Motovun, Grioznjan or Visnjan, situated on the top of the hill, boast breathtaking panoramic views of countryside. If you go on holiday in Istria with children, you can have fun in Dino Park, Water Park, aquarium, butterfly garden, observatory etc. Children can also have fun playing on the pebble beaches. Escape from the stress of daily life and relax in the shade of pine trees. We offer holiday homes in Istria, which can accommodate more than 10 people and are ideal for holidays with friends. It is good to know that there are Wi-Fi access points in 90 tourist centers in Istria.
Istria
Istria is located on the north of the Adriatic coast - the region with mountain ranges, idyllic hills with fragrant and lush vineyards, blue sky and Adriatic Sea. The historical towns situated at the edge of the coast and inland area, hidden coves, amazing nature and attractive events characterize the Istrian region and offer to visitors much more than just a vacation.
Blue Istria - Meet the coastal towns of the Istrian peninsula
Meet the rich history, tradition and culture of Istrian coastal towns by visiting Pula, Rovinj, Porec, Novigrad and Umag.
Pula is the largest city in Istria, located in the extreme south of the peninsula. Numerous historical sites that can be seen at every step witness itsthe turbulent history. Pula is home of the most famous amphitheater Arena, the sixth largest amphitheater in the world, which was built in the 1st century. In the past the Arena held gladiator fights, and now it primarily serves as a stage for various cultural events. Experience the charms of ancient times by visiting the Arc of Sergi family at the entrance to the main street, and Roman sculptures from stone and bronze in Temple of Augustus. Visit the Brijuni National Park or enjoy a day swimming at the beach Ambrela. Escape from the sun and see the 40-kilometer-long tunnels Zero Strasse, and in the afternoon, enjoy the view of the entire city from the Kastel. Enjoy the evenings at the Forum, which is transformed into a place of many entertainment and cultural events.
Just underneath the Lim bay you can find Rovinj, the most romantic place in the Adriatic Sea, known for its rich history and unique location. Feel the sentimental atmosphere of this romantic town by walking through numerous narrow intertwined streets and small town squares. Balbi Arch, Municipal Palace, the town clock in the main square, numerous monuments and museums are unavoidable sightseeing opportunities, and what you definitely need to visit is the Church of St. Euphemia. Climb the 60-meter high tower and enjoy the great view of the entire city. A picture says a thousand words, a video maybe more, so take a look at the clip from tourist office in Rovinj and fall in love with this beautiful city.
The rich cultural heritage, remarkable experiences and a variety of activities characterize the town of Porec, leading center of Croatian tourism, located on the western coast of Istria. The symbol of the city and the most valuable monument is the Euphrasian Basilica, which is under UNESCO protection. The cathedral was built in 6th century and has been preserved until today. Be sure to visit the Romanesque and Gothic house, pentagonal tower, palace Zucatto and the Temple of Neptune, which is believed to be one of the most ancient temples in Istria.
The tradition of Umag dates back to ancient country villas, which represent the beginnings of today's wellness tourism. Of the numerous historical monuments, we recommended visiting the Church of St. Roko, the parish church of the Assumption of St.Mary and the Museum of Umag where you can see the amphorae, oil lamps, Roman vessels and other archaeological objects from the Roman period. If you are visiting Umag in August, visit the International Festival of Antiquity "Sepomaia Viva“ and experience the ancient way of life, enjoy the gladiator fights and Roman specialties. Tennis fans can enjoy the tennis tournament ATP Umag, which traditionally takes place for more than 20 years and brings together a number of stars from the tennis world.
We definitely recommend visiting Novigrad, Savudrija and Buje.
The best beaches in Istria
If you want to get away from crowded cities, let the magic of hidden coves charm you and enjoy the clean sea in complete privacy or if your ant to enjoy the rich content offered by the popular city beaches, Istria is an ideal destination for you. The rocky reefs, clean beaches, fragrant pine forests, the sea gulls and the tireless chirping crickets - it is summer in Istria.
At 469.5 km long coast you will find beautiful sandy and rocky beaches. We will mention some that are certainly worth visiting.
