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Your Guide to Istria: Where Croatia Meets Italy on the Adriatic
With rolling vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see, enchanting Venetian style towns that beg to be explored and, of course, the glistening Adriatic Ocean, you’ll be left wondering “where is Istria?” as you stare out onto this Italian influenced paradise.
Packed with all the beauty of a dreamy holiday in Italy but set in the stunning region of west Croatia, experience the best of both worlds with an escape to this beautiful melting pot of culture.
Read on for an insight into everything Istria has to offer.
Where is Istria in Croatia?
With so much Italian influence, you may be left thinking where is Istria in Croatia? Known for its gorgeous landscapes and influences from many ancient and new cultures alike, Istria is in the northwestern Adriatic region of Croatia, proudly placed between Italy and Slovenia. And it picks up all the best bits of both!
On the polar opposite end of the country from Dubrovnik, the famous stone city is over 400 miles from the scenic centre of Istria, and the popular Croatian capital, Zagreb, is around 140 miles away. This means Istria provides all that visit with a unique experience, away from the hustle and bustle of the popular tourism hotspots.
Is Istria Worth Visiting?
To put it simply - yes, Istria is worth visiting! A gorgeous mix of Italian and Croatian culture, there’s something for everyone in this breathtaking region in the west of Croatia. Discover all the cultural influences that shape Istria into the region it is today. Taste the delicious food served up in the local restaurants, take a dive into the history of the towns and villages or just take a walk around as you soak up the sun, staring out onto the vineyards that stretch for miles on end. An ideal alternative to the traditionally more crowded and more expensive resorts of Italy, Istria offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Best Things to Do in Istria
Not just a pretty place, there are plenty of things to do in and around Istria to keep you and your party entertained. From the stunning Roman structures that proudly stand in the local towns, to the allure of adventure in the beautiful natural parks, here’s a small selection of the best things to do in Istria:
Exploring Roman ruins like Pula Arena
Uncover the wealth of Roman architecture nestled in the city of Pula, with the well-preserved 1st century Roman Amphitheatre as the star attraction. Dominating the bustling streets of this lively Istrian city, the limestone-built amphitheatre, which originally hosted gladiatorial contests, is the ultimate venue for summer concerts and festivals and it can hold up to 20,000 spectators.
Truffle hunting tours
Initially discovered by accident by local farmers, truffles weren’t always deemed as high enough quality to be on your dinner plate. Now, black and white truffles are Istrian’s speciality, gracefully adorning many of the best plates of food in Istria. From unearthing truffles and truffle cooking classes, to truffle brandy and even truffle massages, enjoy making the most of this delicious fungus on a truffle hunting tour!
Wine tasting at local vineyards
Only rivalled by Italy when it comes to the quality of wine, Istria’s vineyards produce some of the most sought after wines in not just Croatia, but the world. Made from the native Malvasia Istriana and Teran grapes, the depth of flavour in the wines produced all around the region is nothing short of sensational. Sample the produce from the famous vineyards in some of the most scenic locations you can think of or bring a bottle back to your villa and enjoy a perfect pairing of gorgeous wine with some of the best food in Istria.
Visiting natural parks (Škarline Natural Park)
For those feeling slightly more adventurous, Istria’s Natural Parks are perfect for a spot of exploration via the miles and miles of winding hiking trails, snaking through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. From the breathtaking Brijuni National Park, which stretches over a 14 island archipelago, to the more traditional parks of Rt Kamenjak and Škarline, the opportunities for adventure are endless. Don't miss out on a trip to the amazing Cingarela cave and waterfall, a relaxed hike with a bountiful reward at the end!
Boat trips to nearby islands or Venice
Take to the waves of the Adriatic with a maritime adventure to the islands just off the coast of Istria. Take your pick from a laidback, rocky beach escape on a small island off the west coast, or island hop through the Brijuni National Park for a more exciting and adventurous time.
