Sightseeing in charming medieval towns, romantic walks by the sea, enjoying delicious delicacies, sports adventures… There are also the most beautiful sunsets, the best olive oil, seductive wine drops and magnificent truffles. If you are wondering where to go on a trip to Istria, the largest and, according to many, the most beautiful Croatian peninsula, we bring you ingenious places that you must visit!
Grožnjan – a charming town where history can be encountered at every step
Less than an hour away from the most famous beaches, on a lovely hill in the interior of Istria, nestles the medieval town of Grožnjan – the city of artists and music. Pass through the stone city gates and step into a completely different world and feel a touch of the past, where the main means of transportation is the bicycle, and the official currency is the love of art. Its streets are like an open-air gallery. Grožnjan especially comes alive before summer and in July and August itself, when music academies for young people, art, dance and drama workshops, painting interventions are held there…
Rovinj – colorful houses, narrow streets and small squares that leave a mark
Rovinj is the most romantic Istrian town. A city of colorful facades where almost every house has its own story to tell. The charming old part of the city, the alleys and houses that touch the sea, the beaches and the archipelago of islets delight numerous tourists and local visitors. They say that the beauty of Rovinj often leaves a deep mark, so the connection with it stretches back for generations. The success of this city is not measured only in the last few years, its streets hide interesting stories from ancient history. According to archaeological findings, Rovinj was inhabited in prehistoric times, and the old town center began to develop in the 3rd century. The panorama of the city is dominated by the bell tower of the church of St. Euphemia. It is one of the most beautiful representatives of baroque architecture in Istria, from which you can enjoy the beauty of Rovinj, and sometimes, in good weather, you can see the Alps as well.
Motovun – the most famous movie hill in Croatia
Motovun is the most famous movie hill in Croatia and owes its wider popularity to the film festival that has been bringing thousands of tourists to its streets for years. But even without the festival it was discovered by lovers of peaceful village life and preserved Mediterranean architecture. The picturesque view of the small town amazes even as you approach it from a distance, and when you finally enter its streets, smell the aromas of truffles from phenomenal local restaurants, it will conquer you forever.
The city of Pula – full of preserved Roman buildings
The largest city in Istria is not the administrative center of the largest Croatian peninsula – it is Pazin. However, regardless of this bureaucratic detail, many consider Pula to be one of the most famous and most beautiful cities in Istria. Pula is home to incredible architecture, and the most famous of the historical buildings is the Pula Arena. Every sightseeing starts from it, but it is certainly not the only thing this beautiful city has to offer its visitors! If you want a little help, “shalabakhter” when sightseeing in Pula, it’s not a bad idea to get on the tourist bus that leaves in front of the Arena during the season, and which passes by all important city locations, some of which are not always within easy reach. You will pass by the Naval Cemetery on Stoja, see the gallery of the Sacred Heart on De Ville’s Ascent, castles, underground tunnels and hear a story about everything on the audio guide. It is a good base to find your way around the area and decide what you want to get to know more closely.
Hum – the smallest city in the world
One of the most famous legends says that the giants built cities in the valley of the Mirna river, and they threw the stones they had left on top of the hill and that’s how Hum was born. Today, it is best known as the “smallest city in the world” with only about 30 inhabitants. Get lost in its stone streets, try some of the famous brandies for which it is famous, especially bisque, and you can also visit the Glagolitic Alley, which starts in Roč and ends exactly in Hum after seven kilometers.
Fažana – near Brijuni
Known since the Roman days for its former amphora factory, the rich history of Fažana also gave it a picturesque old town center where the parish churches of St. Kuzma and St. Damian are located, whose history dates back to the 15th century. In addition to beautiful churches, beautiful squares, stone-paved alleys and terraced houses contribute to its charm, and it is certainly worth mentioning the Fažana riviera, which abounds in beautiful beaches and numerous cultural and musical events, the most famous of which is the folk “Sardine Festival”. Known since the Roman days for its former amphora factory, the rich history of Fažana also gave it a picturesque old town center where the parish churches of St. Kuzma and St. Damian are located, whose history dates back to the 15th century. In addition to beautiful churches, its charm is also contributed by beautiful squares, stone-paved alleys and terraced houses, and it is certainly worth mentioning the Fažana Riviera, which is full of beautiful beaches and numerous cultural and musical manifestations, the most famous of which is the folk “Sardine Festival”.
Rabac – the most beautiful place on the east coast of Istria
Recognizing the beauty of its lagoons and untouched nature, Rabac turned from a small fishing village into the tourist lifeblood of the east coast of Istria and became the pearl of Kvarner. In addition to the picturesque beaches from which it is difficult to take your eyes off, the surroundings and hinterland of Rabac offer equally beautiful greenery that invites exploration. For those who want to get to know the imposing architecture, the main city gate of Saint Flor from the 16th century, as well as the folk museum, which was formerly a baroque palace, are a must. It is certainly worth mentioning the numerous cultural and entertainment events and festivals that take place in Rabac: from electronics, traditional and klapa music to folk festivals, this small place offers something for everyone.
