What is Istria like?

Istria is known for bare cliffs and lovely lagoons, vast pebbled beaches and deep in the country expanding fjords, an ancient amphitheater and overwhelming nature parks, vibrant cities and pristine forests, exciting diving and well-kept vineyards. Istria is a region full of exciting contrasts. What makes this vacation place in the heart-shaped peninsula in northwestern of Croatia unforgettable is the deep blue sea and the regional cuisine, which offers far more than grilled meat and rice for food lovers. Umag, Rovinj, Pula, Poreč, Opatija are the cities of the region that convince with its healthy mix of vibrant life and medieval romance.

The largest Peninsula on the Adriatic coast that stretches from the mouth of the river Dragonja until Opatija, is the leading tourist region in Croatia as it produces two-thirds of stays of all Croatian territory.

Climate – the best time to travel

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HOW TO GET THERE
from the Italian border:
UMAG, 42 km; POREC, 65 km;
ROVINJ, 90 km; PULA, 105 km.

By car: from Trieste to the border with Croatia to Buje towards Umag or Novigrad;
Catamaran: from Venice
By plane: to Trieste or Pula.

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Winters are mild and without snow, and the coastal vegetation, among the most beautiful in the Adriatic, completes the landscape variety of this small space of triangular land, rich in history and culture with ancient remains in perfect harmony (the Arena, basilicas and medieval villages) and modern hotels and every type of accommodation, which offer the visitor many proposals to meet the most demanding expectations.

More than 2,000 hours of sunshine are the average. The Croatian Adriatic coast has its peak season from May until October and the seaside resorts and campgrounds are many times really crowded in midsummer. The water temperatures climb from June on values above 20 degrees and guarantee good possibilities for bathing fans until the end of September.

Geographically, the region of Istria is situated at the gates of Europe, under the contact point between the Alps and the Dinaric Mountains. The top mountain of Istria is Učka (1,396 m) with rich and varied vegetation. The inland, small villages gently perched on the hills, the fields that stretch from the sea to the slopes, closely resemble the landscapes of Tuscany or Provence.

The coast is indented, low and accessible, with many islands and beautiful beaches, full of coves and bays which run uninterruptedly. The Istrian coast in Croatia has many of the most beautiful beaches that are accessible in the whole of Europe. Almost everywhere a person looks there is a picturesque view of away from the coast landscapes that slope slowly down to the clear blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. The coastline is simply lovely with coves and bays and many beaches for you to lie back on and take pleasure in the wonderful sunlight that beats down on these relaxing shores. The scenery is just beautiful with white colored holiday villas and their red roofs located on lush hillsides or in the small ports.

[alert-success]Truffles: Most likely the most well-known food in Istrian cuisine, the truffle is regarded as a delicacy in numerous parts of the world. In Istria, white and black truffles grow throughout the year. While their shade is determined by the time of year, the Tuber Magnatum Pico, or white truffle, is a gastronomic symbol. These types of fungi are so adaptable that they may be integrated into almost any dish.[/alert-success]

Where is the best place to stay in Istria

 Pula – and its spectacular roman amphitheatre is among the most preserved in the world
Porec – a resort town with a wonderful byzantine church with mosaics
Rovinj – the town and its surroundings, you will take pleasure in the enchanting nature and extraordinary historical past
Umag – a town mainly famous for the international tennis ATP tournament
Porec, is one of the most in-demand tourist resorts on the Istrian peninsula of Croatia. This not big, but lively town can be found on a small peninsula with an island that protects it from the sea. The island is called St. Nicholas, and it is popular because of clean pebbly beaches. Porec is also known for its many tourist resorts. The most popular of those are Plava Laguna (Blue Lagoon) as well as the Green Lagoon that happen to be located a few kilometers south of the urban center. Porec, because of its Italian influence has some remarkable historical places. The Basilica of Euphrasius, A UNESCO World Heritage Site, is notable. This 16th century superbly adorned building, with its great apse mosaics provides a remarkable combination of classical construction of the period with the more elaborate features that had begun to build up in the East.

In Istria, the appeal of the sea is ever present. Surrounded by slopes covered with pines, Rovinj is a very cherished town of the Istrian Peninsula. This lovely old town rests on a hill where one can quickly lose ones way among the many winding, narrow stoned streets. The church of St. Euphemia, constructed in 1736, is positioned on the top of the hill, its tower made following St. Mark’s in Venice. From this point, the vista of lively seaside cafes and fishing boats entering in the port, towards the background of 13 small islands in the distance is impressive.