PHOTOS: The official opening of Pical Resort – one of Croatia’s largest-ever tourism investments

(Photo: Valamar)

Poreč has officially welcomed the Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, a €200 million development described as one of the most significant tourism investments in Croatia in recent years.

Although the resort began welcoming its first guests in mid-March as part of a soft opening campaign, the official opening ceremony took place on Wednesday in the Istrian coastal town.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said the €200 million investment would strengthen the competitiveness of Croatia as a Mediterranean tourism destination and praised the project as an example of how Croatian tourism can continue to develop through high-quality investments.

The opening attracted thousands of visitors, business partners and public figures, alongside representatives of national and local government.

(Photo: Valamar)

The new five-star resort features 514 accommodation units and is expected to employ more than 800 staff, making it one of the largest tourism projects currently operating in the country.

(Photo: Valamar)

Family facilities form a key part of the resort’s offer. Among the main attractions is PlayLand, a 1,200-square-metre entertainment and learning centre designed for children of all ages, combining educational, creative and recreational activities.

(Photo: Valamar)

The resort also includes a Fun Zone with playgrounds and Valamar’s Maro Club programmes, which provide tailored experiences for families and younger guests. Wellness is another major focus.

The opening of ESPA at Pical marks the arrival of the first ESPA spa concept in Croatia, offering a premium wellness experience as part of the resort’s facilities.

(Photo: Valamar)

The destination’s culinary offer has also been expanded through partnerships with internationally recognised chefs. Earlier this month, JAZ by Ana Roš opened on the Poreč waterfront, while Harry’s Piccolo Poreč, located within the resort, opened this week. The restaurant is a collaboration with chefs Matteo Metullio and Davide De Pra, whose restaurant in Trieste holds two Michelin stars.

(Photo: Valamar)

A special musical programme titled “Tribute to Parenzana” was organised on Wednesday night. Conceived as a gift to the local community, the event featured 5,000 complimentary tickets provided to residents.

Inspired by the historic Parenzana railway, which once connected Croatia, Slovenia and Italy, the programme highlighted the cultural links that have shaped the region’s identity and influenced the resort’s design and philosophy.

Performers included Slovenian vocal group Perpetuum Jazzile, Croatian artists Dino Jelusić, Josipa Lisac, Nina Badrić and Urban & 4, accompanied by a symphony orchestra conducted by maestro Alan Bjelinski.

Perpetuum Jazzile(Photo: Valamar)

The evening concluded with a performance by Italian operatic pop trio Il Volo.

Nina Badrić (Photo: Valamar)

Urban4 (Photo: Valamar)

Beyond the resort itself, the project has introduced a new open-access zone in Poreč featuring public promenades, beaches and sports facilities available to both visitors and residents.