Discover amphitheater in Pula and Euphrasian Basilica in Porec, listed as the World Heritage Sites, and other important historical sites in Rovinj, Novigrad etc. Book apartment in Istria and enjoy a walking, trekking or cycling holiday.
Istria is known as the area with the highest number of bicycle paths. If you are looking for an active holiday, try your hand at watersports. Book apartment in Istria, have fun with your children and visit Dino Park, aquarium, Water Park, butterfly garden, observatory etc. Take a look at beachfront apartments in Istria and discover beautiful beaches. Interestingly, in Istria there are 90 destinations with Wi-Fi access points.
Istria
Istria is the largest Croatian peninsula, located on the northern Adriatic, with the unique landscape. Mountain ranges, hills, fields and clean indented coast with numerous islands makes this region attractive for many visitors. Numerous Roman remains witness to the history and culture of this area, and modern development enriches the tourist offer of the peninsula, so everyone can choose something for themselves.
Let’s go to Istria!
Istria is very easy to reach, regardless of whether you travel by plane, car, bus or boat. The easiest way to arrive is by plane, which brings you to the largest Istrian Pula airport. The town center, which is only 5 km away, can be reached by organized transport from the airport, taxi or rental car form rent-a-car offices that are located in the airport. It is certainly worth buying a plane ticket as early as possible, because of cheaper prices, or take advantage of some of the low-cost and charter flights. If you come to Istria by car from Slovenia, after crossing the border, go on Istrian highway (the Istrian Y) that will take you to your desired location. If you are coming from the east, Istria is most easily reached by highway from Zagreb and Split, over Rijeka. Passing through the tunnel Učka you will come to this beautiful destination. On the web site of Tourist Board Istria you can find more information on how to arrive.
The most attractive destinations in Istria
Thanks to its geographical position, Istria is full of small coastal towns where you can feel the influence of the Italian culture, beautiful islands and idyllic historic towns on the hills in the interior. Visit the most attractive destinations of Blue and Green Istria to experience the beauty of this region.
Among the many interwoven streets and squares of the city of Umag, discover the beauty of Venetian houses, and if you happen to go several kilometers outside the town you will enjoy in the magic of nature and numerous activities: biking, horseback riding, walking...
Numerous sights, turbulent history, palaces, clean beaches, rich gastronomic offer, crazy nightlife and superb culinary specialties are the pride of the city Porec. Before going to the most famous beach Blue and Green lagoon, do not forget to visit the UNESCO protected Eufrazije basilica.
What is Venice in Italy that is Rovinj in Croatia: the most romantic city on the Mediterranean. Feel the sentimental atmosphere in this city and lose yourself among the small, narrow streets of this picturesque town.
Experience three thousand years long history in Pula, the largest city in Istria. Magnificent palaces, monuments, squares and unique Arena will enrich your knowledge of the history and to escape from city crowd, visit the nearby Brijuni National Park.
On the eastern coast of Istria you will find the unavoidable Labin and Rabac; located at the crossroad of green hills and the blue sea, history and art.Discover intact natural scenery, magical and mythical nature landscapes with a trip to the interior of Istria. Enjoy the view on the medieval towns Pazin, Motovun, Buzet, Hum, Zminj...
Active holiday in Istria
The unique location and beautiful scenery, clean sea and mild climate are ideal for an active vacation in Istria throughout the whole year, both for active athletes as well as for amateurs.
Cycling is one of the most popular activities in Istria. Approximately 3000 km of demanding and somewhat lighter bike trails are like a spider web in Istria. Professionals can try the challenging mountain trails in Cicarija, and recreation enthusiasts can get to know the coast of Istria; Kamenjak cape, Rovinj, Vrsar and Porec. The most attractive is Tartufina, 35 km long bicycle path that connects Buzet and Senj. Go on a journey and explore the small, romantic Istrian towns, enjoy the intoxicating fragrance of lush vineyards and exceptional views of the Istrian coast. For more information about bike trails, visit www.istria-bike.com .
Walking lovers can learn about Istria through many hiking trails. Enjoy the view from the idyllic hills in the interior of Istria. Meet Pula through the 8 trails, and by walking trail St. Flora meet Pazin, and by the walking trail Parenzana which is known as the path of friendship and health.
