The green Istrian peninsula is rich in history and located in the north western part of Croatia. It can be easily reached during summer season by sea and air whereas railway infrastructure is pretty poor. The Istrian peninsula enjoys a Mediterranean habitat and cuisine.
The most convenient way to visit the peninsula is to fly via Zagreb to Pula airport. The airport is connected to major airports in Europe such as London Gatwick or Flughafen Frankfurt. Direct flights are also possible during high peak season whereas winter time it is more convenient to visit Istria by car. By far the largest airport in Istria is located in Pula, the airport has several runways and offers car rental services to visitors that are eager to explore the entire peninsula with it's picturesque little towns. Some visitors prefer to board a bullet train in Milan and reach the Italian coastal city of Trieste within 4 hours. From there is a bus service that brings you to Porec, Rovinj or Pula.
Here’s an introduction to the highlights of Istria.
Eat local food and enjoy the history
Novigrad is a cute little town in north and one of the highlights of Istria. To me, Novigrad stood out a little posh compared to other Istrian towns. The beach is really nice there, although you should be aware that all beaches in Istria are pebble beaches, not sandy. If you feel like splurging for a day, head down to the marina and have a cocktail and lunch at Navigare Restaurant.
– Visit –
 |
| Currently a top seller in Croatia, The Female Camping Urinating Device |
The town walls
The beach
Novigrad marina
2. MOTOVUN
Explore the countryside and join the Film Festival
Motovun is located on top of a steep hill and a staircase of 1052 steps. This medieval town is surrounded by a walkable wall, and from the top there’s a view over vineyards and forests. If you’re an early bird and like sunrises, get up at 5 or 6 am and enjoy a view like on the first photo below.
I really liked Motovun although it is very small (only around 500 inhabitants) and there’s not much to do except relaxing, enjoying food and taking day trips. But I guess that’s what ‘going to the countryside’ is all about, no?
* Note that the hill is quite steep and narrow so some cars have difficulties ascending.
I really liked Motovun although it is very small (only around 500 inhabitants) and there’s not much to do except relaxing, enjoying food and taking day trips. But I guess that’s what ‘going to the countryside’ is all about, no?
* Note that the hill is quite steep and narrow so some cars have difficulties ascending.
– Visit –
The honey tastings in Livade (at the end of the hill)Church of St. Stephen
Loggia Restaurant in Oprtalj
Walk on the city walls
Motovun film festival (It usually lasts 5-6 days in late July or early August)
3. VRSAR
Indulge in romance and the town of Casanova
One of the other highlights of Istria is Vrsar; a cute little fishermen’s village located between Pula and Rovinj. The town has more than 2,000 years of historical heritage and is home to several biking and hiking trails. In the 18th century, the famous Italian adventurer and seducer Giacomo Casanova visited Vrsar twice – in 1743 and 1744 – and he wrote about those visits in his memoirs.
Once a year, the city celebrates Casanovafest, a festival of love and erotica. In 2015, it was held in June.
– Visit –
Casanovafest (in late June, but check the local website for future dates)
The romantic view points in the old town of Vrsar
Basilica of St. Mary of the Sea
4. VODNJAN
Great olive oil tasting and ancient mummies
In the past, Vodnjan was an important urban center, making it an interesting destination for those interested in architecture and history. In the old part of town, there are many buildings from different periods: Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, and you can find mummies of saints in the churches.
Vodnjan is also the perfect place for olive oil tastings and for seeing traditional stone cottages (kažun), which used to be built by farmers to provide shelter from extreme weather situations.
– Visit –
Olive oil tasting (I recommend Brist)
Traditional stone cottages
The Eko muzej
5. ROVINJ
Beautiful coastal town
Rovinj’s old town is the most impressive and charming part of town. Aside from the smooth, shiny marble cobblestone streets and pastel-colored houses, this part of Rovinj is renowned for its beautiful Venetian architecture.
Rovinj is just as beautiful as I had hoped, and with its romantic marble streets, charming medieval houses and tasty cuisine, it might just be my top highlights in Istria.
– Visit –
The Marina
The church
Climb the church tower
Stay at Lone Hotel
6. RABAC
Hit the beach
Only 3 km from Labin, you’ll find Rabač – a true Istrian paradise with LOVELY pebbly beaches and crystal clear waters. It’s a must-visit if you’re in Labin and the perfect place for snorkeling, swimming and diving. You can see all kinds of fish and enormous jelly fish. The riviera offers several coffee shops, dining experiences and lovely ice cream. Some of the villas on the hills are known to be luxurious.
– Visit –
Take the tourist train
Go snorkeling or diving
Eat ice cream along the beautiful riviera
7. POREC
A UNESCO site and party hub
The ancient Roman town of Poreč has become one of the highlights of Istria. In the summer, it’s the party hub of the peninsula and therefore not the place for a quiet getaway. Poreč has a lot to offer in terms of history, and together with the Byzantine mosaics at Euphrasian Basilica and the tower of Poreč, sites like Pentagonal and the Round tower are not to be missed.
– Visit –
Temple of Neptune
Marafor, an ancient roman square
Decumanus and Cardo Maximus streets
Cave Baredine (The largest cave in Istria, not too far from Porec)
8. PULA
Enjoy the history
Ah, Pula. This town was founded 3,000 years ago (can you believe that!) and is known for its Arena; one of the best-preserved amphitheaters in the world. Pula seems to accommodate everyone’s needs: beautiful beaches, colorful reefs and diving spots, culture, great food and history.
A stroll through the city takes you past ancient Roman architecture like the Temple of Augustus, the Triumphal Arch of the Sergi, Hercules’ Gate and Twin Gates, Arena and Small Roman Theatre. Pula is the largest city in Istria.
– Visit –
Temple of Augustus
Triumphal Arch of Sergius
Cathedral of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin
Diving at Pješčana Uvala, and the islets Fraškerić and Veruda.
8. POMER, MEDULIN, BANJOLE & KAMENJAK NATURAL PARK
Get back to nature
At the most southern tip of Istria, you’ll find Kamenjak National Park, which is perfect for seclusion and enjoying idyllic beaches and untouched nature. In the park, you can visit the Dinosaur Path (600m long) and discover dinosaur footprints.
About 20 minutes sail from the mainland, you’ll find the Lighthouse Porer; an islet so small that it only takes a minute to walk around it. It’s possible to spend the night there although the accommodation is very basic.
Entrance to the national park will be charged for vehicles, while the entrance for cyclists and pedestrians is free.
– Visit –
The lighthourse Porer
The pebbly beaches
Bike tours and the dinosaur path
No comments:
Post a Comment