Exploring Coastal Istria: A Guide to Croatia’s North-Eastern Gem
Coastal Istria, located in the north-eastern corner of the Croatian Adriatic and close to Italy, has long been a popular holiday destination for visitors seeking Roman ruins, crystal-clear waters, and a historic old town. The Roman amphitheatre of Pula is a star attraction, and the town of Rovinj offers cool sophistication. However, Istra’s interior countryside is relatively new to tourism, offering forested rolling hills topped with fortified villages, such as Motovun, that are startlingly attractive. Visitors to Istria can expect some of the best wine and olive oil in Croatia, with opportunities to visit vineyards and olive farms to sample their wares. Pula, the port city of Istra, makes a good base as it has direct flights from London, but visitors will need a hire car to explore the region. Fortunately, the roads are quiet and a motorway runs south to north, all the way up to the border with Italy.
Visiting Pula
Pula, the largest city on the Istrian peninsula, is home to several well-preserved Roman ruins. A standout attraction is the first-century Roman amphitheatre. Originally seating 23,000, it is surprisingly intact and offers visitors a glimpse into the history of Rome. Even though gladiator combat has given way to more peaceful cultural events, such as summer film festivals, opera seasons, and numerous concerts, the amphitheatre remains an awe-inspiring structure. Other Roman ruins to visit in Pula include the Temple of Augustus, Triumphal Arch of Sergius, and the Arch of the Hercules.
Exploring the Countryside
While Pula is a great place to start, visitors should venture inland to experience the breathtaking countryside of Istria’s interior. The region offers forested rolling hills and charming fortified villages like Motovun that are known for their beauty. Visitors can explore the rolling landscapes on foot, by bike, or on horseback. Along the way, they can sample some of the region’s best-known food and drink, such as truffles, wine, and olive oil.
Sampling Wine and Olive Oil
Istria is known for producing some of the best wine and olive oil in Croatia. Visitors can take a tour of local vineyards, which offer tastings and the chance to meet the local producers. Among the most commonly produced wines in Istria are the Malvazija and Teran, both of which have a distinct taste that comes from the unique soil composition of the region. When it comes to olive oil, Istria has four indigenous varieties that have been cultivated for centuries, including Buza, Rosinjola, and Crnica. Visitors can learn about the cultivation and production of olive oil, and of course, get a taste of the final product.
Planning Your Visit to Istria
Pula is the main airport for Istria. Direct flights are available from London to Pula. From Pula, visitors can hire a car and explore the region. The roads in Istria are generally quiet and the highway runs from south to north, all the way up to the border with Italy. To make the most of their visit to Istria, visitors should plan ahead and make arrangements to visit the region’s attractions, including Roman ruins, charming villages, and vineyards.
Is Istria a good place for a family holiday?
Yes! Istria is an excellent place for a family holiday. The region offers many attractions for visitors of all ages, including Roman ruins, beaches, hiking trails, and vineyards. The beaches in Istria are some of the best in Croatia, with clear water and beautiful coastline. Families can also take boat trips to explore the surrounding islands and swim in hidden coves. Additionally, many of the local restaurants offer kid-friendly menus and activities, including cooking classes and farm visits.
What are the popular attractions in Istria?
There are many popular attractions in Istria, including Pula’s Roman Amphitheatre, the charming town of Rovinj, the stunning countryside with its fortified hilltop villages, and vineyards producing some of the best wine in Croatia. Other attractions include the olive groves, truffle farms, and seafood restaurants. Visitors can also explore the Brijuni Islands, which are located off the coast of Istria and offer a unique nature reserve experience with exotic animals, lovely scenery, and rocky beaches.
What is the best time to visit Istria?
The best time to visit Istria is during the summer months from May to September when the weather is warm and the beaches are open. However, visitors can also visit during the winter months when there are fewer crowds, and the region offers a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. There are also winter festivals, such as the well-known Rijeka Carnival, that visitors can enjoy.
What food and drink experiences can visitors expect in Istria?
Istria is known for its excellent food and drink, especially wine, olive oil, and truffles. There are many vineyards and olive farms in the region that offer tours and tastings of their popular products. Additionally, there are numerous seafood restaurants offering traditional Croatian cuisine, including black risotto and grilled fish. Visitors can also try Istrian ham, dry-cured with a distinctive flavor, and Istrian cheese, made with sheep’s, cow’s, or goat’s milk.
