There is so much to do and see in the relatively small region of Istria on the northern Adriatic Coast. Visit the area for its natural beauty, beaches, history or world-famous food and experience the holiday of a lifetime!
Rabac brings together the best of Istria’s blue and green landscapes – sea breezes and the scent of salt meld with rolling hills and rocky outcrops giving you a wealth of holiday opportunities, peace and quiet, beachfront lounging or adventure and action. A holiday in Rabac puts numerous possibilities at your fingertips and your only task is to decide which you will combine to make your holiday a memorable one.
This sleepy fishing village on the rocky eastern coast of Istria has over the past fifty years become a vibrant town with pristine beaches and lush Mediterranean vegetation.
A vibrant town centre offering food and wine delights - enjoy a cappuccino while watching the harbour or dinner with family as the sun sets over the sea – Rabac brings together pleasure and beauty.
www.istra.hr/rabacLocal beaches are equipped with deck-chair and parasol rental services and offer the possibility of renting various sports equipment. Rabac’s beaches are known for their crystal-clear waters and exceptional quality, for which they have been awarded the Blue Flag for Sea Quality.
Beaches also host numerous classes and activities for all ages. Ask about special programs for children and seniors too! In addition, lifeguards are on duty throughout the day, ensuring your safety as you and your loved ones splash in the deep blue.
www.istra.hr/beaches-in-rabacThroughout its history Labin, located only a few kilometres from Rabac, has been a city of open-minded artists and hardworking labourers. The summer months are filled with special events for visitors including music, educational and art festivals, bringing visitors to the small villages that surround Labin itself. Take some time to research the events going on during your visit, or plan your visit around the interesting events the area has to offer and fill your days on holiday with interesting and inspiring events.
Labin’s hilltop old town is filled with hidden art galleries and studios but also quirky cafes and restaurants. Owing to its history as a mining centre, you can also visit the City Museum which boasts a one-of-a-kind replica of a mine shaft, the only one of its kind in this part of Europe. Descend into the bowels of the Earth and experience the lives of miners from centuries’ past were like.
www.croatia.hr/365The Romans spent their leisure hours in the Pula Amphitheatre, and the summer concert and film schedule in the Pula Amphitheatre, the Arena, allows visitors to do the same. World-famous artists and music festivals are organised every summer, as well as the annual Pula Film Festival which brings together films from all over the world turning the Arena into a movie theatre you will never forget.
www.pulainfo.hrThis hilltop walled-in city appears before your eyes as if it was a fairy tale come true. Home to the magical Istrian white truffle and boasting breath taking views of the valley below, Motovun is a city you will carry forever in your heart. Visit during the annual Motovun Film Festival and enjoy independent films under the stars in this very special town.
www.tz-motovun.hrThe mighty Mirna River’s source is in Kotli, a magical village of pools, waterfalls and rapids famous for its now abandoned water-mills. A perfect morning or afternoon excursion, you can dip your toes in the chilly Mirna River and enjoy a meal at Kotli’s restaurant, serving up local dishes. Istrian legend says that giants come to sleep here, so watch your step!
www.tz-buzet.hrHigh above the Opatija Riviera stretches Učka Mountain, the highest point of the Čićarija Range, which separates Istria from the rest of Croatia. A protected nature park, Učka offers trekking and bike paths, restaurants with local mountain delicacies and in the colder months, winter delights with a sea-view. Spend a day in this very special park getting in touch with nature or participating in sports like hang-gliding or off-road adventures.
www.pp-ucka.hrTake a trip into the past and the underground world once inhabited only by brave miners. Labin’s City Museum offers a unique exhibit of artefacts and stories from centuries past, telling the tale of this region, shaped by its mines and miners. Peer into the bowels of the Earth in a unique model of mine shaft, the only one of its kind in this part of Europe.
www.istra.hrNestled in the north-west corner of Istria, this town of stone buildings and rolling hills has become synonymous with artists, musicians, poets, sculptors and creatives the world over. Festivals, workshops and open air exhibits in all languages and genres fill the summer months with a vibrant passion for creation that will get your creative juices flowing and inspire you for months to come.
