About Istria
This tiny region on the Adriatic coast remains the most visited part of Croatia. Istria is one of the most diverse regions in Croatia, offering a plethora of breathtaking views, entertaining activities, and luxurious villas with pools or comfortable holiday homes offered by Villsy.
Many visitors to Istria say that this region simply feels different from the rest of Croatia. In the northern part of Croatia, you'll find a greener landscape and charming, untouched towns that are off the beaten path. The region is famous for its beautiful medieval towns, stunning coastline, and excellent products - all good reasons for anyone to visit Istria.
What Makes Istria Special?
Absolutely enchanting beaches, captivating hillscapes, and romantic mountain villages are just some of the most beautiful attractions to discover here. But above all, it's the world-famous coastal towns like Pula, Poreč, Umag, and Rovinj that attract countless visitors from around the world every year. But the culinary offerings of this region are also fantastic. A diverse Mediterranean cuisine, excellent wines, top-quality olive oil, and local truffles make a holiday in the region a true delight.
This heart-shaped peninsula was the birthplace of modern Croatian tourism, and it's easy to see why. Its history has endowed it with Italian sophistication, most evident in the pastel-colored coastal towns like the romantic Rovinj, historic Pula, or lively Umag. But if you venture off the Istrian coast, through the vineyards, olive groves, and dense forests, you'll discover exceptionally well-preserved medieval towns and villages.
These small rural communities supply the chic coastal restaurants with some of the world's best ingredients. From wild asparagus and rich white truffles adorning their menus to the unmistakable scent of roasted chestnuts wafting through the region in winter. It's the heady mix of world-class gastronomy, rich history, and stunning landscapes that make this region a favorite destination for year-round adventures.
When is the Best Time to Visit Istria?
The best time for your arrival depends on your preferences. Although winter is usually mild and sunny with occasional rain, summer is more popular with tourists, but everyone can find something for themselves all year round. The region boasts a relatively moderate Mediterranean climate characterized by mild winters and hot, dry summers, with an average of 2400 hours of sunshine per year. Thanks to the many hours of sunshine, the days on the Istrian coast and in the resorts are very long, allowing you to extend your days well into the evening.
The windy spring is ideal for sailing enthusiasts. Additionally, it's a great time for sports as the temperatures are not too high, and the region offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. If you're traveling with children, summer is the best time to visit. Besides swimming and beach games, there are many other entertainment options and fun day trips suitable for kids.
For adult couples, the months of September and October are best as they are the most active times. Conversely, autumn and winter are better suited for people visiting the city to explore its cultural heritage. The streets and monuments are not overcrowded at this time of year, allowing you to experience the sights of Pula's history to the fullest. Autumn is also the ideal time for foodies to visit the region as various culinary festivals take place and the wine and olive harvest is in full swing.
The Most Beautiful Cities in Istria
Whether you're on a voyage of discovery and want to explore new, undiscovered, interesting things or simply want to laze around, eat good traditional dishes, drink wine, and soak up the sun, you should definitely visit this piece of heaven. The most popular places to stay are Pula, Poreč, Rovinj, and many others.
Pula
Pula is one of the most unique destinations in Croatia. The Amphitheater is Pula's most famous landmark. You can stroll around the grounds where gladiators once fought, sit on the stone benches where spectators cheered on their favorite fighters, and imagine what it looked like here 2000 years ago. Numerous events take place here throughout the year, from concerts to cultural manifestations to sporting event demonstrations.
Pula's old town is an absolute must-see in Croatia, as it is certainly one of the most beautiful historical city centers in the country. A city tour awaits you with a whole range of fantastic attractions from different epochs. One of the most beautiful squares in Pula is certainly Forum Square, also known as Trg Forum or Republic Square. Around it, you'll find some of the oldest buildings in the port city.
Pula being a coastal city, the best place for a summer day is one of the untouched beaches of Pula. Here you'll find the famous Hawaii Beach, Histria Beach, and the picturesque Verudela Gorge. The beaches of Lungo Mare are closest to the city center, and you have a choice of several pebble coves and rocky beaches along the coastline. Most beaches in the city consist of pebbles, providing crystal-clear water.
Rovinj
With its charming old town, breathtaking sunsets, and beautiful bars, Rovinj is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. The old town is a charming and picturesque place offering a unique and picturesque atmosphere. The Venetian-style architecture, artistic flair, quaint little shops, and inviting alleys are a must-see. The beautiful St. Euphemia Church is located on the top of the hilly peninsula and offers a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding waters from its bell tower.
Rovinj offers beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water and stunning views. From the rocky beach in the city center to the picturesque pebble coves, there are plenty of options for every type of traveler. The coast is dotted with small pebble coves that feel like personal beaches.
Poreč
The town of Poreč is not only a beautiful coastal town but also one of the most popular holiday destinations on the peninsula in the summer. Most of the attractions are located directly in the old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can be easily explored on a city tour. The old town truly comes alive here. With its cobblestone streets, charming small cafes, friendly family restaurants, and many beautiful historical buildings, there is a lot to discover here.
A true gem in Poreč is the long promenade. The so-called Lungomare surrounds the entire old town, and you can enjoy a breathtaking atmosphere with a walk here. The Euphrasian Basilica is the most visited historical site in the whole city. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture with the main building of the basilica, a beautiful bell tower, a baptistery, and a sacristy.
