What to do and see in Istria, Croatia

Istria is indeed a feast for the eyes. Its streams flow to the sea through deep valleys and gullies which bring to mind the ancient local myths about giants. Rolling hills overlook the fields and valleys with little towns perched on the peaks, recalling some old paintings. The view is splendid: white-topped mountains, lush wheat fields, plateaux, valleys, vineyards and olive groves on hillsides, and, finally the sea.

Arts and culture

Taking a walk along the magical paths of the rich and tempestuous past, you will arrive at a noble interchange of civilisations on a piece of land whose cultural arboretum has been settled from the time of the Histrians, Celts, Romans and Lombards, over Byzantine,…

City of Rovinj

On the beautiful west coast of Istria, just underneath the Lim canal is the most romantic place in the Mediterranean! The town of Rovinj-Rovigno is the right destination for all of you who long for a sentimental atmosphere of the times long lost.

City of Rovinj

Arena in Pula

The Arena in Pula is the most important Roman monument in Istria and one of the best preserved amphitheatres in the world.

Arena in Pula

Roman street layout in Poreč

Present day Poreč, and Parentium in the past, has a regular, orthogonal street layout as did most ancient Roman towns. In case of Poreč, its layout has been preserved.

Roman street layout in Poreč

National park Brijuni

Brijuni consist of 14 islands and islets, among which the biggest is Veliki Brijun. Except its beautiful nature, the archipelago has numerous dinosaur footprints. It was declared the national park as well.

National park Brijuni

Underground tunnels – Zerostrasse

The underground tunnels of Pula, Zerostrasse, stretch below almost entire Pula. They were built during the WW1 for sheltering people in case of air raids.

Underground tunnels – Zerostrasse in Pula

Cave Baredine

Visit the underworld the Baredine Cave. This cave is a treasure chest of stalagmites and stalactites, underworld sculptures created through time by the patient work of water.

Cave Baredine

Motovun

In the northern part of Istria, overlooking the Mirna River valley, lies surely the most famous and attractive Istrian medieval town of Motovun-Montona. This captivating hilltop town is one of the characteristic symbols of the Istrian interior.

Motovun

Festinsko kraljevstvo – Kingdom of Festini

The cave Kingdom of Festini surely stands out by its natural beauties. Upon entering the cave, first you hear the harmonious sound of drops that from times immemorial have been creating magnificent underground jewellery reflected in the reservoir lakes below.

Festinsko kraljevstvo – Kingdom of Festini

Grožnjan

During those few summer months Grožnjan-Grisignana lives and breathes art and the labyrinth of its little streets become one great stage on which are constantly interchanging the sounds of jazz and classical music, guitar and piano, violin and cello, drum and vibraphone…

Grožnjan

Wine roads of Istria

What has made Istria a synonym for good wine? Man’s hard work, naturally, but first of all natural features that guarantee high-quality grapes. Those are position, soil, climate and relief, since each contributes to a certain extent to the charm of good wine.

Matošević Winery

Some call it business; we call it winemaking, the adventure in which we have dared to put our hearts on top of all the rules and regulations. Over and over again, for more than fifteen years now.

Matošević Winery

Kozlović Winery

Philosophy of our family is based on togetherness which is preserved through generations. We have always followed same goal and worked on it with diligence and serious dedication.

Kozlović Winery

Meneghetti Winery

Built of white Istrian stone, the same one that glitters like lace on St.Marcus’ Square in Venice, Stancija Meneghetti is harmoniously incorporated into the central part of an ample, cultivated space, like an island in the sea of peace and green foliage.

Meneghetti Winery

Degrassi Moreno

White wines have been equally present in his cellar and he has won diverse awards for both, so if we take into account his entire assortment, we might conclude that Degrassi is perhaps the most heterogeneous winemaker in Istria

Degrassi Moreno

San Tommaso Winery

Winery’s location is an ideal one; it is situated in beautiful Istrian landscape on a 150-years old estate, which used to be a home to a landowner who was always involved in winemaking and who passed on all his love and knowledge to his loved-ones.

San Tommaso Winery

Misal Sparkling wines

MISAL sparkling wines are our strenght and pride, the essence that binds our past, present and future. In MISAL sparkling wines we have been given a legacy to nourish, love and evolve with. MISAL is the best we have to offer to the world.

Misal Sparkling wines

Gastronomy

San Rocco – gourmet

Located in Brtonigla. Specialties: salt-crusted potato, yolk and white Istrian truffle

San Rocco – gourmet

Zigante

Located in Livade. Specialties: pasta with fresh truffle- Truffle ice cream

Zigante

Mediterraneo Secret Garden

Located in Rovinj. Super friendly staff and isolated from the city madness. it’s a nice place to relax. and the garden part of the terrace is a magic.

