If you’re looking for a perfect place for your next vacation, Istrian Riviera in Croatia is a choice that is very hard to beat.
Not only can you book loads of beautiful luxury villas with pools over there, but the whole peninsula is absolutely brimming with ancient history, culture, excellent food, and loads of things to do and see. Picturesque towns, fantastic beaches, and exquisite wineries all deserve a place on your itinerary.
If you’re wondering where is Istria and how to get there. Don’t Worry; the Isle is really not that big; with easy car access from any point within its borders, you should have no difficulty reaching any location on its shores.
That being said, some sights and activities stand out more than others so here’s our selection of top things to do in Istria this summer. Read on and prepare to fall in love!
Uncover Istria’s historical gems
Pula’s Roman Amphitheatre stands as one of Istria’s crowning historical achievements; an incredible, well-maintained ancient arena which once hosted gladiator contests and other magnificent shows. Today it remains impressive in both architecture and heritage terms – offering visitors an incredible glimpse into Istria’s Roman history while its grandeur stands the test of time.
Istria offers more than Roman heritage; it also boasts charming medieval villages such as Motovun and Groznjan with centuries-old buildings and tantalizing restaurants.
Be sure to sample some classic Istrian dishes, like Peka (tortellini with truffle sauce) and wines while there. When it comes to seafood dining options, we advise selecting restaurants along the coast in order to experience all that Istrian life has to offer.
Pula’s ancient arena
Pula offers many exciting activities due to its rich Roman heritage. Established over 2 millennia ago and boasts some truly magnificent examples of Roman architecture.
By this, we primarily refer to Pula Arena – an amazing and well-preserved amphitheatre still used today for concerts and various other events. Out of all things to do in Istria, visiting this unbelievable place is certainly number one.
Nearby, you can also visit The Temple of Augustus, dedicated to the very first Roman emperor, which is at the very centre of the city and another splendid example of the city’s Roman roots.
Groznjan’s Artisan Village
Groznjan Artisan Village in Istria’s rolling hills is an artistic treasure; home to an active community of talented artists and craftspeople who have turned its streets into open-air galleries, boasting vibrant paintings depicting local landscapes as well as intricate handcrafted pottery that showcases Istria’s rich traditions. Each corner boasts another work of art; from vivid paintings showing landscape views to handcrafted pottery reflecting local heritages.
Visitors not only appreciate the art on display but can interact with artists themselves and gain insights into their creative processes – perhaps taking home an original work!
Savour Istrian gastronomy
While there are many reasons to visit Istria, Gastronomy is our number one. Istrian cuisine stands out among culinary offerings thanks to its melange of tastes and influences from diverse cultures that have left their imprint in this beautiful region.
The Mediterranean climate and fertile land produce an abundance of fresh ingredients – truffles, olive oil and seafood are staples that form the basis of Istrian cuisine.
Istria’s unique combination of Italian, Mediterranean and Croatian culinary traditions produces dishes full of vibrant flavour and depth – from pasta dishes adorned with freshly shaved truffles to succulent seafood cooked up with aromatic herbs and olive oil for optimal culinary satisfaction – each bite in Istria provides sensory pleasure worthy of experiencing!
Truffle hunting adventures
As part of any exploration of Istrian cuisine, one cannot forget sampling some of its world-famous truffles that thrive in its forests.
Truffles are celebrated fungi that add an earthy and luxurious element to various dishes, elevating your dining experience and enriching it further.
Istria’s dense forests and fertile soil offer the ideal backdrop for truffle hunting adventures, so many local companies now offer tours into Istria’s wooded landscapes with experienced truffle hunters and their trusty pup guides – discovering and cooking with this exquisite delicacy is truly captivating!
Wine tasting tours
Wine tours in Istria provide visitors with a delightful sampling of wines that capture the character and flavours of their region.
Malvazija and Teran, two indigenous wines with unique, zesty characteristics are among the best-known wines produced locally in Croatia. Malvazija boasts crisp acidity with citrus fruit notes while Teran features bold flavour with earthy tones that combine for an unforgettable wine experience. Trust us, there is something to suit every palate.
While there are many wine tours, we would recommend Vinarija Roxanich, which emphasizes organic winemaking practices and offers unique cellar tastings that delve deep into their biodynamic approach, and Kozlovic Winery, renowned for their top-quality Malvazija wines and guided vineyard tours that showcase the stunning landscapes of Istria while savouring some of the finest vintages produced in the region.
Experience nature’s wonders
Istria is home to some of the most beautiful places. That’s why one of the best ways to experience Istria’s natural beauty is by exploring its network of hiking and cycling trails.
There are many hiking trails in Istria, so it’s easy to get lost if you don’t study the terrain. If you’re interested in hiking, check out our hiking guide where we showcase the best hiking trails and what you should keep an eye out for when hiking.
Istria offers an array of outdoor activities such as rock climbing or kayaking. You can also explore its many underground caves (like Pazin Cave) or discover hidden waterfalls cascading down verdant gorges.
Brijuni National Park exploration
Brijuni National Park is home to some seriously cool spots that you’ve got to check out!
First up is the old olive tree. Over 1,600 years old! Touching it is like touching part of history itself!
Brijuni offers something quite spectacular for visitors; its Safari Park stands out as something different compared to your average zoo, providing visitors with an exciting chance to witness animals roaming freely. But why are these animals on a small island in Croatia?
These animals were gifts to Tito, the former president of Yugoslavia, from world leaders, which means this safari has a unique history that connects it to global friendships.
Speaking of Tito, you can’t visit Brijuni without stopping by Tito’s house. Tito was quite the character, known for his love of the island and for hosting famous guests from all over the world.
Cape Kamenjak cliffs
Cape Kamenjak cliffs themselves are a sight to behold. These cliffs offer thrill-seekers an exciting challenge to climb.
If climbing isn’t your cup of tea, discover hidden coves and beaches near cliffs to provide your own slice of paradise and soak up some sun before diving into warm sea water for swimming and lounging around on beaches or coves. It’s like having your own exclusive getaway away from crowded tourist spots!
Cape Kamenjak boasts an exquisite underwater world filled with abundant biodiversity. Snorkelling here feels like diving into a massive aquarium filled with colourful fish, sea plants and even sunken ships – providing both thrilling and serene underwater experiences at once!
Lim Bay Kayaking
Lim Bay Kayaking is so serene that you can hear the gentle lapping of the waves against the kayak.
As you make your way around the bay, keep an eye out for wildlife! From majestic birds soaring overhead to playful dolphins playing nearby. You could come upon some stunning moments.But still, one of the most magical parts of kayaking in Lim Bay is exploring its hidden caves and coves. There’s just so much to see! If you want more tips on these locations and where to stay near them, make sure to contact us and we will gladly provide you with all the info you need for a perfect vacation!