Istria is a popular vacation spot in Croatia , it is also the largest peninsula in the country. The advantages of Istria include the fact that rest in this place has a beneficial effect on the human body and health. The fact is that there are many deciduous and pine trees here. Therefore, doctors recommend visiting this place, especially those tourists who have problems with respiratory diseases. The Istrian peninsula also offers an interesting excursion program.
First of all, Istria is suitable for eco-tourism , there are many interesting routes for hiking. The peninsula borders Italy, this has affected the culture. For example, good oils and delicious wines are produced here, which can compete with Italian products. The peninsula is also famous for its clear and transparent sea. The tourist season starts in May and ends in October. From the city you can travel to Venice . To do this, you should use the ferry from the city of Pula to Venice . An exciting sea trip awaits you, which lasts 3.5 hours. You can also quickly reach the famous Plitvice Lakes from Istria .
Pluses
Possibility to go on an excursion to Trieste or Venice from Istria.
Health climate.
Beautiful landscapes.
Opportunities for hiking.
Cons
During the tourist season, there are too many tourists on the Istrian peninsula.
Beaches cannot be called comfortable.
Climate and nature of Istria
Istria (in Croatian – Istra) is often called a green paradise, because even in the driest summer or cool winter, it always preserves the fresh green of its forests and fields. The peninsula has a unique climate, perhaps the best on the European continent, it is not for nothing that Istria is often compared to California. A mild, sunny winter, when the daytime air temperature practically does not fall below +10 and a hot, comfortable summer (average temperature + 25-30), make vacation on the peninsula pleasant for tourists of any age.
Sprawling pines and cedars growing on the coast of Istria provide cool shade in the summer and enrich the air with healing trace elements, which has a beneficial effect on the well-being of people suffering from respiratory diseases. In the evenings, a fresh sea breeze blows in seaside towns, so even in the height of summer you will not feel the sticky stuffiness characteristic of many southern places. Low air humidity with a large amount of greenery makes the Istrian climate unique in its kind.
The bathing season begins in May and ends in October. In the spring, the sea near the coast of Istria warms up much faster than in other areas of Croatia, because there are no great depths (max. up to 40 m) in the vicinity of the peninsula. In June – August, the water temperature reaches + 25-27 degrees.
Istria is dominated by rocky shores, so most beaches are stone platforms with ladders descending into the sea. At the same time, there are many good beaches with small pebbles on the peninsula, the best of which is located near Rovinj in Lone Bay.
Vacation on the beaches of Istria – the best bays, beaches and recreation areas
The beach season at the resorts of Istria starts in May, in some parts of the coast the water remains comfortable for swimming until the beginning of October. Each resort in Istria has its own attractive features, so it will not be difficult to choose the optimal place for rest.
The rocky beaches of Pula remain at the peak of popularity among those who prefer to relax in a peaceful environment. There are many modern hotel complexes, restaurants and other entertainment facilities located near the coastline here, but this does not in the least disturb the calm atmosphere inherent in the resort. There are natural beaches here, and they are equipped with huge concrete slabs. The latter are usually located on the territory of large hotel complexes.
Similar beaches can be found in Poreč , the coastline of which is a series of stone platforms and picturesque pebble beaches. The coast of Poreč is very calm, so you can safely go here to relax with children. Among the beaches there are lively ones, the infrastructure of which is complemented by various entertainment facilities, and quiet ones with pristine natural splendor.
The most attractive tourist center of the region is Rovinj , the local beaches are among the most beautiful and orderly. In the central part of Rovinj, there are spacious beaches with concrete platforms, on which it is very convenient to sunbathe. There are also many secluded bays with charming and calm pebble beaches, as a rule, they are located on the territory of fashionable hotels.
Travelers who go on vacation with the whole family should pay attention to the picturesque coastal town of Medulin . This is an ideal place for recreation with children, the main attraction of the city is a large pebble beach. Shallow and calm, it is perfect for even the smallest travelers, and fans of active recreation will definitely be pleased with the presence of diving and surfing schools at the resort. Excellent conditions are also created here for athletes, Medulin is a multifunctional and attractive resort in all respects.
