You are here: Home page » Istria

Istria

According to a local legend the Almighty had wished to turn a corner of the Earth into a mirror image of Paradise and this is how Istria came to be, a peninsular not unlike a giant garden surrounded by the sea. However, the devil interfered with the plan and cut open the angel's bag which contained the surplus stones so thousands of rocks got scattered over the Istrian land. The upset angels gathered the bits of Paradise from underneath the rocks and cushioned them with the sea waves. Hence the Isles of Brijuni.

General information

For newcomers the Istrian peninsular is a real terra magica and terra incognita, a land to be explored, discovered and enjoyed. A clean coast and a picturesque interior with a network of hidden roads and tracks, and many sunny days every year are just some of the attractions. A unique holiday experience is complete with rich cultural heritage, excellent local cuisine and smooth wines. Istria is very easy accessible with four airports within two and half hours drive.

Istria is the most western part of Croatia and the largest peninsular of the Adriatic coast, situated just across the sea from the lagoon of Venice.

Area: 3150 km².
Coastline: 445 km.
Population: 200.000
Capital: Pazin (population: 9000)
Business capital: Pula (population 80 000)

Different areas of Istria are often described according to the dominant colour of the soil. The White (bijela) stony Istria can be found in the east, around the mountain of Učka, the Grey (siva) Istria occupies the central part of the peninsular while the western coast is known as the Red (crvena) Istria.

Where to stay

Pula

Situated at the southeast end of the Istrian peninsula has been in existence since 3 thousand years. It represents a very fine combination of the old and modern city. Many cultural and historical monuments dominate its panorama and represents today the unique setting of various cultural and artistic events. Tourist facilities are located outside the town in woods close to the sea. Beaches stretch along, 100 km of beautiful and indented coast.

Rovinj

A jewel among the Istrian towns, a fantastically preserved old urban area with the Church of St. Euphemia from the18thcentury. The old part of the settlement is lying on a peninsula and, it was first mentioned under the name of Ruigno, Ruvigno, Ruginio in the Cosmography by the Anonymous of Ravenna who gives us an account of Istria in the 4th and 5th centuries.

Poreč

Town Porec is one of the many beautiful middle-sized towns in Istria region. It is placed on it's west coast. Poreč tourism is more than sun, sea and perfect tourist image. Visitors will recognize the city historical values, which can be seen in the historical city centre. You can find museums, galleries in the most valuable city palaces, many of them are the homes for people as they have been centuries ago. Besides Basilica, now it is possible to visit Euphrasius' bishopric, opened in the year 2000 as an architectural monument and the church museum.

Umag

Umag, a town and a port in the north-west coast of Istria, is a kind of exit and entrance of Croatia to Europe. Development of Umag is best evidenced by the world famous ATP tour, a tennis tournament taking place right here every year. Sunbathed beaches are only part of the offer. Alternative programs offer a variety of activities to make your stay rich in attractions.

Search by accomodation type

Special offers

Hotel Kastel***

Istria, Motovun
person/day from 35,00 EUR

What to see and visit

Brijuni National Park

An archipelago consisting of two larger and twelve smaller islands along the western coast of Istria. They have a unique mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The islands are maintained as botanical gardens with typical Mediterranean vegetation of evergreens and thicket. A Safari Park was formed in 1978 on Veliki Brijun. Exotic animals such as elephants, antelopes, gazelles, Somalian sheep, ibex, camels, llamas, zebras etc. can be found here. On the pheasant farm pheasants, partridges, quails, different breeds of parrots, cranes, black swans and flamingos are bred. Pheasants and peacocks roam freely round the island without fear which gives the islands a fairytale ambience. There are also several remnants of the Roman and Byzantine era. Throughout the past a pleasant climate and natural beauties had attracted the world's statesmen and aristocracy to this archipelago. The best known resident was President Tito. In 1983 the islands acquired the status of the national park.

Motovun

A picturesque medieval town in the valley of the river Mirna, built on the hilltop. The city walls and fortifications are exceptionally well preserved with the church tower as a focal point of the town. The entrance is via a circular road flanked by extramural houses. The view from the city walls embraces the roofs of the town houses as well as the landscape further afield with the beautiful river Mirna, immaculate vineyards and Motovun forests well known for truffles. In the summer Motovun hosts an international film festival.

The Arena

The Roman amphitheatre in Pula dating back to the 1st century. This is the world's third largest Roman amphitheatre with the best preserved architectural structure of all European amphitheatres.

Limski zaljev

A deep fjord in western Istria reminiscent of its Norwegian cousins.

Poljanice

A hamlet on the hills of the Grey Istria, situated opposite the unique Hum, the UNESCO's official smallest town in the world. The only family inhabiting Poljanice offers the visitors a traditional form of rural tourism. Should you wish to spend a day on a farm, enjoying the clean air and home made food amidst meadows, fields and forests of ancient oak - this is the place to visit. The traditional Istrian tavern is called 'konoba' and it centres around a large open fireplace which doubles as an oven and a grill. The Konoba in Poljanice is well known for its culinary delicacies such as truffle goulash and home made brandy and wine.

Glagolitic Alley

This is a unique monument dedicated to the ancient glagolitic script along the road from Roč to Hum. Within 7 kilometres of the route you can spot 11 monuments, each describing a stage in the history of glagolitic script. You are welcome to stop and explore them before continuing to Hum.

Hum

The UNESCO declared Hum to be the smallest town in the world thanks to the charming location and a preserved town centre. Indeed Hum contains a complete miniature urban structure - city walls with a large gate, a tower, parish church of St. Peter and St. Paul, a parish hall, central square with a town hall, church of St. Jerome, a few streets, three rows of houses, a pub, an art gallery, a museum, a public phone, a post box and a cemetery (situated outside town). An additional place of interest in Hum, the Konoba (Inn) was re-opened in 1976 on the site of an ancient konoba. Built in a traditional Istrian style with a large fireplace in the corner, the Konoba offers a carefully selected local menu and a chance to taste the local brandy 'biska'. We also recommend their truffle cheese, corn minestrone and ombolo.

Kotle

Picturesque village on the route to Hum situated by the river and boasting several waterfalls. There is a reclaimed water-mill and an inn to visit.

Getting there

The best way to reach Kvarner from UK is to use:

Easyjet - flights to Bristol and Stanstead to Rijeka (summer months only)
Croatia Airlines - flights from Heathrow to Rijeka. (summer months only)
ThomsonFly - flights to Pula from Manchester and Glasgow.
Ryanair - flights from Stanstead to Trieste (Italy).
Wizzair - flights from Luton to Zagreb and Ljubljana (about 2- 3 hours driver to Istria and Kvarne regions by car).