Rovinj
On the west coast, just below the Lim canal, Rovinj-Rovigno is one of the most romantic towns in the Mediterranean — the place for anyone who longs for the atmosphere of times long gone.
Istria
A quiet village in the green heart of Istria.
Žužići sits between vineyards and olive groves near Višnjan — inland and peaceful, yet twenty minutes from the sea.
Distances
| Višnjan | 5 km · 6 min |
|---|---|
| Poreč & the sea | 15 km · 20 min |
| Pazin | 17 km |
| Vrsar | 20 km |
| Rovinj | 25 km |
| Pula | 50 km |
| Trieste | 60 km |
| Rijeka | 70 km |
| Ljubljana | 150 km |
| Zagreb | 200 km |
Višnjan has a bakery, butcher, shops, a family restaurant and bars; Poreč has supermarkets, pharmacies, medical care and the beaches.
What to do and see
Istria is a feast for the eyes.
Streams flow to the sea through deep valleys that bring to mind old local myths about giants. Rolling hills look over fields and valleys, with little towns perched on their peaks like old paintings — white-topped mountains, wheat fields, vineyards and olive groves, and finally the sea.
Arts and culture
Histrians, Celts, Romans, Lombards, Byzantines and Venetians all left their mark on this small peninsula — a walk through its towns is a walk through their history.
Arena in Pula
The most important Roman monument in Istria and one of the best preserved amphitheatres in the world.
Roman street layout in Poreč
Present-day Poreč, ancient Parentium, still follows the regular, orthogonal street plan of a Roman town.
Brijuni National Park
Fourteen islands and islets, the largest being Veliki Brijun — beautiful nature and numerous dinosaur footprints.
Zerostrasse, Pula
Tunnels under almost the whole of Pula, built during the First World War to shelter people from air raids.
Baredine Cave
A treasure chest of stalagmites and stalactites — underground sculptures shaped over time by the patient work of water.
Motovun
Overlooking the Mirna valley in the north, Motovun-Montona is the best-known medieval hilltop town and a symbol of inland Istria.
Kingdom of Festini
A cave of rare natural beauty: dripping water has been building its underground jewellery, reflected in the lakes below, since time immemorial.
Grožnjan
In summer Grožnjan-Grisignana lives and breathes art, and its little streets become one stage for jazz and classical music.
Wine roads of Istria
What has made Istria a synonym for good wine? Hard work, of course — but first of all position, soil, climate and relief, which together give high-quality grapes.
Matošević Winery
A winery that treats winemaking as an adventure of the heart, with more than fifteen years of experience.
Kozlović Winery
A family winery built on togetherness preserved through generations, and on diligent, serious dedication.
Meneghetti Winery
Built of white Istrian stone, Stancija Meneghetti sits in the middle of its cultivated estate like an island in a sea of green.
Degrassi Moreno
Award-winning reds and whites — perhaps the most varied winemaker in Istria.
San Tommaso Winery
Set in a beautiful Istrian landscape on a 150-year-old estate whose owners have always made wine.
Misal sparkling wines
Istrian sparkling wines — the house’s strength and pride, linking its past, present and future.
Gastronomy
Truffles, wild asparagus, boškarin beef, prosciutto, cheese, olive oil and fish straight from the boats.
San Rocco, Brtonigla
Gourmet cooking — try the salt-crusted potato with egg yolk and white Istrian truffle.
Zigante, Livade
Pasta with fresh truffle, and even truffle ice cream.
Mediterraneo, Hotel Monte Mulini, Rovinj
Mediterranean cooking with local ingredients and fresh fish, overlooking Lone Bay.
Konoba Kantinon, Rovinj
Original Rovinj cuisine from the world of local fishermen — old recipes, just as grandma used to make them.
San Servolo Beer & Steakhouse
Istrian specialities such as truffles, wild asparagus, boškarin beef and dried ham, alongside meat dishes made with beer.
Restaurant Monte, Rovinj
Creative, beautifully presented modern cooking hidden in the lanes of the old town.
Chiavalon olive oil
Istria is one of the northernmost olive-growing regions in the world — a cooler climate that helps make exceptional oil.
Tikel, Špinovci
A family restaurant with a unique view of the valley and Motovun, serving traditional dishes and local wines.
La Grisa, Bale
Authentic dishes in the stone town of Bale, with a wine cellar of some eighty labels.
VelaNera
Mediterranean and international cuisine with a sparkle of Istrian style.
Adventure and family days out
Zip-line at Pazin Cave
Fly over Pazin Cave, carved by the Pazinčica river below 100-metre cliffs; underground it runs some 270 metres to a lake.
Escape Castle, Svetvinčenat
Teams of two to five crack codes and find the clues left by a mysterious knight to pull the sword from the stone.
Verudela Underwater Park
Discover the underwater world of the Istrian coast in a simple, fun way — no special skills needed.
Istralandia Aquapark
A big water park for a day of slides and pools with the whole family.
Dolphin watching, Rovinj
Boat trips with local guides who know the dolphins of the Rovinj archipelago.
Spectacvla Antiqva, Pula
Gladiator fights brought back to life in the Arena.
Aeropark Vrsar
Panoramic flights over Istria, and a year-round exhibition of old planes you can climb into.
Ranch Barba Tone
Guided horse riding through the countryside, with lunch of Istrian specialities and wine tasting.
Adrenaline Park Glavani
Three tree-top routes of rising difficulty; the hardest two end with a long zip line.
Truffle hunting near Buzet
Truffles can release their scent at any hour of day or night, which makes every hunt unique.