Istria is a place where the coast and countryside are always close. You can spend the morning swimming in a quiet bay, enjoy lunch in a traditional konoba and end the day with a glass of local wine overlooking vineyards and olive groves.
Beyond its beaches and charming coastal towns, Istria offers Roman history, medieval villages, truffle forests, cycling trails and family-run wineries. Here are ten great ways to experience the region this summer.
1. Explore the coast by kayak, boat or bicycle
Discover Istria beyond its busy beaches and promenades. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding tours are available around Pula, Medulin, Poreč, Umag and Fažana, taking you past cliffs, sea caves, islands and hidden bays.
For a more relaxing experience, join a boat trip with swimming stops and time for sightseeing or lunch. Fažana is the main departure point for the Brijuni Islands, while trips from Medulin often explore the surrounding archipelago.
Istria is also known for scenic cycling routes connecting coastal towns with vineyards, olive groves and traditional villages. Start early, while the temperatures are pleasant and the sea is calmer.
2. Taste Istrian wine and olive oil
Vineyards, olive groves and family-run producers are an important part of Istrian life.
Around Vodnjan, Fažana and Pula, you can visit olive oil estates, walk through the groves and taste different varieties of extra virgin olive oil. The countryside around Umag, Buje, Motovun and Poreč is filled with wineries. Try local Malvasia and Teran, accompanied by cheese, prosciutto and seasonal dishes.
Finish your tasting with a glass of chilled teranino, a sweet Istrian liqueur that also makes a lovely souvenir.
3. Spend a day in Brijuni National Park
A short boat ride from Fažana takes you to the peaceful Brijuni Islands.
Most excursions visit Veliki Brijun, which can be explored by tourist train, bicycle or on foot. Highlights include the remains of a Roman villa in Verige Bay, a 1,600-year-old olive tree and dinosaur footprints preserved in the limestone. Families will enjoy the Safari Park, home to zebras, llamas, ostriches and Lanka, the only elephant in Croatia.
During July and August, book your boat trip in advance and bring comfortable shoes, water and sun protection.
4. Discover Istria’s hilltop towns
The medieval towns of inland Istria offer a completely different atmosphere from the coast.
Motovun rises above the Mirna River valley and the region’s famous truffle forests. Nearby Grožnjan is known for galleries, workshops, music and a lively artistic atmosphere. For a quieter experience, visit Oprtalj, while Buzet is a great starting point for discovering Istria’s truffle tradition.
Choose two or three towns, stop for lunch in a countryside konoba and leave enough time for viewpoints, local shops and unexpected discoveries along the way.
5. Eat in a family-run konoba
One of the best ways to experience Istria is through its food.
Start with Istrian prosciutto, local cheese, olives and seasonal vegetables. Traditional pasta such as fuži and pljukanci is often served with truffles, mushrooms or rich meat sauces.
Truffles are found in the forests around Motovun, Livade and Buzet. You can join a truffle-hunting tour with trained dogs or simply order a truffle dish in a local restaurant.
Another regional speciality is boškarin, the traditional Istrian cattle breed. Along the coast, menus feature grilled fish, squid, mussels and other seafood, while inland restaurants focus more on meat, homemade pasta and slow-cooked dishes.
6. Find your favourite Istrian beach
Istria offers beaches for every type of holiday.
Families often choose Medulin for its sandy shore and shallow water, while the beaches around Poreč, Umag and Fažana offer cafés, facilities and easy access.
For more peace and quiet, look for smaller coves surrounded by pine trees. They are ideal for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing in the shade.
For something more adventurous, visit Cape Kamenjak near Premantura. Its rugged coastline is known for clear bays, sea caves and dramatic cliffs.
Most beaches in Istria are rocky or pebbled, so water shoes are useful.
7. Walk to Sopot Waterfall
For an active day away from the coast, visit Pićan and follow the St. Roch Trail through woodland and peaceful countryside.
The trail leads to Sopot Waterfall, a 25-metre cascade surrounded by steep rocks, viewpoints and an old stone bridge. The circular route is moderately demanding, so wear closed shoes and avoid the hottest part of the day.
Sopot is a seasonal waterfall and may have very little water during dry summer periods. Even so, the trail is a beautiful way to explore central Istria.
8. Plan a day of family fun
When children want a break from the beach, Istria offers plenty of family attractions.
Jangalooz adventure parks in Umag, Fažana and Pomer offer climbing courses and outdoor challenges for different ages and ability levels.
Istralandia, in north-western Istria, has pools, slides and play areas for a full day of water fun. Near Poreč, Dinopark Funtana combines dinosaur-themed attractions, rides and live entertainment in a wooded setting.
During the summer, buy tickets in advance and check age or height restrictions before visiting.
9. Visit the world’s smallest town
Hidden in the green hills of central Istria, Hum is often described as the world’s smallest town.
Enter through its old stone gate and explore historic houses, small church and quiet lanes overlooking the countryside. The road from Roč to Hum follows the Glagolitic Alley, a series of stone monuments dedicated to Croatia’s ancient Glagolitic script.
Hum is also known for biska, a traditional mistletoe brandy. Try it in a local tavern and enjoy the unusual experience of exploring an entire town on foot.
10. Enjoy summer events and sunsets
Summer evenings bring Istrian towns to life with concerts, food festivals, open-air performances and traditional celebrations.
Pula’s Roman Arena hosts some of the region’s most memorable events, while Poreč, Umag, Fažana and Medulin offer lively promenades, music and seasonal festivals by the sea.
Event programmes change every year, so check the local calendar during your stay.
End your evening with a walk along the waterfront or a drink with a view. Istria’s western coast is especially beautiful at sunset, when the sky turns orange and pink above the Adriatic.
A few tips for your Istrian holiday
Book popular activities such as Brijuni excursions, truffle hunts, wine tastings and family attractions in advance during July and August. It is also a good idea to reserve a table at smaller, family-run konobas.
Plan hiking, cycling and sightseeing for the morning or late afternoon. Check the weather and wind forecast before kayaking, paddleboarding or joining a boat trip.
A car is useful for exploring inland Istria, although many historic towns have parking below the old centre and require a short uphill walk.
Most importantly, leave time for spontaneous stops. A hidden cove, a roadside producer or an unplanned lunch may become your favourite memory of Istria.