Climbing lovers can show their skills on the nine climbing sites throughout Istria, which are high from 20 to 30 meters. Win the highest peaks of the Golden cape near Rovinj, the Lim channel, Mosenicka draga and the most attractive rocks above Pazin, Pula and Rabac and enjoy the spectacular view on the Istrian coast.
The Istrian soil is full of underground caves that attract numerous visitors. Explore the world wide famous Pazin Cave, count the number of stalactites and stalagmites in a Baredine cave, and discover the deepest pit called Raspor in Cicarija and longest Marfanska pit. Your adventurous appetite will surely be satisfied. Besides natural beauties, the tourists are delighted by the rich flora and fauna of this wonderful cave. Certainly the most interesting type of endemic species is Proteus anguinus that lives only in these areas.
Many equestrian centers are located near the largest Istrian cities and allows you to go on riding adventure and to get to know all the beauties of the Istrian peninsula.
Sail across the western Istrian coast, visit the coastal cities and experience the beauty of Brijuni islands. Sail between more than hundred beautiful islands and discover the magic of hidden coves. While sailing along the east coast, you can enjoy the view of the white cliffs covered with sage and Kvarner bay. Dive into the blue sea of Istrian peninsula and enjoy the richness of underwater flora and fauna, reefs, caves and wrecks. Before you decide to dive and explore the beauty of the greatest depths, keep in mind the specific legislation. An ideal destination for diving is Rovinj where Baron Gautsch is located, the most famous wreck in the Adriatic.
Show your tennis skills at one of the 430 tennis courts in Umag, Porec and Rovinj, try golfing, and enjoy the view of Istria during hang-gliding or paragliding.
Events in Istria - Crazy fun until dawn
Numerous events, concerts, traditional and folk festivals entertain visitors from all over the world. Whether you want to participate in the cultural and historical events or have great fun at the world-famous festivals, Istria is an ideal destination for you.
In July you can relax with a feature-length and short films of the international and domestic production in the oldest national festival - Pula Film Festival. 15 days of different events, numerous guests and spectacular setting of the Arena provide a unique experience of watching movies under the stars. Film fans can enjoy award-winning films in Motovun Film Festival, which is held every year in the beautiful surroundings of the town of Motovun.
If you find film festivals too uptight and you are a fan of crazy fun, then you should not to miss the Outlook festival held in the stunning surroundings of the fort Punta Christo with the opening at Arena Pula. This is the largest European festival dedicated to bass music and "sound system" culture which is held every September, and for great performers are in charge for the atmosphere, like BeenieMan, Wiley, ArtfulDodger, Jurassic 5 and others.
A bit earlier, in August, Dimensions Festival takes place. Enjoy the sounds of techno, house, deep dubstep drum, bass and other electronic music during the day in numerous beach parties, and have fun until dawn in an abandoned fort Punta Christo.
Lovers of adrenaline and aviation can enjoy the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in May. Visit Rovinj, the host of this event, and experience this exciting motorsport in Rovinj sky. More information can be found on www.redbullairrace.com , and a part of the atmosphere can be seen in this video.
Did you know?
- Istrian coast with numerous bays, peninsulas and islands is 537 km long. The west coast is indented due to a number of islands and it is 327 kilometers long, while the east part is 212 kilometers long.
- Istria is on the 45th parallel north latitude and the Istrian peninsula is located exactly halfway between the equator and the North Pole.
- Lonely Planet, the world-renowned publisher of travel guides and travelogues, elected Istria as the second place of 10 world regions worth visiting.
- From the Istrian white stone Venetian palaces, churches and the amphitheater in Pula were built.
- Amphitheatre in Pula, known as the Arena, is the sixth largest in the world and one of the three best preserved. At the same time, Arena is the best preserved ancient monument in Croatia.
- The largest white truffle, called Millennium, was found in Istria, near Buje in 1999. It was found by Giancarlo Zigante, weighed 31.1 kg and worth around $ 5,000.
- According to the Guinness Book of World Records, in Croatia you can find Hum, the smallest town in the world with about 30 residents.
- Irish writer James Joyce taught English at the Berlitz School in Pula. His students were the Austro-Hungarian naval officers stationed in the naval shipyard.
- In Istria you can try about 60 marked bike trails spread over 2,600 kilometers.
- The most western structure in Istria, and thus in Croatia is the lighthouse in Savudrija. This is the largest lighthouse in Istria, 36 meters high and built in 1818.