– Visit –

Currently a top seller in Croatia, The

Female Camping Urinating Device





2. MOTOVUN



Explore the countryside and join the Film Festival





Motovun is located on top of a steep hill and a staircase of 1052 steps. This medieval town is surrounded by a walkable wall, and from the top there’s a view over vineyards and forests. If you’re an early bird and like sunrises, get up at 5 or 6 am and enjoy a view like on the first photo below.



I really liked Motovun although it is very small (only around 500 inhabitants) and there’s not much to do except relaxing, enjoying food and taking day trips. But I guess that’s what ‘going to the countryside’ is all about, no?



* Note that the hill is quite steep and narrow so some cars have difficulties ascending.







– Visit – The honey tastings in Livade (at the end of the hill)



Church of St. Stephen



Loggia Restaurant in Oprtalj



Walk on the city walls



Motovun film festival (It usually lasts 5-6 days in late July or early August)







3. VRSAR

Indulge in romance and the town of Casanova



One of the other highlights of Istria is Vrsar; a cute little fishermen’s village located between Pula and Rovinj. The town has more than 2,000 years of historical heritage and is home to several biking and hiking trails. In the 18th century, the famous Italian adventurer and seducer Giacomo Casanova visited Vrsar twice – in 1743 and 1744 – and he wrote about those visits in his memoirs.



Once a year, the city celebrates Casanovafest, a festival of love and erotica. In 2015, it was held in June.











– Visit – Old Romanesque gate



Casanovafest (in late June, but check the local website for future dates)



The romantic view points in the old town of Vrsar



Basilica of St. Mary of the Sea





Old Romanesque gateCasanovafest (in late June, but check the local website for future dates)The romantic view points in the old town of VrsarBasilica of St. Mary of the Sea





4. VODNJAN

Great olive oil tasting and ancient mummies



In the past, Vodnjan was an important urban center, making it an interesting destination for those interested in architecture and history. In the old part of town, there are many buildings from different periods: Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, and you can find mummies of saints in the churches.



Vodnjan is also the perfect place for olive oil tastings and for seeing traditional stone cottages (kažun), which used to be built by farmers to provide shelter from extreme weather situations.











– Visit – Relics and mummified saints in the churches



Olive oil tasting (I recommend Brist)



Traditional stone cottages



The Eko muzej Relics and mummified saints in the churchesOlive oil tasting (I recommend Brist)Traditional stone cottagesThe Eko muzej









5. ROVINJ

Beautiful coastal town



Rovinj’s old town is the most impressive and charming part of town. Aside from the smooth, shiny marble cobblestone streets and pastel-colored houses, this part of Rovinj is renowned for its beautiful Venetian architecture.



Rovinj is just as beautiful as I had hoped, and with its romantic marble streets, charming medieval houses and tasty cuisine, it might just be my top highlights in Istria.











– Visit – Rovinj Old Town



The Marina



The church



Climb the church tower



Stay at Lone Hotel

Rovinj Old TownThe MarinaThe churchClimb the church towerStay at Lone Hotel













6. RABAC

Hit the beach

Only 3 km from Labin, you’ll find Rabač – a true Istrian paradise with LOVELY pebbly beaches and crystal clear waters. It’s a must-visit if you’re in Labin and the perfect place for snorkeling, swimming and diving. You can see all kinds of fish and enormous jelly fish. The riviera offers several coffee shops, dining experiences and lovely ice cream. Some of the villas on the hills are known to be luxurious. Only 3 km from Labin, you’ll find Rabač – a true Istrian paradise with LOVELY pebbly beaches and crystal clear waters. It’s a must-visit if you’re in Labin and the perfect place for snorkeling, swimming and diving. You can see all kinds of fish and enormous jelly fish. The riviera offers several coffee shops, dining experiences and lovely ice cream. Some of the villas on the hills are known to be luxurious.











– Visit – The beach



Take the tourist train



Go snorkeling or diving



Eat ice cream along the beautiful riviera The beachTake the tourist trainGo snorkeling or divingEat ice cream along the beautiful riviera







7. POREC

A UNESCO site and party hub

The ancient Roman town of Poreč has become one of the highlights of Istria. In the summer, it’s the party hub of the peninsula and therefore not the place for a quiet getaway. Poreč has a lot to offer in terms of history, and together with the Byzantine mosaics at Euphrasian Basilica and the tower of Poreč, sites like Pentagonal and the Round tower are not to be missed.







– Visit – The Euphrasian Basilica (UNESCO world heritage site)



Temple of Neptune



Marafor, an ancient roman square



Decumanus and Cardo Maximus streets



Cave Baredine (The largest cave in Istria, not too far from Porec) The ancient Roman town of Poreč has become one of the highlights of Istria. In the summer, it’s the party hub of the peninsula and therefore not the place for a quiet getaway. Poreč has a lot to offer in terms of history, and together with the Byzantine mosaics at Euphrasian Basilica and the tower of Poreč, sites like Pentagonal and the Round tower are not to be missed.The Euphrasian Basilica (UNESCO world heritage site)Temple of NeptuneMarafor, an ancient roman squareDecumanus and Cardo Maximus streetsCave Baredine (The largest cave in Istria, not too far from Porec)







8. PULA

Enjoy the history

Ah, Pula. This town was founded 3,000 years ago (can you believe that!) and is known for its Arena; one of the best-preserved amphitheaters in the world. Pula seems to accommodate everyone’s needs: beautiful beaches, colorful reefs and diving spots, culture, great food and history.



A stroll through the city takes you past ancient Roman architecture like the Temple of Augustus, the Triumphal Arch of the Sergi, Hercules’ Gate and Twin Gates, Arena and Small Roman Theatre. Pula is the largest city in Istria.





– Visit – The arena



Temple of Augustus



Triumphal Arch of Sergius



Cathedral of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin



Diving at Pješčana Uvala, and the islets Fraškerić and Veruda. Ah, Pula. This town was founded 3,000 years ago (can you believe that!) and is known for its Arena; one of the best-preserved amphitheaters in the world. Pula seems to accommodate everyone’s needs: beautiful beaches, colorful reefs and diving spots, culture, great food and history.A stroll through the city takes you past ancient Roman architecture like the Temple of Augustus, the Triumphal Arch of the Sergi, Hercules’ Gate and Twin Gates, Arena and Small Roman Theatre. Pula is the largest city in Istria.The arenaTemple of AugustusTriumphal Arch of SergiusCathedral of the Assumption of the Holy VirginDiving at Pješčana Uvala, and the islets Fraškerić and Veruda.

St. Pelagio and St. Maxim’s Parish Church bell towerThe town wallsThe beachNovigrad marina