A famous spot for holiday-makers and the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea
Istria lies between Croatia, Slovenia and Italy, with the largest part belonging to Croatia. It is the biggest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea and the most touristic place of Croatia.
The charming Istrian coast line is dotted with towns alley-hugging houses built around churches and the inland is renowned for its pretty medieval hilltop villages. Visitors enjoy taking the sun at the beach and taking some fresh air in the rustic interior of rolling hills and fertile plains.
Istria has a long and interesting history and a cross-cultural heritage. Italian people lived in the towns for many decades and gave a special touch to the urban areas while Croats occupied the countryside. As a result, the cuisine is very diverse and tasty. It is worth having a gastronomic and fine dinner in a village or seafood along the coast.
See
Amphitheatre and Roman relics
Pula, the largest town with a harbour
Rovinj and Novigrad: summer resorts with cobbled piazzas, shuttered little houses with hanging laundry and small alleys
Historic hilltop towns in the middle of pastures and forests: Motovun, Groznjan, Oprtali, Hum
Experience
Eat in a farmhouse restaurant or a family-run tavern
Spa treatment at Istarske Toplice, one of Croatia’s oldest and most scenic thermal spas
The summer festival in Rovinj: classical concerts in St Euphemia church and Franciscan monastery
