Istria
Istria is a unique destination full of breathtaking, green, and hilly landscapes with numerous vineyards, olive groves and soil which hides the famous Istrian truffles. A beautiful, indented coastline with crystal-clear water and scenic medieval towns that make the inland as charming as its coast.
Get to know Istria
A green oasis and the largest peninsula of the Adriatic where you can spend unforgettable moments both along the 445 km long coast or inland, which, apart from endless vineyards and olive groves, also boasts prized truffles which can be found in dense forests. On the west coast of Istria, we invite you to explore the pristine nature of Lim Bay, with Rovinj, the most romantic town in the Mediterranean, just a stone’s throw away to the south.
Cut by the 45th parallel, sitting half way between the Equator and the North Pole, Istria enjoys an ideal geographic and temperature position in the northern hemisphere.
Located in the Northern Adriatic, the Istrian peninsula is the closest Mediterranean destination to most of the Central European countries.
Istria is famous for its cuisine, rich with traditional flavors reflecting the historical, geographic and climatic characteristics of the peninsula. The interior of Istria hides many taverns and wine cellars where you can experience the authentic atmosphere and taste traditional local dishes complemented by local wines such as Malvasia (white), Teran and Refošk (red), or Istrian Muscat (a famous dessert wine).
Olive has been an important determinant of Istria since the time of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. Istrian olive oils are considered some of the best in the world, and they can be tasted in the finest mills and taverns across the peninsula.
Visit the Roman Amphitheater in Pula
Visit the Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč
One of the finest examples of the 6th century Byzantine art is the Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč. A World Heritage site, built on the foundations of a 4th -century basilica and a 5th -century church, this complex includes a church, an atrium and a baptistery with mosaics from earlier structures still visible on the northern nave floor.
Scuba dive to the Barun Gautsch near Rovinj
Austrian-Hungarian passenger ship Baron Gautsch, which sunk in 1914, still exudes the magical aura of La Belle Epoque, mostly because of it’s magnificently preserved wreck lying at the depth of 40 meters off the coast of Rovinj.
Visit the Cathedral of St. Euphemia in Rovinj
The Largest baroque building in Istria, the Tower of St. Euphemia, is also the highest point in Rovinj, offering an enchanting view of the town and the archipelago that surrounds it. The Church tower is a replica of the bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, with a bronze statue of Saint Euphemia on it’s spire. The statue spins around to show the direction of the wind with her right hand.
Visit the Cathedral in Pula
The Main altar of the cathedral is a Roman sarcophagus from the 3rd century. The church was built around it sometime at the 5th century. The floor reveals fragments of 5th and 6th century mosaics. After a fire, the church was rebuilt in 1242. and the Renaissance southern portal was added in the 15th century. Further improvements were made in the early 16th and 17th centuries.
Lim Bay, Rovinj
The Lim Bay enjoys the status of a preserved landscape. It is over 10 km long and looks like a fjord, shaped by the dissolution of the limestone bedrock.
Walls of Motovun
Known for it’s film festival in the recent years, Motovun is the most beautiful and best preserved Istrian medieval hilltop fortification. Taking a Walk along it’s walls is like being on a time travelling expedition, because the higher you climb it’s two sets of fortified walls, the older they get. Once at the top, take a moment to enjoy the view and imagine a merchant caravan in the valley of Mirna, underneath.
Hum - the smallest city in the world
With a population of only 17 people, Hum is officially listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest town in the world. This small, fortified medieval town was first mentioned in documents dating from 1102., in a deed of gift of Urlich II to the Patriarch of Aquilea. Around that time, the frescoes of Hum, counting among the very few things left worth seeing in Hum, were made.
Cape Kamenjak
Cape Kamenjak, is the most southern tip of the Istrian peninsula, is an area of unspoilt nature that has been put under protection because of its rich flora and fauna, which include several endemic species. Kamenjak is also a place where you can enjoy diving and other sport activities on land and in the sea, with environmental protection always in first place.
The Brijuni islands
The Brijuni Islands, stretching along the south-west coast of Istria, in the immediate vicinity of Pula, used to be the centre of the European and global jet set. The Brijuni archipelago is the only national park on the Istrian peninsula, and with its 14 islands covering 736 hectares of land, it represents a unique natural wonder that combines beautiful animal species and rare and rich flora in one place. It is renowned as one of the most beautiful archipelagos of the Mediterranean.
General information
The climate is mild, Mediterranean, with warm and dry summers and mild and pleasant winters. It has an average of 2,338 sunny hours per year, and 10 hours of sun per day during the summer. The average air temperature during the coldest part of the year is 6°C and 30°C during the warmest. The lowest sea temperatures are recorded in March, with an average of 9°C, while the highest temperatures are recorded in August, reaching up to 25°C. With an average of 2,000 hours of sun, the blue summer skies sometime last for several months (from April to October) without interruption in western Istria. Most beaches in Istria are rocky, stone, pebble, and in certain locations, sandy with lush Mediterranean vegetation reaching down to the sea, the perfect basis for your holidays in Istria.
- Population: 206,400
- Area: 2,820 km²
- Coastline: 445 km (a well-indented coast, twice as long as the road)
- Vegetation: pine forests (35% of area)
- Water temperature:
- March (9,3 °C to 11,1 °C)
- August (23,3 °C to 24,1 °C)
- Salinity: an average of 36 to 38 promille
- Rivers: Mirna, Dragonja, Raša
- Climate: Mediterranean climate
- January (5 °C to 9°C)
- August (22 °C to 25 °C)
Accommodations in Istria
Grand Park Hotel RovinjThe Grand Park Hotel Rovinj is a holiday experience that comes to life with great ease. It is harmoniously situated on Rovinj’s east shore, serving remarkable vistas of the Old town and a revitalising wellness & spa experience. The Grand Park hides many small pleasures. Take enough time to discover them.