The beaches in Poreč are beautiful and a real highlight. From white pebble beaches to clean rock beaches to fine sand beaches, everything can be found here. Sunbathing and swimming are still the number one activities in Poreč.
Other Cities
The drive through the beautiful landscape will enchant you: the view of the surrounding olive groves, vineyards, and especially the charming old hilltop towns. In the region, there are dozens of such places, some are almost abandoned villages, others are lively towns where international festivals take place. Most of them are located in the central and northern parts of the region and are easily accessible via local roads: Umag, Motovun, Grožnjan, Buje, Labin... but they all have incredibly much to offer.
What food should one try when visiting?
Cuisine is a way of life here. Rural traditions, fresh seasonal ingredients, and imaginative cooking make this small peninsula a preferred destination for food enthusiasts. The region is famous for producing some of the best Croatian delicacies, such as Istrian prosciutto, wine, and Istrian olive oil.
In Istria, everything revolves around truffles: Look out for restaurants with the sign 'tartufo vero', which means they meet the region's high standards for handling this delicacy. Istrian pršut or prosciutto, a traditional smoked and dried ham, is one of the staple foods of Croatian cuisine. It is usually served thinly sliced as an appetizer, along with sheep or goat cheese.
Fresh mussels can be brought to the table in most restaurants within one or two hours. They are then prepared in the Buzara style, meaning gently cooked in white wine, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. Before serving, they are often sprinkled with breadcrumbs to bind them, and the dish is served with plenty of bread to soak up the remaining juice.
Fritule are small baked doughnut balls, dusted with powdered sugar and filled with rum and raisins. Different households add a touch of lemon zest or grated orange zest here and there, but the most important thing here is sharing. Also noteworthy is the top-quality Istrian honey, a specialty in the Motovun and Livade areas.
What are the best activities to do here with children?
The region offers a delightful mix of activities for families, including beaches with crystal-clear water, historical sites to explore, amusement parks, and outdoor adventures like hiking and cycling. In addition to beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water, shallow bathing areas for children, various water sports activities, and cultural attractions that are fascinating for adults and children alike, the region also offers many other child-friendly activities.
Amusement parks
Many millions of years ago, the peninsula was inhabited by dinosaurs. You can find the beautiful natural surroundings contributing to the authentic prehistoric atmosphere at the Dinopark Funtana today. In the outdoor area, there is a mini amusement park for the little ones, a dino shooting range, and a playground. Here you can even ride ponies and dinosaurs!
The Istralandia Aquapark, opened in 2014, is the first water park built in Croatia. This outdoor water park offers great ferry rides and attractions, with the centerpiece being the gigantic wave pool. Aquacolors Poreč is another large water park not to be missed if you want to spend a great day with children in the region. The park offers many attractions such as water slides, tubes, and free waterfalls. The park also offers paddling pools for small children and a whole range of dining options for adults.
The Brijuni Islands are one of the seven Croatian national parks, an archipelago consisting of 14 small islands. Here you can visit a safari park and observe zebras, ostriches, and even an elephant. Your children will surely love it there!
Other activities
The region also offers many opportunities for hiking, cycling, and snorkeling. In addition, there are numerous other activities to do there. So, Istria is a beautiful region, and there is no better way to discover all its nooks and crannies than on the back of a strong and friendly horse. The Istria Star Ranch is a recreational riding center that takes beginners and experienced riders on fun rides with professional guides.
If you want to spend one or two days in Pula, be sure to visit the Pula Aquarium. While walking through the rooms, corridors, tunnels, and the moat, you can discover the underwater world of the Adriatic Sea - including more than 200 species of marine and freshwater fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Also, do not miss the magnificent view of the city when you climb to the roof of the fort.
Why is renting a luxury villa in Istria a good option?
Croatia offers beautiful natural beauty and entertaining holiday activities in practically every corner of the country. In just one week, you can visit several national parks, sunbathe on numerous beaches, and even go island hopping. Whether you're planning a beach vacation with the family, a culinary adventure, a romantic countryside retreat, or a budget-friendly group vacation, Istria is a piece of Mediterranean paradise.
Privacy is paramount when it comes to luxury villas in Croatia. Fully fenced villas with private pools reduce unnecessary distractions and guarantee absolute privacy on the property. Most villas offer swimming pools, whirlpools, saunas, or fitness studios for maximum comfort. The unique modern design of the villas with a touch of traditional Mediterranean elements offers you the ultimate in luxury.
FAQ
How much does an overnight stay in Istria cost?
Rental prices can vary depending on the duration of the rental, the number of people, the rental area, and the amenities. The average weekly price for these villas with pool and holiday homes is 850€. The cheapest villas start at 450€, while the more expensive ones start at around 1250€ per week.
Where is the best place to book a villa in Istria?
The best place to search for villas with pools or holiday homes for rent is definitely Villsy. Our carefully selected luxury villas, fully equipped for home-like comfort, will satisfy every traveler. Villsy offers carefully selected villas and holiday homes in Croatia, lowest prices, and secure payments. A summer vacation in Croatia certainly sounds like a dream.