Pical Resort in Poreč opens as Croatia’s new luxury landmark

Poreč has welcomed a major new addition to its hospitality scene with the opening of Pical Resort 5*, Valamar’s latest flagship property and one of Croatia’s biggest tourism investments in recent years.

The first guests arrived in mid-March as part of the resort’s “Be the First” campaign, and Easter is already expected to bring high occupancy. Early demand for the 2026 season looks strong, especially outside the peak summer months, showing how Poreč continues to grow as a year-round destination.

Source: Valamar

Pical Resort is designed to attract visitors well beyond the summer season. A major part of that plan is its MICE offer and the Pical Event Centre, the largest congress venue in Istria, with capacity for up to 1,200 participants.

This gives Poreč a stronger position in the meetings, events and business travel market. It also helps extend visitor numbers into spring and autumn, which matters for local businesses and for the wider destination.

By early summer, the resort will employ more than 800 staff, with most already working in daily operations. Training for five-star service began a year ago, underlining the ambition behind the project.

The hotel features 514 accommodation units and offers a broad mix of facilities for families, wellness travellers and food lovers.

Families can enjoy PlayLand, a 1,200-square-metre play and learning centre with creative, educational and fun activities for different age groups. The resort also includes a Fun Zone with children’s playgrounds and Valamar’s Maro Club, known for its family-friendly programmes.

For guests looking to relax, ESPA at Pical opened with the hotel, introducing this spa concept to Croatia for the first time.

Dining is another major part of the resort’s appeal. Alongside the hotel’s three main restaurants, the gourmet offer is expanding through partnerships with well-known chefs and brands. After the recent opening of JAZ by Ana Roš on the Poreč waterfront, Harry’s Piccolo Poreč is also opening within the resort. The restaurant was created in collaboration with chefs Matteo Metullio and Davide De Pra, whose Trieste restaurant holds two Michelin stars.

Some parts of the resort are still in the final stage of construction. These include the beach area, promenades and Purobeach, all expected to open in May. A larger ceremonial opening for partners and the public is planned for June.

With its scale, premium facilities and focus on off-season travel, Pical Resort marks an important moment for Poreč and Istria. For visitors, it brings a new luxury option on Croatia’s Adriatic coast. For the destination, it strengthens the push toward high-quality, year-round tourism.