It is believed that the most picturesque beaches of Istria are located in Umaz . The coast here is characterized by a unique atmosphere of romance, the beaches of Umag have managed to preserve their pristine beauty over the centuries. In the immediate vicinity of the coast, you can see unique architectural and historical monuments, so the local beaches are perfect not only for carefree rest, but also for hiking.
Those who are used to relaxing in a crowded environment and want to spend time on well-equipped beaches should go to Opatija . The length of the coastline of the resort is more than 20 kilometers, a very beautiful promenade stretches along the entire coast. Regardless of which beach tourists choose for their vacation, they will be able to find a lot of pleasant gastronomic establishments and modern sports centers nearby, Opatija is also famous for its first-class spa salons.
The picturesque beaches awarded with honorary awards are located in the city of Rabac , where supporters of ecological tourism like to relax. The resort’s shallow pebble beaches are awarded the Blue Flag, which indicates the impeccable purity of their blue waters. The beaches of Rabat are well equipped and will surely appeal to those who like to experience various beach attractions in action.
Nudists are attracted by equipped beaches located around the city of Vrsar .
The best original hotels in Istria for vacation
Guests of Istria have more than a thousand accommodation options. Travelers can choose a high-class hotel in the center of one of the lively cities or stay far from large settlements, Istria has a huge number of unique historical and design hotels.
Hotel Kamene
One of the most attractive historical hotels is located in Bali, we are talking about the Kameni hotel complex. It occupies an incredibly beautiful stone building of the 19th century and offers customers fully equipped apartments. The hotel is designed taking into account the best national traditions, its rooms are decorated with exquisite decoration and furniture made of natural wood. This design magnificence is complemented by a large number of colorful fabrics and paintings, as well as preserved original elements of the building. Hotel Kamene has its own concert club, which will surely appeal to connoisseurs of jazz and music in the “Latin” style.
Hotel Villa Magnolia
In Lovran there is a high-class hotel Villa Magnolia, which chose the location of a spectacular historical building in the art nouveau style. The hotel is surrounded by an incredibly beautiful landscaped garden, in which spacious panoramic terraces are equipped for vacationers. The hotel also has a private beach, but special attention should be paid to its unique interior. Among the decor items are elegant dark wood furniture and works of art, slender stone columns and carpets in the national style – the interior design of the building is as impeccable as its exterior.
Galerija Hotel
In the very center of Motovun, there is a unique Galeria apart-hotel. It is located in one of the oldest buildings in the city, which was built in the Middle Ages. The modern design of the rooms is perfectly complemented by the decorations in the national style, the Galerija hotel is an amazing and harmonious combination of history and modern style. It is ideal for those who prefer active recreation, in the immediate vicinity of the hotel there are popular restaurants, a market, as well as a lot of other interesting places to visit.
Hotel Lone
Rovinj is famous for a decent selection of fashionable hotels , the Loni hotel complex is popular with demanding tourists. It is located in the very center of the Golden Cape nature reserve, and the hotel is only a couple of minutes’ walk from the beach. The fashionable hotel is ready to offer its customers a number of services, from classic swimming pools and restaurants, to modern wellness programs and fashionable parties in its own club.
Hotel Mozart
Among the high-class hotels in Opatija , Mozart is a clear leader. It occupies a spectacular building in the Art Nouveau style, located in the very center of the city. The decor of the rooms is made in an elegant style, they are decorated with rich fabrics, furniture made of light woods and fresh flowers. Romantic natures, as well as fans of spa procedures and active recreation, will definitely like it here. In the courtyard of the hotel there is an incredibly beautiful garden with furnished terraces.
Hotel Kempinski Hotel Adriatic Istria Croatia
Those who prefer to rest at the highest level should pay attention to the Savudria Kempinski Hotel Adriatic Istria Croatia hotel. It is located right on the coast and has a private beach, as well as an exclusive spa salon, the area of which is 3,000 square meters. meters In addition, the hotel has a high-class golf center and other sports grounds. Without leaving the territory of this strange resort complex, you can ensure yourself an exciting and diverse vacation, a pleasant addition to which will be a high level of service.
Active recreation, entertainment and nightlife in Istria
Istria is a recognized center of ecological tourism, which has long been chosen by fans of sports entertainment and hiking. Travelers can explore the natural attractions on foot or by bicycle, many popular routes pass through fabulously beautiful deciduous and pine forests. One of the most attractive natural areas is the Briony archipelago , the entire territory of which is occupied by the national park with the same name.
