounds near the hall and the promenade. And for everything else – from late-night ice cream trips to planning the next day – the most important thing is to have a safe and comfortable accommodation Poreč as a starting point.

Approximate daily overview of key times

• October 4 (Saturday): Valamar Cup (Žatika) – morning qualifications and afternoon finals; opening of Padel Poreč Week with a memorial tournament; jet ski training sessions and qualifications in Peškera.


• October 5 (Sunday): Jet ski scoring rides and announcements in Peškera; padel recreational and junior program; free training sessions for some national teams in Žatika.


• October 6 (Monday): Entry into the main draw of the professional FIP tournament; arrival of a larger number of taekwondo national teams and technical checks; early evening program in the old town.


• October 7 (Tuesday): Start of the ITF World Taekwondo Championships (Žatika) – forms and fights by age group; afternoon padel matches.


• October 8 (Wednesday – today): Central day with the most taekwondo matches; in the evening, attractive padel encounters; city events and extended hospitality programs.


• October 9–10 (Thursday – Friday): Continuation of ITF competition with semifinals; padel brings quarterfinals and semifinals; free times for recreational courts.


• October 11 (Saturday): Final day of the ITF World Championships in Žatika; evening ceremonies; padel finals.


• October 12 (Sunday): Concluding sports afternoon of Padel Poreč Week with finals and award ceremonies.

Practical information: tickets, traffic, and accommodation

Ticket systems differ by event. For indoor programs (wrestling and taekwondo), it is recommended to buy tickets in advance through official competition channels. Jet ski can be watched from public spaces, but for the best spots, you need to arrive earlier. Padel has a combination of free and paid times, with the possibility of reserving seats for the finals. City transport is reinforced in the evening hours, and taxi services operate all day; parking lots around Žatika and near Peškera are marked, but they fill up quickly during peak times. Don't forget to book accommodation in Poreč in advance – the proximity to the location of your favorite sport will be crucial for a good experience.

Why sports events in Poreč are a "multi-day experience"

The concept of a "multi-day cluster" of sports – which combines martial arts, aquatic disciplines, and racket sports in the same weekly matrix – creates a synergy that benefits everyone. The city gets a fuller calendar in the pre- and post-season, clubs and federations get continuous visibility, and visitors get the opportunity to experience at least three different sports experiences in one trip. This is precisely why many choose to stay for four to six days, which is optimal for combining following competitions, visiting sights, and gastronomic tours. In such a schedule, the key is access to quality and well-positioned accommodation in Poreč, to minimize logistics and maximize time in the stands and by the court.

How fans, athletes, and the local community build a shared story

Every sports week leaves a mark: children who see wrestling live for the first time, students who fall in love with padel after a short workshop, or tourists who accidentally come across a jet ski race and decide to extend their stay. Local schools and sports clubs use this momentum to enroll new members, while volunteer programs are an opportunity for young people to gain experience in event organization. At the same time, hoteliers, rental providers, and caterers get the opportunity to test new services and offers – from sports breakfasts and "grab-and-go" snacks to late dinners for teams returning from competitions.

Athletes, on the other hand, point out that the atmosphere in Poreč is difficult to replicate: a compact city, proximity to the sea, good climate, and short distances between accommodation, the hall, and the courts create optimal conditions for top-level performances. It's no coincidence that many national teams return – not only for points and medals but also for the sense of community that is created throughout the week.

Plan your next visit: a look ahead

The autumn sports week in Poreč has become a point on the calendar that many underline in advance. Although the current competitions end on Sunday, October 12, the sports scene quickly continues – from autumn and winter indoor leagues to preparations for spring outdoor events. If you missed some of the events this year, write down the dates for early autumn now and follow the official channels to be the first to find out the news. And most of all, prepare the logistics: good accommodation in Poreč, a review of tickets for indoor events, and a plan to get to Peškera bay for the next edition of jet skiing.

Where to eat and what to visit between matches

From local markets and bakeries in the morning, to fish taverns by the coast, to modern bistros hidden in the streets of the old town – the gastronomic offer will satisfy fans who want a "quick bite" and gourmands who are looking for an evening menu after the finals. For short breaks, cafes with a sea view are recommended, while for longer breaks, wine houses and olive groves in the surrounding area are suitable. Within a few minutes' drive, you will reach hills from which you can see the sea and the sports scene – an ideal place to rearrange your experiences before a new dose of adrenaline. To start each day without a rush, book accommodation Poreč near the locations you are following.

Note on dates and daily updates

Due to the volume of competitions, schedules are adjusted on the fly – especially for sports that have qualifications and repechages. Therefore, it is recommended to check daily plans and official announcements to know the exact time your favorite categories are entering. Given today's date, October 8, 2025, the main points to keep in mind are: the central day of the ITF World Taekwondo Championships, the evening highlights of Padel Poreč Week, and the possibility of short-term traffic jams in city areas around the change of fan shifts. All of the above is easiest to overcome with timely booking of accommodation in Poreč, a movement plan, and enough time between transitions from one sports location to another.