Istria is a place full of tradition, authentic experiences, enticing gastronomy, a tourist-developed coast with clear sea and a rich history of the interior, which is abundant in greenery… On the coast of Istria there are picturesque Mediterranean towns, while the interior of Istria is recognizable by hills with fairy-tale towns on the tops. While discovering the most beautiful places in Istria, rest in the wonderful Villa Magnifica. Spend quality time with your loved ones in the heart of Istria at Villa Magnifica and create memories that will surely not fade soon.
Read more: Explore the unexplored jewel of Istria and rest in a beautiful villa!
Seven Waterfalls Trail – the most beautiful Istrian promenade
There are trails and there are those trails that everyone talks about, and the seven waterfalls trail in Istria is definitely one of those trails. Adjectives such as “the most beautiful”, “the most attractive” and “the most famous” hiking trail in Istria are associated with it. This is why it attracts an extremely large number of hikers, nature lovers and families. There is something calming about the forest of water and the view of the picturesque waterfalls where the water breaks into thousands of drops as it falls from a height into the trough.
And when you can visit as many as seven such beautiful waterfalls in one trip, it’s no wonder that the destination becomes an unmissable and favorite destination in all of Croatia! And that is exactly what can be said about the most beautiful Istrian promenade, which follows the most beautiful parts of the Mirna river and its tributaries, and has become a must-see destination for all lovers of waterfalls, walking and natural phenomena that line up one after the other. The trail of seven waterfalls is about 15 kilometers long and is circular, which means that you start on one side of the river and return to the beginning on the other. If it’s too many kilometers for you, don’t give up on the excursion: start on one side and return to the beginning when you think you’ve had enough.
Kotli – a popular picnic spot in the interior of Istria
Kotli is one of the most famous attractions in the interior of Istria, an old village with stone houses known for “kotli” – water-shaped, cauldron-shaped depressions in the rock. The entire village is a protected rural environment, best known for the old mill that still stands the test of time and preserved courts, ballads, vaults and picturesque chimneys. Many call this place a place of peace and enjoyment, an Istrian oasis that attracts visitors with its unforgettable nature.
The village of Kotli, which is located near the town of Hum, has been abandoned for 40 years, but it is a favorite destination for nature lovers, so you will rarely see this place without people. If you get hungry, be sure to visit the Kotlić Tavern, which, in addition to offering a fantastic view, also offers excellent Istrian dishes, such as prosciutto, cow’s cheese with truffles, and the unmissable homemade pasta with beef goulash and, of course, truffles. Kotli is definitely one of the must-see destinations in Istria, and provides an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Brijuni – the only national park in Istria
Brijuni National Park is one of the most beautiful and famous Croatian national parks, an oasis of magnificent harmony between man and nature that attracts thousands of tourists every year. Regardless of whether you decide to enjoy the heavenly nature of Brijuni just for a day or plan a multi-day visit, we are sure that the uniqueness of this place will delight you. Find peace while walking along the photogenic pine tree line, forget about the hustle and bustle of the city in the Mediterranean Garden or awaken the explorer in you and take a peek at the charms of the underwater path.
Nature lovers will enjoy the natural riches of the most diverse Istrian archipelago, and history and architecture lovers will be delighted by historical events and events from the ancient past. Tito’s Cadillac is also located on Brijuni, one of the most interesting attractions on the island, and it is possible to rent it. The legend of Brijuna is Koki, the famous Tito’s parrot, one of the rare examples of yellow-crested cockatoos that live up to 100 years. Koki knows how to attract the attention of visitors, talks, shows off, and sometimes even wants to shake hands. This parrot certainly knows many secrets of Brijuna, and almost all famous visitors to the islands (eg Princess Caroline of Monaco, actor John Malkovich) have been photographed with him.
St. Šimun’s Trail – an ideal trip for the whole family
A trail that is ideal for families with children and beginners, as well as those who just want to persuade them to fall in love with walking. It is circular, 8.9 kilometers, and starts in Gračišće. On its route, you will come across a series of incredible viewpoints, churches, and natural phenomena, among which the most impressive is the Sopot waterfall. This miracle of nature, where the water flows almost vertically down the rocks, will leave you breathless, so be sure to plan a break there to take photos and enjoy the view.
Parenzana bicycle path – a path of health and friendship
The Istrian peninsula is criss-crossed by numerous paths, and one of the most popular is the Parenzana bicycle path – a former railway that operated from 1902 to 1935. With its 123 kilometers, passing through Croatia, Slovenia and Italy, Parenzana connects Poreč and Trieste. Formerly a narrow-gauge railway, today it is a track for cyclists and pedestrians that takes you on a journey through beautiful valleys, past green hills and right up to medieval towns, through vineyards and along olive groves. Its uniqueness is also reflected in the numerous tunnels and impressive viaducts – real masterpieces of the infrastructural architecture of the time.