Several excellent wineries are located on the territory of Istria , a visit to which will also add a pleasant variety to your vacation. Local residents gladly introduce guests from other countries to the tradition of winemaking and offer to try the most popular types of drinks.
Literally any kind of entertainment is available to the guests of Istria , from extreme hang gliding flights and the usual beach volleyball to classes on high-class tennis courts.
The city of Umag can be recognized as the center of tennis without any doubts , it is well known to professional athletes from all over the world. The quality of the local tennis courts deserves the highest praise, while the fees for using them remain more than modest. Riding schools and modern golf centers are also widespread and can be found in various areas of Istria .
The beaches of Istria deserve special attention. Despite the fact that most of them were equipped artificially, the ecological indicators of popular beaches have remained at a high level for many years. You can relax here without fear and comfortably, even with small children, the wonderful nature and climatic conditions perfectly contribute to this. There are excellent diving centers in Istria , for vacationers they organize trips to the most beautiful and interesting places for diving.
Despite the fact that Istria is considered a fairly calm region, fans of night entertainment will not have much difficulty finding a suitable place to relax. There are not a huge number of loud discos here, but many popular restaurants and bars prepare an interesting entertainment program for vacationers in the evening. In conclusion, it is worth saying that the region is famous for its unique climate, which is very useful for people with various diseases. Staying at local resorts will allow you not only to have a pleasant time, but also to improve your health, as well as to take a break from the hustle and bustle of big cities.
Traditions, festivals and mentality of local residents
Istria will pleasantly surprise fans of event tourism with a rich selection of interesting thematic events. The festival season on the peninsula is considered to be summer, during which colorful holidays take place literally one after the other. A significant part of the most popular holidays takes place in Poreč , the city has been a permanent venue for the Zlata Sopela folklore festival for many years . The festive event unfolds on the central square of Poreč, during several days the best folklore groups of the country demonstrate their talents to the vacationers.
In the summer, Poreč will be interesting to visit also for fans of classical music. According to good tradition, during the summer months the building of the Euphrasian Basilica is made available to musicians. One of the most fiery and noisy festivals takes place in Poreč in July, it is the Tango Festival . The best dance groups take part in it, absolutely everyone will be interested in visiting the festival. Very interesting master classes and demonstration performances are organized for vacationers, everyone can learn the intricacies of performing classical tango.
At the same time, a large-scale musical event starts – the “Jazz Nights” festival , in which world-class performers always participate. Lovers of historical festivals will be interested in visiting Poreč in September, when the Giostra festival takes place . During the festival, vacationers can get acquainted with the history and culture of the region, as well as learn a lot of interesting things about the way of life of the townspeople.
Important cultural events are held literally in all cities of Istria , a region well known to athletes. An international regatta is held in Rovinj every year , and fans of active recreation are attracted by the annual International Youth Festival . Among other interesting Rovinj festivals are the Festival of Pop Music and the Festival of Photographers .
The permanent venue of the big film festival is the picturesque city of Pula , film fans and actors visit it in July. At the same time as the film festival, the Festival of Opera Music takes place , it will be interesting to visit even those who have never been interested in the work of opera performers before.
Istria is ready to offer its guests a lot of interesting ways to spend their leisure time, the opportunity to participate in one of the most beautiful holidays can be considered by travelers as real luck.
For gourmets: restaurants and cafes of Istria. Authentic dishes and delicacies, where to go for dinner
A significant part of travelers who visit the picturesque peninsula successfully combine familiarization with local attractions and rest in popular restaurants. The history of the region is very interesting, for hundreds of years Istria belonged to different peoples, and all of them made their own adjustments to culinary traditions. Olives are the heritage of the Greeks , no feast is complete without them. Not everyone knows that high-quality olive oil is produced in Istria , it is an indispensable component in the preparation of popular national dishes.
Excellent bread is baked with olives, they are added to literally all salads, and local residents use the best olive oil to prepare spicy “pash” cheese . Bread, olives, cheese and salt form the basis of the diet of local residents – this is an ideal breakfast. To many, such a combination of products may seem quite simple, but in Istria such a “peasant” breakfast is served even in fashionable restaurants.