Mediterraneo Secret Garden

Restaurant Mediterraneo, Hotel Monte Mulini

Hotel Monte Mulini’s elegant restaurant Mediterraneo is inspired by Mediterranean cooking with the local ingredients that the landscape can offer us, whilst highlighting an array of fresh fish and seafood straight from our fishermen. Its interior design is modern and offers a beautiful view of the Adriatic Sea and the colourful Lone Bay in Rovinj, Croatia.

Restaurant Mediterraneo, Hotel Monte Mulini

Konoba Kantinon

Discover the world of local fishermen and enjoy original Rovinj cuisine inspired by the lore of the sea. The Kantinon menu features old recipes prepared from the freshest ingredients, just how grandma used to make.

Konoba Kantinon

San Servolo Beer & Steakhouse

In last two decades, Istria developed into one of the most desired and well-known gastronomy destinations in Southeastern Europe. Numerous well-known specialities of this peculiar traditional cuisine – such as truffles, wild asparagus, “boscarin” beef, lamb, dried ham and homemade cheese – can be tasted in San Servolo restaurant. However, the basis of our gastro offer are meat specialities and recipes that include beer – hence the name Beer & Steakhouse.

San Servolo Beer & Steakhouse

Restaurant Monte

The cool, contemporary style of this softly lit, romantic restaurant comes as a contrast to the old town, in whose enchanting lanes it is hidden. Creative and occasionally theatrical, the cooking is also somewhat of a surprise using modern techniques to create beautifully presented, flavour-filled dishes.

Restaurant Monte

Chiavalon Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Istria is one of the world’s northernmost olive tree growing regions, which certainly is our great advantage in the production of high quality olive oil. The secret lies in lower temperatures, thanks to which olive trees have a shorter vegetation period and the oil accumulation in its fruit begins later than in southern regions.

Chiavalon Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Family restaurant Tikel, Špinovci

From the tavern, surrounded with the greenness of nature, there is a unique view of the valley, the green Istrian hills and the famous medieval town Motovun. The experience of this magical place becomes complete by tasting the traditional local specialties and carefully formed local wines.

Family restaurant Tikel, Špinovci

La Grisa Restaurant

La Grisa restaurant is located in the picturesque stone town of Bale as a part of the La Grisa hotel. It offers a great variety of authentic dishes which perfectly match with carefully selected wines. Wine tasting from the wine cellar with the range of eighty labels is mandatory for all wine connoisseurs.

La Grisa Restaurant

VelaNera

First class Mediterranean & International cuisine, with a sparkle of Istrian style.

VelaNera

Entertainment

Zip-line Pazinska jama

Pazin Cave is a natural phenomenon caused by a river Pazinčica. Hole of Pazin Cave is situated below the 100 meter high cliffs while the underground part is approx. 270 meters long and ends with a lake.

Zip-line Pazinska jama

Escape Castle Svetvinčenat

Put together a team of 2-5 players and decipher codes and discover hidden objects, clues, secret left by a mysterious knight and the final code with which you will successfully pull the sword out of the rock.

Escape Castle Svetvinčenat

Underwater Park Verudela

The beauties of the Istrian coast are known far and wide, and it is now possible to learn more about Istria’s underwater world in a simple, fun and unusual way too. The Verudela Underwater Park is a unique experience that does not require special preconditions, just the desire for new experiences.

Underwater Park Verudela

Istralandia Aquapark

Experience a refreshing adventure at the second best water park in Europe and treat yourself and your family with the most unforgettable adventure.

Istralandia Aquapark

Dolphin Watching Rovinj

Each boat journey is accompanied by experienced guides – local dolphin whisperers who are in tune with these playful sea creatures, giving you insider access to their fascinating world.

Dolphin Watching Rovinj

Spectacvla Antiqva

See almost real gladiator’s fights in Arena Pula!

Spectacvla Antiqva

Aeropark Vrsar

Providing panoramic flights over Istria or flights to Venice, at the Aero park, you can visit old planes exhibition which is open all year round. It is the only museum in Europe that offers to enter planes with open cockpit to all visitors.

Aeropark Vrsar

Ranch Barba Tone

With expert guidance and experienced horses, you will fully satisfy your desire for recreation while at the same time with adventure. In the nature trekking program, Ranch Barba Tone for its esteemed guests organizes lunch in unique ambience with Istrian specialties and wine tasting.

Ranch Barba Tone

Adrenaline Park Glavani

All those who are brave enough (or feel they want to be brave), regardless of their age, will enjoy swinging in the trees. For you have prepared three routes – yellow, blue and black, each taller and heavier than the previous ones, and as a great bonus blue and black routes eventually end up with a 113-foot zip line.

Adrenaline Park Glavani

Truffle hunting in Buzet

Any time of day or night is suitable for truffle hunting. One can never know when truffles will release their magical scent, which makes truffle hunting always unique and adventurous.

Truffle hunting in Buzet