If all the Italian influences on Istria aren’t quite enough to scratch the itch of a real Italian escape, why not treat yourself to a day out across the pond? With boat trips on offer every day of the week, enjoy a day trip to Venice whenever you like without having to break the bank on staying overnight around the famous near-sunken city.
Places to Visit in Istria
When you’re not lounging by your private pool, there are plenty of amazing places to visit all around Istria. From hidden gems that truly encapture the charming culture of Istria, to popular tourist spots that have risen to fame for good reason. Don’t miss out on exploring the historic streets of Pula, with its Roman influences and famous amphitheatre providing history buffs with an insight into the incredible history of the area. For a more off the beaten track trip, the hilltop towns of Hum and Oprtalj are amazing options for an insight into the production of fresh olive oil and delicious homemade brandy.
Nearby to our villas in Porec, the coastal town of Vrsar is a seaside paradise just waiting to be explored, with the atmospheric old town and simply stunning marina adding to the timeless charm of this ocean adjacent haven.
Food in Istria - a Taste of Italy in Croatia
Just a short trip across the Adriatic Sea, it's no surprise that Istrian cuisine takes a lot of influence from its Italian neighbours. With many pasta dishes on offer in the local restaurants, your tastebuds are in for a treat throughout your stay. Try a different flavourful plate each night, with anything from freshly caught seafood and hearty stews to intricate pasta, meat and cheese dishes ready to be had.
Don't fancy leaving your private poolside? Try your hand at making your own delectable Italian inspired cuisine from the comfort of your Istria villa, the perfect way to fill your evening with gorgeous food, refreshing drinks and raucous laughter with your loved ones. Visit the local market and sample all the incredibly fresh ingredients produced around the region, before bringing them back to your home away from home to cook up a storm.There’s truly nothing better than finding your own truffles on a hunt through the forest, before frying up with the locally made olive oil to create a sensational meal showcasing all the most delicious parts of Istria.
Best Time to Visit Istria
With each season comes its own unique reason to visit Istria. A winter escape offers an insight into the more traditional way of life that can be found in the region, with warm fires and delicious food pairing perfectly with stunning sunsets and sunrises - alongside a heated pool at your villa, these wintry days are unforgettable.
Summer offers incredible opportunities for beach lovers, with warmer ocean waters perfect to swim in and beautiful beaches providing the best spot for a bit of sunbathing.
Spring and Autumn offer the best of both worlds, with temperatures just slightly lower and less crowds, but with just as many opportunities for fun and relaxation.
How to Get to Istria
No matter how you like to travel, Istria is the perfect holiday hotspot to journey over to. With flights available to various airports in the region, most of our villas are just a short drive away after touching down in Pula.
Travelling from Dubrovnik? With over a 400 mile drive, you’re in for an epic road trip, with the prize of a villa holiday in one of the most beautiful regions of Croatia waiting at the end. For a shorter road trip, Zagreb and Rijeka are great options to soak up the culture of two of Croatia’s most impressive cities, before heading off on a journey to your dream Istria villa.
Travel Tips & Local Etiquette
From folk costumes and ancient artifacts shown at festivals, to songs played on shepherd’s instruments and the old Balum dance in simple brown-and-white cloth, the traditions here are truly impressive.
Though Croatian is of course the first language, plenty of locals understand and speak English, making Istria an easy spot to visit. Be sure to stock up on euros, as lots of places still don’t take card or online payments, meaning you’ll need to carry around some cash to experience all of the best things to do in Istria!
A truly fantastic place to visit, experience the perfect fusion of Italian charm and Croatian culture with an Istria escape. From the stunning scenery to the interesting activities on offer, discover hidden gems and popular hotspots for tourists as you explore Croatia’s stunning western region!
Experience Istria the Right Way
If you’ve found the answer to whether Istria is worth visiting and you’re interested in making memories to last a lifetime, find your perfect holiday base or home away from home and experience it all on an unforgettable Istria villa holiday.