Culinary traditions of Istria will impress fans of meat dishes, because it is here that the well-known gourmet “pršut” is produced . This is smoked pork bone, the unique taste qualities of which directly depend on aging. Some types of ostus can withstand up to two years, the meat is cut into thin slices and served with sheep’s cheese, greens and olives.
Sheep’s cheese is also quite a bright culinary symbol of Istria . This is a versatile product that is added to salads, meat dishes, and also served as a dessert with red wine and honey. Seafood lovers will be delighted by the large number of oysters and mussels, the fact is that the Lima Canal is the largest center of their production. Large mussel farms are located here , they are available to visit and also offer their guests tasting of the best products.
Over the years, the method of cooking mussels in Istria has not changed at all. Like many years ago, they are lightly sprinkled with lemon juice and eaten alive – this is a classic of local cooking. The choice of classic fish dishes in Istria is also very large. Sardines and sea bream cooked over an open fire, fresh seabass, excellent squid and shrimp – these treats will be offered to customers in every national restaurant. Exquisite wines will be a great addition to popular dishes.
Sights of Istria – what to see
Istria is the westernmost province of Croatia, most of the territory is covered by rich coniferous forests. The beautiful nature along with the mild climate made these places magical in the eyes of tourists. Travelers come to admire the local beauty, enjoy the hot sun on the beaches and visit the most unusual outstanding places of the region.
Most of the sights of Istria are of natural origin. During an excursion to the Brioni archipelago, you can see the most beautiful uninhabited islands with the cleanest beaches and thickets of exotic plants. The archipelago includes 14 small islands, each of which has unique landscapes. The Lim Fjord , this narrow bay that was formed during the Ice Age, cannot be ignored . Today, its entire southern side is occupied by deciduous forests, while coniferous forests predominate on the northern side.
From the historical and architectural point of view, the town of Pula will be interesting , the main attraction of which is the ancient amphitheater . The length of the building is 133 meters, and the width of the amphitheater is 105 meters. In the warm season, the arena of the amphitheater hosts colorful festivals and events that will not leave any traveler indifferent. From the time of the Roman Empire, one more architectural monument remained – the temple of Roma and Augustus , which dates back to the 1st century. B.C. The building of the city administration belongs to later architectural monuments. It is noteworthy that the medieval building was built on the foundation of the oldest temple of the goddess Diana .
The largest settlement and tourist center of the region is Porec – it is the leader of Istria in terms of the number of excursion sites. In the historical part of the city, travelers will be able to find not only unique architectural monuments, but also fabulously beautiful squares and parks with ancient pine trees. The city is home to many beautiful religious buildings, the most famous of which is the Basilica of St. Euphrasius . It is one of the historical objects of world importance and remains a permanent venue for important cultural and artistic events. The central square of Poreč also deserves attention, not everyone knows that it was founded in this place during the reign of the Roman Empire.
The nearby town of Vrsar is also considered one of the most beautiful in the region, it was founded on the site of the ancient Roman city of Ursaria . One of the most interesting sights is the Church of St. Mary , which was built in the 12th century. The first religious building on its site was built in the 4th century, from the very first basilica to the present day, several original elements have been preserved. Pay attention to the amazing Palace of the Bishop of Porche , which is showing off on the hill. It was built in the 12th century and has been perfectly preserved to this day. History shows that it was this palace that used to be the place around which the city began to be built. Not far from the legendary historical place is the church legend of Vrsar – hframe of St. Martin , decorated with a high bell tower.
The cozy town of Rabac will appeal to those who prefer to spend their vacations exploring natural sights. There are many beautiful places for walks in the city and its surroundings, one of the busiest places in the city is the marina. The port town of Umag is perfect for a quiet and secluded vacation , the first settlement on its site was founded by the ancient Romans. Unfortunately, the unique historical buildings have not survived to this day, but travelers are still attracted by the unique historical atmosphere of this picturesque town.
Rovinj is considered not only one of the most attractive cities in the region, but also the most romantic city in the country. Its inherent charm is perfectly complemented by unique sights of the past, viewing which remains a favorite pastime among tourists. Among its most striking sights are the significant building of the City Hall , the beautiful chapel of the Holy Trinity and the church of St. Euphemia , as well as the ancient Franciscan monastery , which preserves a rich collection of manuscripts. Rovinj resembles a huge open-air museum, literally every building and every street is imbued with the spirit of history.
