Istria & Kvarner

A luxury villa holiday in Istria and the Kvarner region of Croatia offers a sophisticated alternative to the bustling south. This region in the Northern Adriatic offers a sophisticated fusion of Italian-influenced elegance and raw Mediterranean beauty.

Istria juts out of the northwestern edge of mainland Croatia into the glittering waters of the Adriatic Sea. Often overlooked in favour of the more popular cities in the south – like Dubrovnik or Split – this is a region that ticks away to the slow rhythms of the sparkling Med and the breeze-touched branches of its native olive trees.

The main city of Istria is Pula. It's as dramatic as they come, with an enormous Roman amphitheatre dating back 2,000 years on one side and an ancient Roman Forum, with temples dedicated to the emperor Augustus, on the other. The Italian influence still holds firm here, so head to the Old Town to taste truffle-topped tagliatelle with crisp Croatian wines on the piazzas. To the south, the stone pines give way to the Punta Verudela Peninsula, its coves, pebbly beaches, and cool summertime beach bars.

The entire western haunch of Istria is a lesson in the rugged Adriatic shoreline. High cliffs and rocky promontories abound, so refreshing wild swims are the order of the day. Occasionally, you'll spy an ancient town clinging to the headlands. There's Rovinj, with its exquisite marble-fronted church, topped by a spire that somehow rises above the maze of narrow alleys and pastel-painted medieval homes below. There's also Novigrad, where the locals jump straight off the quaysides for swims in the shadow of Venetian-era mansions and local seafood konoba (Croatian taverns).

Luxury villas in Istria pepper the backcountry, too. It's known as truffle country, largely thanks to the rich black fungi found in the forested valleys around Motovun, an enchanting hill town that caps a bluff over a wiggling river. You can spend days hopping from one olive oil maker or winery to another in those parts, learning why the region is hailed as one of the nation's culinary hubs.

To the southeast of Istria, the Kvarner region is centred around the aristocratic Riviera of Opatija and the islands of Lošinj and Krk. It's an area where nature combines a wild essence with a quiet refinement. At its heart lies Lošinj, known as the "Island of Vitality" due to its unique microclimate and sea-enriched air, both said to have therapeutic benefits. Here, fragrant pine forests meet crystal-clear waters, and a long-standing tradition of wellness fosters a slower, restorative rhythm of life. Nearby islands such as Cres and Krk offer contrast with their rugged landscapes and hidden coves. The region's cuisine reflects the purity of its surroundings, featuring renowned Kvarner scampi, fresh seafood, and local wines.

Whether you are sipping local Žlahtina wine on the sun-drenched terrace of your villa or yachting through the archipelago, the region of Istria and Kvarner provides a tranquil, upscale escape that remains authentically Mediterranean.