Get to know Istria
A green oasis and the largest peninsula of the Adriatic where you can spend unforgettable moments both along the 445-km-long coast or inland, which, apart from endless vineyards and olive groves, also boasts prized truffles which can be found in the dense forests. On the west coast of Istria, we invite you to explore the pristine nature of Lim Bay, with Rovinj, the most romantic town in the Mediterranean, just a stone’s throw away to the south.
Lying on the 45th parallel, sitting half way between the Equator and the North Pole, Istria enjoys an ideal position in terms of geography and temperature in the northern hemisphere.
Located in the Northern Adriatic, the Istrian peninsula is the closest Mediterranean destination to most Central European countries.
Istria is famous for its cuisine, rich in traditional flavours reflecting the historical, geographic and climatic characteristics of the peninsula. The interior of Istria has many taverns and wine cellars where you can experience an authentic atmosphere and taste traditional local dishes complemented by local wines such as Malvasia (white), Teran and Refošk (red), or Istrian Muscat (a famous dessert wine).
Olives have been an important part of life in Istria since the time of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. Istrian olive oils are considered some of the best in the world, and they can be tasted in the finest mills and taverns across the peninsula.
Located in the Northern Adriatic, the Istrian peninsula is the closest Mediterranean destination to most Central European countries.
Istria is famous for its cuisine, rich in traditional flavours reflecting the historical, geographic and climatic characteristics of the peninsula. The interior of Istria has many taverns and wine cellars where you can experience an authentic atmosphere and taste traditional local dishes complemented by local wines such as Malvasia (white), Teran and Refošk (red), or Istrian Muscat (a famous dessert wine).
Olives have been an important part of life in Istria since the time of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. Istrian olive oils are considered some of the best in the world, and they can be tasted in the finest mills and taverns across the peninsula.
What to visit when you are in Istria
Roman Amphitheatre in Pula
Built entirely from limestone coming from local quarries, the Roman Amphitheatre in Pula, dating from the 1st century, overlooks the port northeast of the Old Town. Designed for gladiatorial contests, it could hold up to 20,000 spectators in its heyday. The 30 metre-high outer wall is almost intact and contains two rows of 72 arches.
Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč
The Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč is one of the finest examples of 6th-century Byzantine art. A World Heritage site, built on the foundations of a 4th -century basilica and a 5th -century church, this complex includes a church, an atrium and a baptistery with mosaics from earlier structures still visible on the northern nave floor.
Scuba-dive to the Baron Gautsch near Rovinj
The Austro-Hungarian passenger ship Baron Gautsch, which sunk in 1914, still exudes the magical aura of La Belle Epoque, mostly because of its magnificently preserved wreck lying at a depth of 40 metres off the coast of Rovinj.
Visit Chatedral of St. Euphemia in Rovinju
The largest baroque building in Istria, the tower of St Euphemia, is also the highest point in Rovinj, offering an enchanting view of the town and the archipelago that surrounds it. The church tower is a replica of the bell tower of St Mark’s Basilica in Venice, with a bronze statue of Saint Euphemia on its spire. The statue spins around to show the direction of the wind with her right hand.
Lim Bay Rovinj
Lim Bay enjoys the status of a preserved landscape. It is over 10 km long and looks like a fjord, shaped by the dissolution of the limestone bedrock.
Motovun
Known for its film festival in recent years, Motovun is the most beautiful and best preserved Istrian medieval hilltop fortification. Taking a walk along its walls is like being on a time travelling expedition, because the higher you climb its two sets of fortified walls, the older they get. Once you reach the top, take a moment to enjoy the view and imagine a merchant caravan in the Mirna Valley below.
Hum
With a population of only 17 people, Hum is officially listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest town in the world. This small, fortified medieval town was first mentioned in documents dating back to 1102, in a deed of gift of Urlich II to the Patriarch of Aquilea. Around that time, the frescoes of Hum were created.
Cape Kamenjak
Cape Kamenjak, the most southern tip of the Istrian peninsula, is an area of unspoilt nature that has been put under protection because of its rich flora and fauna, which include several endemic species. Kamenjak is also a place where you can enjoy diving and other sport activities on land and in the sea, with environmental protection always in first place.
The Brijuni Islands
The Brijuni Islands, stretching along the southwest coast of Istria, in the immediate vicinity of Pula, used to be the centre of the European and global jet set. The Brijuni archipelago is the only national park on the Istrian peninsula, and with its 14 islands covering 736 hectares of land, it represents a unique natural wonder that combines beautiful animal species and rare and rich flora in one place. It is renowned as one of the most beautiful archipelagos of the Mediterranean.