Why you should visit Istria, Croatia

Why Visit Istria Region In Croatia ?

Featuring quaint hilltop villages and coastal vantage points, Istria holidays have something to suit every traveller. Fondly known as ‘little Tuscany’, this is truly the heart of Croatian tourism.

Hugging the Adriatic coast, on a peninsula opposite Venice, Istria is a region of rare and disarming beauty. The rugged terrain is an undulating landscape of rolling hills and fertile valleys, with the coastline boasting a myriad of rocky beaches. Holidays to Istria are a feast for the taste buds as well as the eyes however, with high-quality wine and world-famous truffles offering just a taste of its gastronomic delights.

Great climate

Boasting a mild and sunny climate, holidays to Istria are suitable all year round. Leisurely days spent sprawled on sun drenched rocks beside the clear blue waters of the Adriatic make this hidden seaside gem a holidaymaker’s paradise, while a multitude of cultural highlights ensure every visitor will find something of interest.

Pula, Porec or Rovinj ?

From elegant Venetian palaces to luxurious coastal resorts, accommodation in Istria is as diverse as it is plentiful. The mega-hotels that dot the Istrian coast are one of Croatia’s biggest draws, with intrepid explorers also taking the time to head inland. Pula is the place to stay for historical landmarks and eclectic nightclubs, while Porec is the quieter, more photogenic alternative. A third option can be found in Rovinj, a beautiful coastal town featuring a criss-cross of narrow streets bordered by high medieval buildings. For the weary travellers, the wide bay and friendly atmosphere of Rovinj will rejuvenate you on holidays in Istria in record time.

Top beaches

Istria’s peninsula is filled with particularly beautiful beaches, many of them rugged, untouched bays and inlets, with plummeting rock faces and cliff sides that delve into bright turquoise sea waters. The rocky nature of the coast means there are many deserted, isolated coves, with shingle and pebble floors. For some sand, head to Baska Voda, on the nearby Krk Island.

Great activities

Holidays in Istria are full of activity. Yachts can be chartered from several ports while windsurfing is the most popular water sport. Unlike the majority of coastal towns, getaways to Istria don’t just focus on the sea and active travellers’ have several hundred kilometres of mountain trails to choose from and cultural landmarks to see.

Top class gastronomy

Istria holidays are fast becoming known for their huge gastronomic diversity. At the coast, fresh fish and seafood are traditionally consumed. Superb shellfish and squid risotto are on offer at almost every seaside outlet, affordable lobster is in abundance and, of course, plenty of pizzas and pastas await your arrival. Take it one step further and do a bit of truffle hunting!

You will find some spectacular restaurants in the region, with Istrian gastronomy known for its diverse, eclectic ingredients and flavours. Along the coast there are plenty of family-friendly beachside bars and restaurants, serving fresh seafood and other international dishes. Porec is filled with entertainment options in the evenings, with many hotel terraces and restaurants hosting family-friendly acts.

Great wines

Istria’s culture can most certainly be sampled through its gastronomy, which is an eclectic blend of local, traditional cuisine and international dishes. You will find a host of charming restaurants in the towns and cities across the peninsula, with coastal beachside restaurants serving fresh seafood. The area is known for its wine production, so make sure you sample some of this local specialty, and head off on a vineyard tour along a wine route.

Great nights

After you’ve had your fill, it’s time for a night out on the cobblestones to sample the best of nightlife in Istria. A host of beach bars, hotel terraces and trendy nightclubs can be found throughout the town, while various all-night venues are located in Pula for when you want to dance the night away.

The nightlife around Istria ranges from the hectic clubs and dancing bars of Pula, to the laid-back beach bars and restaurants found along the coast. The cuisine here is second to none and known for its diversity. Wine is a local export, so it is worth following a few wine trails and visiting some vineyards, which offer tasting along the way.

Great sights

Meteor shower (Tears of St. Lawrence)

Istria is home to some magical sights, none more so than the meteor shower nicknamed the Tears of St. Lawrence, which you can see around August 12th. The low light pollution in the area lends itself well to witnessing this magical sight.

Triumphal Arch, Pula

The main historical attractions can be found in Pula. Its splendid Triumphal Arch is a wonder to behold, as is its location in one of the world’s best preserved Roman amphitheatres. Nearly 2,000 years since it was built, it is regularly used for concerts and film festivals that you cannot miss out on.

Brijuni Islands, Safari Park

A day trip to the Brijuni Islands offers a stunning safari park, several places to swim and ancient dinosaur footprints, making it a perfect day out for families. The artistic town of Grožnjan is also within reasonable distance. With almost every cottage turning into a gallery during the summer, your days will be spent walking the serene cobbled streets as soft music can be heard seeping out of open windows.

The sparkling sea waters just call out to be delved into, so be sure to enjoy some days spent swimming in the sea. This clean water is ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving, with underwater wrecks to explore and colourful sea life to discover. The crystal clear water offers visibility of around 15 metres.

Aquarium Pula

Delve into the underwater world at the Aquarium Pula, an intriguing sight not only for its sea life residents but also for its location, as it is found in an historic Hungarian fortress. The Butterfly Garden is a particularly romantic place to visit, with an enchanting forest home to an old oak tree called Nano, beautiful vibrant flower beds and over 50 species of butterfly.

Archaeological Museum of Istria

Culture buffs will find plenty of history at the Archaeological Museum of Istria, in Pula, which is home to a wealth of Roman artefacts, which include coins, jewellery, mosaics and weapons. St. Agatha’s Church is a Romanesque construction, which finds its roots as early as the 9th century. With middle age architectural features and two Baroque sculptures inside, it’s a captivating place to visit.

Pula with the Pula Arena

Visit the historic town of Pula and you can see the stunning Pula Arena, an ancient Roman amphitheatre from the 1st century. One of the six largest in the world, this stunning structure is truly well preserved. Vrsar’s old town is particularly beautiful, with a pretty harbour where you can watch the sailors dock and get a feeling for authentic local life.

Mramornica Cave

Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful caves in the area, the Mramornica Cave is an alluring attraction for any visitor. With stalagmites and stalactites that stand as much as 13 metres tall, it’s a fascinating place to see. Due to the low light pollution of the area, the skies hold some captivating sights, particularly around August 12th, when a meteor shower can be seen. A fond favourite with little ones is Dino Park, a theme park filled with life-size replicas and entertainment.

Aquarium Pula

Aquarium Pula is found in a Hungarian fort nestled on the Istrian peninsula, and is an intriguing place to delve into the underwater world, visiting the turtle rescue centre and seeing animals such as an octopus and piranha. You can visit the red squirrels at Squirrel Park, which is a beautiful landscape where you can spot wildlife.

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