www.tz-groznjan.hrThe cradle of Croatian tourism, where Austrian nobles came to frolic as early as the eighteenth century, Opatija breathes a certain Hapsburg prestige in every corner of its promenades and architecture. Enjoy a creamy coffee at an Austrian-style café and treat yourself to a world-class pastry or stroll the high street’s designer shops, listening to the notes of street musicians, the perfect way to spend a warm summer evening.
www.visitopatija.netIn the heart of Poreč, Croatia’s most awarded tourist city hides a UNESCO protected world heritage site famous for its mosaics and frescoes. Visit the Basilica during high mass or just to see its unique architecture, arches and columns, or perhaps time your visit during a chamber music concert or Istra InSpirit historical re-enactment, there are always things to see and do in Poreč.
www.croatia.hrLegend says that Hum was built on the stones left over after giants constructed the towns in the Mirna River Valley. Known for glagolitihic architecture, visitors can visit the Avenue of the Glagolithics, a path of stone sculptures of the old glagolithic script once used in the area. The twenty-odd inhabitants of this tiny city prepared a City Statute, by-laws and has chosen a Prefect-For-A-Year annually for generations.
www.coloursofistria.comArriving by sea or by land, the Old Town of Rovinj presents itself surrounded by beautiful blue sea and crowned with a hilltop bell tower. Fishing boats in the harbour and local architecture with Venetian flavour provide a romantic backdrop for memorable days and nights in this very special city. Enjoy a candlelight dinner or evening stroll through the narrow streets with an ice cream cone in hand stopping in to see the many artists’ studios on Grisia Street.
www.tzgrovinj.hrAustrian nobility were the first to discover the beauty of this archipelago of islands located off the coast of Pula in southern Istria, and since then international celebrities and politicians have been flocking here to rest and play. Explore this National Park by bike or on foot, swim in the crystal-blue seas and observe the exotic animals that call the islands home. You can also catch a production by the world-famous Ulysses Theatre during the summer months.
www.np-brijuni.hrThis protected natural area is home to numerous traditional shellfish farms and is the perfect place to try the freshest mussels and oysters. Dotted with caves that lead you into the world of stalactites and stalagmites, you can enjoy the cooler temperatures underground. Local producers sell their wares above the valley, dotted with special wooden structures offering stunning views of the coastlines of Rovinj and Poreč.
www.istra.netIstrian cuisine was recently put “on the map” yet again by American chef Anthony Bourdain, although he was not the first to recognise the potential Istria offers. Many local restaurants boast Michelin stars and international awards, melding their dishes with quality local wines. Find out what is in season during your visit and treat yourself to a meal to remember at one of Istria’s fine restaurants.
This shellfish delicacy is a staple of Croatian maritime cuisine and is best tasted at Astarea, an award-winning restaurant that serves only fish prepared on an open hearth.
Istria’s pungent white truffle is valuable and rare, and tastes best in the region it grows in, prepared by experienced chefs. Try it over pasta or in an omelette, your tastebuds will thank you.
Specially seasoned with local herbs and spices and dried in the cold north wind, the bura, Istrian cured ham is a salty treat that melds perfectly with local cheeses and wines.
Istrian wines are finally gaining the recognition they deserve on the international wine scene. Try indigenous varieties during your stay like white Malvazija, deep red Teran or sweet white Muškat.
Some of the world’s best and most recognised olive oils are produced in Istria. Taste while you are here and take a bottle of Istria home with you.
Baking specialties under an earthenware or cast iron bell on an open hearth is one of the oldest methods of preparing food in the region. Try lamb, veal, octopus or seabass prepared with this special method.
Well-known American chef, TV personality and travel writer, author of the Emmy Award winning show “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” visited Croatia recently and left absolutely aghast that it had taken him eight seasons of his famous TV show to discover the culinary gem that is Istria. Follow him on his journey where he spends significant time in Istria tasting oysters, mussels, the distinguished white truffle and other fish and meat dishes.
