Istria is a large peninsula in Northern Croatia that offers memorable luxury villa holidays, perfect for those who love pretty coastlines, active holidays and excellent food! The stunning Adriatic coast is dotted with the attractive Italianate towns of Rovinj, Pula and Porec, and is a great place to sunbathe, relax or go scuba-diving in the crystal-clear water. You can enjoy some 50 km of beautiful beaches offering scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming, sailing and much more. The dreamlike nature, almost mythical landscapes and gorgeous mediaeval towns of central Istria attract travellers from all over and is the perfect setting for exclusive villa rentals. Central Istria is one of the rare Mediterranean regions adorned with the quality of unspoiled natural landscapes and rich heritage. Numerous coves and hillocks connect and divide many magic-like settlements, creating almost unreal scenery.
There are many activities on offer for all the family, from mountain biking to truffle hunting. Don’t miss the hilltop town of Motovun, famous for truffles and vineyards. Further inland, Istria has an array of islands, mountain ranges perfect for hiking, white-water rafting and hang-gliding. Umag can be traced back all the way to the Roman times and here you will find rustic luxury villas that have been lovingly restored. Umag offers its old-town streets and squares, and numerous paths for easygoing bike rides, horse riding and walks for you to enjoy.
Istria is known for its traditional food that changes seasonally. In spring, taste the exceptionally healthy asparagus. Summer time offers excellent fresh fish, crabs and shellfish. Autumn is truffle time, and in winter, try eating Istrian ombolo (pork marinated in wine, garlic and laurel) and sausages by a fireplace and drinking red wine soup. Delicious!
Poreč is famous for its 100 years of experience in hospitality, be sure not to miss the numerous parties organised in local villages and the town's centre. There are beach clubs, coffee bars, and after midnight you can enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of night bars and discos. Nothing but fun from sunset till sunrise! Porec town, which was formed in the Roman times, even today preserves the rectangular pattern of streets, remains of the Roman temple and the tradition of producing wine and olive oil. The crown of its rich cultural heritage is the Euphrasian Basilica from the 6th century inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.
One of the most 'photogenic' towns in the Mediterranean, the town of Rovinj offers a sentimental atmosphere of the times long lost. Due to the lack of space, houses are closely built, streets are narrow and squares are small, still untouched by modern urbanism giving an enchanting feel to the town. The main Church of St. Euphemia keeps relics of the saint and presents one of the most beautiful Baroque achievements in Istria. From the church plateau there is a wonderful view of the open sea and numerous islets in the distance.
The beauties of Kanfanar area include sacral monuments such as the church of St. Sylvester from the 13th century, the church of St. Mary from Lakuće from the 14th century and the church of St. Agatha from the 10th century, the most important cultural monument of worldwide cultural heritage. The medieval town of Dvigrad is dominated by the remains of the Roman basilica but also the legend on the undiscovered treasure of the British pirate Captain Morgan, Draga as the area of fertile plowfields, wooded slopes and the Mediterranean herbs, Romualdo’s cave as the habitat of three thousand bats or Limski Channel as a protected nature reserve, it is well worth a visit!
Istria Info
Country |
Croatia |
Airports |
Zagreb (ZAG) |
GMT |
+ 2 hours |
Currency |
Kuna |