CEO of Valamar, Željko Kukurin, and Croatia’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, Tonči Glavina (Photo: Press/Valamar)
A €200 million investment currently under construction in Poreč has been hailed as the most significant project in Croatian tourism and an example of sustainable destination development.
The opening of the new Pical 5-star Resort is scheduled for spring 2026.
Croatia’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, Tonči Glavina, visited the site this week, accompanied by Željko Kukurin, CEO of Valamar, the company behind the ambitious project.
The minister inspected progress and discussed plans for completing what is set to become one of the country’s most impressive and environmentally responsible tourism developments.
Transforming Poreč into a Year-Round Destination
The Pical 5 Resort* represents a major step forward in transforming Poreč and the wider Istrian region into a high-quality, year-round destination.
In addition to the hotel itself, the project will introduce new public infrastructure, including promenades, beaches, sports, and recreational facilities, all designed for both visitors and residents to enjoy throughout the year.
The luxury resort will feature 514 accommodation units, over 3,000 m² of indoor and outdoor family facilities, 11 restaurants, and 10 bars offering a unique dine-around service.
(Photo: Press/Valamar)
It will also include Istria’s largest congress centre, with capacity for 1,200 participants.
At the heart of the resort will be Harry’s Piccolo Poreč, created in collaboration with Italian chefs Matteo Metullio and Davide De Prà, whose restaurant in Trieste holds two Michelin stars.
The fine dining offer will also include Miramare by Fratelli Cerea, inspired by the renowned three-star Da Vittorio restaurant on the island of Sveti Nikola, and the much-anticipated JAZ by Ana Roš bistro on Poreč’s seafront.
In line with sustainable principles, the resort will prioritise local food and drink producers, with at least 80% of ingredients sourced locally.
Pical 5* will also become home to Croatia’s first ESPA spa centre, a 1,300 m² luxury wellness concept.
Render (Photo: Valamar/Press)
Open to the Community
Unlike traditional closed resort complexes, Pical 5* is designed as an open and integrated space that enhances community life. Residents and visitors alike will have access to promenades, cycling paths, beaches, and other recreational areas.
An Olympic-size outdoor pool (50 metres) overlooking the old town of Poreč will be open to the public, including local athletes and members of the Poreč Sports Association.
(Photo: Valamar/Press)
The resort will also feature a 25-metre indoor pool, available for local children and sports clubs to use for training.
The project will generate thousands of opportunities for local entrepreneurs, craftsmen, and suppliers. Numerous Croatian construction and design companies are already involved in its development.
(Photo: Press/Valamar)
Minister Glavina emphasised the broader importance of such projects:
“Investments like this are crucial for positioning Croatia as a premium tourism destination, but even more so because they stimulate the local economy and drive community development. They create new jobs, strengthen ties with local producers, and promote sustainable, inclusive growth. This is the kind of tourism we want—one that benefits both guests and residents,” Glavina said.
Valamar CEO Željko Kukurin echoed this sentiment:
“The Pical Hotel marks a new chapter for Valamar and a major step in repositioning Poreč as a high-quality, year-round destination. The Pical zone is being developed according to the highest sustainability standards, with great care for the local community. I am confident that Pical will become a model for sustainable tourism development that creates value for shareholders, employees, the destination, and the citizens of Poreč.”
(Photo: Press/Valamar)
Construction work on the Pical 5 Resort* is progressing as planned, with completion and opening expected in spring 2026.