We love Istria very much, and for us, the answer to ‘Is Istria worth visiting’ will always be yes. If you’re short on time, you can leave this article immediately, but if you stay to the end, we’re going to elaborate on this even further and you’ll learn not only whether it’s worth visiting Istria or not, but a lot about the largest peninsula in Croatia overall.
Even though we live in Dalmatia, a region famous for beaches and the clear Adriatic Sea, and a part of Croatia that’s not the closest to Istria, we still travel a few times to this Croatian peninsula. There are many things we love about it, and we’ll mention most of them in this article. The first thing that comes to our mind is the difference between Istria from any other part of Croatia. It almost feels like a world of itself, and if you visit it after some other region in Croatia, you might feel like you have entered a whole new country.
Istria is a unique blend of Croatian and Italian influences that you won’t find anywhere else in the country, and this is only one of the reasons why Istria is worth visiting. Here are some reasons why Istria should be high on your Croatia itinerary.
1. Charming Hilltop Towns The first thing that comes to our mind when we talk about Istria is the hilltop towns like Motovun, Grožnjan, and others. Istria is full of these inland towns that are located on hills, known for stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. Walking through them feels like a trip through time. Some of these hilltop towns in Istria are:
Motovun : A medieval village surrounded by vineyards, famous for its truffle-rich cuisine and truffle forests that surround it.Grožnjan : A paradise for artists and musicians, a small town full of art galleries and studios.
2. Stunning Coastal Towns Apart from the hilltop towns, Istria has some beautiful coastal towns, and the first one that comes to our mind is Rovinj, one of the most picturesque towns in Croatia. Here are a few of the most famous coastal towns in Istria:
Rovinj : One of Croatia’s most picturesque towns, it’s full of buildings with colorful facades, a vibrant harbor, and romantic sunsets.Poreč : Home to the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica .Pula : Famous for its well-preserved Roman amphitheater and ancient ruins.
3. Incredible Food and Wine Istria is very famous for its gastronomy and wines. It’s probably the most famous gastronomical region of Croatia. If you are looking for tasty delights, Istria is a place for you. Here’s what to expect and what Istria is most famous for:
Truffles : The number 1 gastronomy product of Istria. Truffles are a trademark of Istria, especially the prized white truffle that can be found in forests near Motovun.Olive Oil : Some of the best award-winning Croatian olive oils come from Istria.Seafood : Istria is a peninsula, so you know you can expect a lot of fresh seafood there.Pasta and Prosciutto : We already told you that Istria has a strong Italian influence, and it’s seen in the cuisine as well.Wines : Local sorts like Malvazija (white) and Teran (red) are the wines you must try when visiting Istria.
Food tours and wine tastings are among some of the best experiences you can enjoy in Istria.
4. Roman Heritage and Historic Sites Istria is located very close to Italy, and you bet there is going to be a lot of Roman influence throughout the history. Here are some of the most famous Roman buildings in Istria:
Pula Arena : The most famous building and a landmark of Pula. A Roman amphitheater that comes close to the Colosseum in Rome.Arch of the Sergii and Temple of Augustus : Other famous Roman sites in Pula.Brijuni National Park : Former summer residence of Tito, now a national park with a mix of nature and historic relics.
5. Outdoor Activities and Nature The outdoor adventures are the part we love when it comes to any destination in the world. Just like the rest of Croatia, Istria has some excellent options for outdoor enthusiasts:
Cycling and hiking trails that pass through vineyards, forests, and along the coast of Istria.Beaches : Though beaches in Istria are not as famous as the ones in southern parts of Croatia, the sea is very clear and perfect for swimming.Diving : Perfect for exploring underwater wrecks and reefs.Brijuni and Učka Nature Parks : Great places for day trips and wildlife spotting.Rock Climbing: Istria also has some great rock climbing sites, such as Vela Draga.Kayaking: Our favorite coastal exploration activity, kayaking in Istria, is one of the best water-based activities.
6. Laid-back Atmosphere If you compare Istria with the southern coast of Croatia, Istria feels somewhat more relaxed and less crowded , even in peak summer months. As such, it’s the perfect destination for travelers looking for authenticity, culture, and serenity.
7. Italian Influence We already mentioned this a few times in this article. Because of its history under Venetian rule, Istria has a strong Italian influence that is visible in the architecture, cuisine, language, and lifestyle. Many towns in Istria are bilingual (Croatian and Italian), which further adds to the unique identity of this region.
8. Easy Access Finally, Istria is well connected with many other places in Croatia, and it’s very easy to reach. Many say that Istria is the car destination of Croatia because of the many visitors from the nearby countries like Slovenia, Austria, and Germany. If you’re visiting Slovenia, Istria is a great day trip.
Close to airports in Pula , Rijeka , or even Trieste or Venice in Italy.
Excellent roads call you to rent a car and explore Istria at your own pace.
Istria is a great starting point for a larger Adriatic adventure or a perfect place for a relaxed holiday in one region.
Final Thoughts: Is Istria Worth Visiting? There’s no doubt about it, Istria is worth visiting
Enjoy your experience of Istria!