Hotel Monte MuliniA private, relaxing holiday amid vegetation above the beach. Golden mornings on the terrace overlooking Lone Bay and cosy evenings in the fresh and green gardens. Meet Monte Mulini, a boutique experience that will revitalise you in a hedonistic fashion.
Hotel LoneHotel Lone, the first Croatian member of the lifestyle brand Design Hotels™, offers a unique blend of premium beauty, style, and design. One-of-a-kind shape and architecture that are as intriguing on the outside as they are inspiring on the inside. Just as we want you to be and feel after staying in Lone.
Hotel AdriaticThis chic boutique hotel is located in Rovinj’s historic centre and is entirely inspired by art. Every part of the hotel is decorated with art by Croatian artists made exclusively for the hotel. And if you feel inspired to create a piece of your own, the view of Rovinj’s rooftops from your room is an excellent motif with which to start.
Hotel EdenA unique hotel with a charming atmosphere located in Lone Bay, in the shade of the fragrant Golden Cape forest park. With first-class service and a long tradition of individual approach to every guest, you can relax to the fullest with our Mediterranean beauty treatments and fragrances of Istria at our wellness and spa centre or stay active by playing tennis, swimming or cycling.
Family Hotel AmarinYou will find endless adventures and exploration opportunities as soon as you set foot in the most modern family hotel in Croatia. Family Hotel Amarin is located on a green peninsula in a Mediterranean park with playgrounds for outdoor entertainment. Most of the 280 rooms offer great views of the sea or the town of Rovinj. Explore the beaches around the hotel, check out the fun and educational programmes of the unique Amarin Kids Club, and try the spa treatments for children and adults.
Island Hotel IstraIsland Hotel Istra, located on the island of St Andrew, has everything you need for a relaxing holiday: miles of beaches and promenades, a swimming pool complex, and a Wellness & Spa oasis with a Mediterranean garden. La Serra Restaurant, Anno Domini 547, located in the same building which was once Baron Hütterott’s summer residence, offers a modern take on traditional Mediterranean specialities.
Island Hotel KatarinaThe Island of St Catherine and the eponymous hotel (Katarina), located in a historic building that was once the summer villa of Count Milewski, are located only five minutes by boat from Rovinj. No cars, no traffic, no crowds – surrounded by beautifully landscaped parks filled with Mediterranean vegetation, spoil yourself with relaxing walks, exploring the island’s natural beaches and hidden coves. Enjoy the serenity of the hotel’s retro rooms and suites with a view of the sea or the charming Rovinj Old Town.
Campsite VeštarVisit the campsite situated in a peaceful bay with the most beautiful pebbled beach, just five kilometres from Rovinj. Choose from well-equipped pitches up to 140 sq. metres in size and comfortable mobile homes with a terrace. Alongside diving, an aqua park and an array of water sports, the campsite also offers a large swimming pool complex and a spray park. The attractive locations by the beach and the pools feature restaurants and bars serving local specialities and your favourite beverages.
Campsite PolariMaistra’s largest campsite, Polari, is located in a serene bay near the town of Rovinj, where you can wake up surrounded by the sea, centuries-old olive trees, rows of cypresses and fragrant pine forest. The campsite features numerous sports and entertainment activities for the whole family, a large pool complex and spray park, natural beaches, as well as bars and restaurants for quick refreshment during the day or dinner savouring the local specialities. Rovinj is only 3.5 km away and can be reached by bike or on foot along the coastal cycling and walking trail.
Campsite AmarinCamp at this top-quality resort with the natural beaches in the shade of fragrant pine trees overlooking Rovinj and enjoy all the amenities on offer. Choose from spacious pitches with electricity, water and drainage hook-ups, comfortable mobile homes with private terraces, and 20 glamping tents. There are also three outdoor swimming pools by the sea and restaurants and bars for refreshment. A fantastic animation programme for children and teenagers, as well as an excellent choice of land sports and water sports, will make your holiday at this campsite fulfilling and revitalising.
Campsite ValkanelaValkanela Campsite is situated in a beautiful bay with a view of Vrsar and the islands. Here you can find a unique offer of amenities and entertainment for the greatest family holiday. Choose from accommodation on well-positioned spacious pitches or in comfortable mobile homes with a shared pool or private hydro-massage bathtub on the terrace. The campsite features attractive natural beaches, a pool complex, and restaurants and bars right by the sea and the pools.
Campsite Porto SoleIf you ever feel like spending time in Istria, Porto Sole Campsite is open throughout the year. You can stay at the pitches by the sea or in mobile homes embodying the special ambience of a winter holiday surrounded by nature. Explore the charming town of Vrsar, not far from the camp, or roam around the beautiful nature cycling the attractive trails nearby. Alongside the diving club and the outdoor fitness zone, the campsite offers a wide range of sports amenities by the natural beaches and pools.
Campsite KoversadaKoversada Naturist Park is located at the entrance to the beautiful Lim Bay, surrounded by the typical Mediterranean landscape, the sea, and natural beaches. This campsite with the longest naturist tradition in Europe is a relaxing paradise in the heart of pristine nature, offering a variety of accommodation choices: from camping places and pitches, comfortable mobile homes, tents on the Koversada car-free island, to rooms and suites in bungalows. Explore the local flavours of Istria in our restaurants and bars and enjoy an active holiday with our sports activities and entertainment.