The resorts of Istria are considered the most popular and visited tourist areas in Croatia. In addition to beautiful hotels, there are many sanatoriums and health centers. Gourmets will be delighted by the variety of restaurants, among the local dishes, lamb roast, exotic seafood and a special sheep’s cheese, which every expert in the field of cooking should try. In each cafe and restaurant guests will be offered a rich wine list, local varieties of table wines are considered to be among the best in the world. Istria offers its guests a lot of entertainment. Lovers of active recreation, fans of excursions and those who just want to relax in a calm atmosphere and gain strength during their vacation will like it here.
Undoubtedly, the main entertainment for guests of Istria remains the study of natural and historical monuments, ideal conditions for active entertainment have been created in the region. The charming town of Ravna Gora attracts lovers of mountaineering, hiking and cycling. It is equipped with beautiful bicycle paths, as well as a large selection of sports grounds. The resort will be interesting to visit in winter as well, there are excellent places for skiing and sledding, as well as for other winter entertainment. A pleasant surprise awaits lovers of night skiing. They will be able to visit the nearby Shii resort , which has an excellent track with night lighting.
Nature lovers should definitely make an excursion to the Plitvice Lakes , which are recognized as a UNESCO site and are the central attraction of the national park of the same name. The complex of lakes is incredibly beautiful, it includes 16 reservoirs that are connected to each other by terraced waterfalls. This large-scale water complex is surrounded by primeval forests, tourists are offered several options for excursions. In the warm season, it will be interesting to ride on the lakes on a motor boat, and there is also an observation railway on the territory of the park, along which a small train runs.
Those who prefer walking in unusual historical places should definitely visit the city of Hum . It is a record holder of the Guinness Book of Records and was officially recognized as the smallest city in the world. Territorially, it is located in the very center of Istria , so it is not deprived of the attention of travelers. The entire territory of the city is a monument of national importance, it is best to explore it on foot. Here you can see beautiful frescoes that were created as early as the 12th century, as well as admire historical buildings that belong to the period of the early Middle Ages. One of the main attractions of the city is the chapel of St. Jerome , it is considered a unique example in the Romanesque style.
In summer, Istria attracts fans of beach holidays. Despite the fact that almost all beaches in the region are artificial and lined with huge concrete slabs, the coast is characterized by high environmental indicators. Here you can relax without fear and comfortably, even with small children.
A trip to Istria, tips for tourists
- Olive oil produced in Istria is considered the purest in Europe. Many tourists buy it as a souvenir and actively use it not only in cooking, but also for cosmetic purposes.
- Istria will pleasantly surprise guests with affordable prices. There are many affordable hotels and apartments here, gourmets will be pleased with affordable prices in restaurants, and lovers of active recreation will be able to devote their free time to literally any entertainment – all of them are affordable from a material point of view.
- Gourmets should pay attention to the so-called “konobas” – restaurants of national cuisine, where you can try the most popular treats and the best wines. The cost of a specialty dish in such restaurants rarely exceeds 10 euros, there are taverns in absolutely all cities of the region.
- One-day trips to Trieste and Venice are organized for vacationers. Travelers who want to diversify their vacation by visiting these cities should take into account that a visa is required for this.
- The region is distinguished by a rather arid climate, the least precipitation falls in summer. This time of year is ideal for relaxing on the beach, the sunny weather allows you to sunbathe on the beach for 10 hours a day.
Another common souvenir is locally produced wine, a huge number of specialized shops can be found in Poreč . Their wine prices are very attractive, and the quality of the drinks is in no way inferior to their popular Italian rivals.- Lovers of shopping are in for a little disappointment, even local residents prefer to go to neighboring Italy for clothes and accessories. The choice of shops in Istria is very large, but going shopping in Trieste turns out to be more profitable.
- One of the main values of the region is the unique ecology, which local residents protect and try to maintain with all their might. Tourists are advised to be understanding of such aspirations, to set up tents and rest in local parks only in specially designated places.
- The natives are distinguished by friendliness and hospitality, they are always happy to help tourists with advice and tell about cultural traditions. To express their respect to local residents, foreign guests must learn a few simple phrases in Croatian – such a gesture will be appreciated.