2 kilometers from the town of Umag you can find the beach Sol Polynesia. It is the combination of stone, gravels and sand, and it has been awarded by the Blue Flag. In addition to the clear blue sea, visitors can enjoy many sporting activities. The beach is ideal for families with children, and it sea is also suitable for people with disabilities. Naturists can enjoy undisturbed in one part of the beach which is reserved for the nudists. Rent chairs and parasols, relax and enjoy the warm sun and the sounds of the waves. Definitely worth visiting is the beach Ladin Gaj as well.
In Porec refreshment can be found on the most famous beaches: Blue and Green Lagoon, both awarded by the Blue Flag. The beaches are rocky and sandy, and the shade can be found on the surreal green grass at the foot of a pine forest. At every step you can find numerous entertainment and sports facilities, and children can have fun at the nearby water park. Try horse riding or golfing and then jump into the crystal blue sea.
Within the walking distance of the center of Rovinj you can find one of the most visited beaches: Lone Bay. This pebble beach is located at the entrance to the park Zlatni Rt, and because of the rich content and the easy access to the sea it is ideal for families with children and for the elderly. For those who want to enjoy the blue sea and explore the surrounding landscape we recommend renting pedal boats, and if you love adrenaline you can try free climbing in the nearby quarry. If you just want to relax on the beach, rent beach chairs and enjoy the beautiful view of the town of Rovinj and the nearby St. Catherine’s island.
One of the most attractive beaches in Pula is Ambrela, located in the tourist zone Verudela. Due to its quality it has been awarded by the Blue Flag. It is a pebble beach and it has a great entrance into the sea. There is a possibility to rent parasols and beach chairs, and if you want to escape from the crowd and the heat, you can find your peace in dense pine forest above the beach. In its vicinity there is also Hawaii, beach known for high waves and ideal for surfers.
Enjoy the beach Girandella in Rabac, famous for its Rabac Summer Festival; and in the hidden coves of Premantura search for Kamenjak beach. The naturists can find refreshment on the largest European naturist beach Koversada in Vrsar.
Green Istria - The medieval cities located on the idyllic hills
Idyllic medieval towns located on the fragrant hills, rich heritage and picturesque scenery is the symbol of Green Istria. Explore Istria which lives in harmony with nature, discover the charms of stone towns and discover the magic of green forests.
Escape from the city noise in a clean and unspoiled nature of Vodnjan, Motovun, Hum, Pazin, Labin, Barban and other beautiful Istrian towns.
After getting to know the Istrian coast, go to 30 km long road to Pazin, the idyllic city located in the heart of the Istrian peninsula. Visit the largest and best preserved medieval fortress in Istria, Pazin fortress Kastel, which is situated 130m above the deep pit in which Pazinčica rivers flows into the Pazin cave and find out why it was an inspiration for the writer Jules Verne in writing his novels. Lovers of active holidays can get to know the scenery by walking through 10 km long footpath of St.Simon, and those willing to research can reveal all the secrets of the natural phenomena Pazin Pit.
Not far from Pazin, the picturesque town of Motovun is situated. 1052 steps lead to the entrance of the city, which is located on an idyllic hill above the Mirna River valley. The rich cultural and historical heritage, numerous palaces and medieval town square witness the history of this city; and when visiting the magnificent walls, you can enjoy the view on the fragrant vineyards and Motovun forest, which is the well-known habitat of the black and white truffles. During the summer, enjoy the best films at the Motovun film festival.
"City of truffles", better known as Buzet, is situated on a hill above the Mirna River valley, in the north of Istria. The abundance of historical monuments such as the central square, the church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a local museum Buzeština, unspoiled nature and gastronomic delicacies will complete your holiday. Experience the tradition in September and October, during the Days of Truffles when truffles are traditionally prepared with scrambled eggs (with 2000 eggs and 10 kg of truffles).
Be sure to visit the cultural monument Roc as well. Explore hiking trails that lead to Cicarija, and from the top of the park Nature Park Ucka enjoy the view on the flight of the griffon vulture. If you want to experience life in the smallest town in the world, visit Hum with 30 inhabitants, and participate in numerous cultural, historical and gastronomic events in Zminj and Svetvincenat.