Istria is a special corner of the world, shaped into a unique green-blue heart-shaped peninsula by its vivid nature and crystal clear sea waters that surround it. It is a destination that tourists fall in love with.

Mesmerizing Istria has been considered a favorite tourist destination for many years – previously enjoying its beauties were the ancient Romans, as evidenced by the magnificent amphitheater in Pula and many villa rusticas that they left behind. Thanks to the Romans, and all those who came after them, the naturally beautiful Istria today has a diverse cultural offering, which makes her one of the most visited destinations in the Mediterranean. Istria’s peculiar heartland contains fertile fields and dense forests above which are towns from the middle ages, erected on hills. Meanwhile, Istrian seaside offers both purposeful infrastructure for entertainment as well as secluded spots of natural beauty. In Istria everyone can have their ideal vacation because the secret of its attractiveness lies precisely in its diversity.

Pleasant climate

Istria has been gifted with a comfortable Mediterranean climate, characterised by light winters, dry and warm summers, and an average of 2400 sunny hours each year. The sea is clean and clear, reaching temperatures of up to 26°C in the summer. This beautiful Mediterranean oasis will fascinate you during any time of year. In the spring, Istria is the perfect place to witness nature’s awakening – during the wild asparagus harvest. Warm summers are the best time for entertainment, sea activities and visits to the various manifestations that invigorate the many Istrian towns, both across the mainland and by the sea. Autumn is the season for gathering white truffles, marked by several traditional festivals in Buzet and Livade. In winter Istria is the quiet spot for a calm vacation in the mildly-cold, therapeutic sea air while the locals prepare for spring to come and the changing of the seasons to begin again.

Good connectivity

There is no best way to reach Istria – choose the one that suits you best. Istria is extremely well connected both with the rest of Croatia and with Europe. You can comfortably choose the mode of arrival that you find most practical. The largest number of visitors reach Istria by car through tunnel Učka, followed by a system of highways that stretch across the peninsula in the shape of the letter Y. This is why they are called the “Istrian ipsilon”. Those who are arriving by plane will be landing either in Pula Airport or the nearby Rijeka or Trieste airports. From Ljubljana and Zagreb, Istria can be reached by rail, while those who wish to travel across the sea can reach the peninsula by numerous boat lines and marinas.

Best Istrian destination

Istria is rich with attractive locations, and since the region is not excessively large you can reach them all relatively quickly. We recommend you visit the following, regardless of where you are staying:

  • Roman amphitheater in Pula

  • National Park Brijuni

  • Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč

  • the Church of St. Euphemia in Rovinj

  • heightened town of Motovun

  • middle-aged town of Labin

  • the Pazin cave

  • Church of St. Blaž in Vodnjan

  • Livade, the center of truffles

  • ecomuseum batana in Rovnij

Best experiences in Istria

Istria offers you myriad authentic experiences for all age groups. Here are some suggestions:

  • visit Hum, the smallest town in the world

  • attent a concert in Pula Arena

  • enjoy the view and experience of cape Kamenjak

  • gather precious truffles in Buzet and Livade

  • dare to descend the Pazin cave

  • entertain yourself in Istralandia aquapark near Novigrad

  • step into history in the Dinopark near Funtana

  • walk through park kažuna (traditional Istrian houses) in Vodnjan

  • enjoy exceptional local wines and olive oils

  • try local specialties in local konobas and agroturisms