Croatia is a beautiful country that’s full of history, breathtaking scenery and charming cities and towns where time appears to have stood still. While we could easily tell you all about any part of the country, today we’d like to focus on the northern peninsula and county of Istria.
The coastline, beaches, villages and gastronomy are some of Istria’s main draws. So if you’re dreaming of a getaway to northern Croatia, here at Civitatis we’ve got it covered! Let’s find out what you can do and see in Istria.
Head to the beautiful city of Rovinj
We’ll kick off with Rovinj, which is famous for being one of the most beautiful cities in Istria, if not all of Croatia. This town’s Venetian past remains intact, which can be seen from its charming, narrow streets.
As you explore the city, you’ll fall in love with the energetic way of life that thrives in its streets and markets. If you’d like to discover even more of the city, we recommend booking a walking tour of Rovinj, which will take you to the must-see Basilica of St. Euphemia.
Explore Poreč and its World Heritage Basilica
This town has been ruled over by Romans, Byzantines, Lombards, Franks, Venetians, Austrians and even the Napoleonic Empire. Poreč is also the largest tourist centre on the Istrian Peninsula and is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea.
However, one of Poreč’s greatest treasures and a must-see in Istria is the Euphrasian Basilica. This World Heritage Site boasts mosaics that are considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Byzantine art.
Visit Pula for a trip back to the Roman Empire
As we’ve already mentioned, the Istria region is home to a unique blend of Roman, Byzantine and Venetian legacies. If you’d really like to discover the Roman influence in Istria, you’ll want to head to Pula. Rome’s first emperor, Augustus, is an essential figure in the history of the city. Did you know that he destroyed the entire city and then rebuilt it?
When you get to Pula, we recommend making a beeline for the Amphitheatre, which is the sixth-largest in the world. We also love the Gate of Hercules and the Arch of the Sergii, which was the gateway to the city until its expansion beyond the city walls. You can explore this city in depth by joining a day trip to Pula and Rovinj from Poreč.
Relax at Cape Kamenjak
Our next stop is the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula, where we’ll come across a fantastic slice of paradise. If you’re looking for more things to do and see in Istria, you’ll love the protected reserve of Cape Kamenjak. This area is full of dreamlike beaches with clear blue water where you can relax and leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind.
You can explore this park, either by car, on foot or by bike, through the trails that lead to its numerous coves and unspoilt scenery. If you’d rather let someone else do the organising, you can book a trip to Cape Kamenjak and Ceja Island with us.
Stroll through the Dragonja Valley
We’ll continue our trip through Istria’s beautiful natural spaces by proposing a hike through the Dragonja Valley, an area full of waterfalls and salt pans. While you explore this valley and stroll along the Dragonja River, you’ll admire views of the Julian Alps. During your hike, you can also stop at the salt lakes of Sečovlje and take a refreshing swim.
Cycle the Parenzana Trail
Another idea for something you can do in Istria would be cycling the Parenzana Trail, which is one of the most beautiful cycling trails in Europe. This route connects Slovenia, Italy and Croatia and is a symbol of unity that serves as a reminder of when these three countries were united as one.
While exploring the landscapes of the Parenzana Trail on your bike, you’ll cross its famous tunnels, see salt evaporation ponds and have the chance to visit Izola. This charming border town is located in Slovenia.
Take a food tour
Anyone peckish? Istria is also home to delicious products such as truffles, olive oil, wines and liqueurs, as well as a rich culinary history. Continental and Mediterranean cuisine blend together in a delicious mix of flavours, making Istria’s gastronomy a key selling point for anyone thinking of visiting.
You’ll find tasty dishes featuring fish, meat, fruit and vegetables cooked to perfection during your travels. If you’d like to see this for yourself, we recommend taking a trip to Motovun, Grožnjan and Hum on one of our food tours in Istria. Bon appétit!
Sunbathe on Istria’s beaches
What better way to round off your trip than with a trip to one of Istria’s beaches? Croatia is already famous for its sun, sand and scenery, making it one of the top spots for any traveller. The Adriatic coast has numerous breakwaters that are great for taking a dip in a unique area. The saltwater pools created in its coves mean you can relax without worrying about the tides.
Piran, Brulo Beach, Laguna Beach and the islands of Brijuni National Park are just some of the places you could visit! Bon voyage!
