Trips to Croatian Coast

Beyond the historic city centers, you'll find modern resorts, a sea of restaurants, trendy bars, and vibrant nightlife. The Istrian Peninsula offers beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, along with a wide range of accommodations including apartments, hotels, and vacation homes.

However, there are parts of Istria that remain undiscovered by many. Just a few kilometers from the coast, you're greeted by rolling hills and fertile plains. Here, you can explore romantic vineyards, hidden villages, and a peaceful serenity. Drive or cycle from the coast to Motovun, a UNESCO-protected medieval village perched on a hill, surrounded by vineyards and orchards. Discover truffles in Groznjan, sample olive oils along the coastal road, and enjoy a landscape so beautiful it resembles a perfect backdrop.

Whether you choose to drive or fly, Istria's location makes it accessible.

Cliffs, Coves, and Fantastic Snorkeling Istria boasts a pleasant climate with up to ten hours of sunshine per day in July and August. The beaches are predominantly rocky and have pebble beaches, as well as constructed sun terraces. Pools are often filled with seawater, but freshwater options are also available.

Istralandia – Fun for the Whole Family Swap the beach and hotel pool for Istria’s first major water park, Istralandia. It offers a fantastic range of adventures with no less than 20 water slides. The park has a large parking area and several fast-food outlets for your convenience. Istralandia is open from June to September, daily from 10.00-19.00.

Shopping, Leisure, or Active Holiday Istria offers a delightful mix of crocheted doilies, various wooden souvenirs, jewelry in all forms, olive oil, cheese, and strong local beverages made from herbs. Local markets are held in several locations along the coast and inland, making for an enjoyable experience. Visit the charming village of Groznjan, an artist's colony with exhibitions, delicious food, and perhaps Istria's best truffles and olive oil. Follow the "Wine Road" or the "Olive Oil Road" to meet small local producers and sample their offerings. Galleries along Istria's coast are worth a short trip, and modern art enthusiasts should visit the outdoor exhibition Forma Viva. Plenty of sports activities are available, both on land and water. Several hotels and resorts offer various activity programs for both adults and children.

Excursions – Gondolas, Caves, and National Parks While vacationing in Istria, you can also experience Venice, perhaps as a day trip by boat. The famous Postojna Caves and the Lipica stud farm in Slovenia are within convenient driving distance. Popular excursions include boat trips to the Brijuni Islands, a national park with wildlife from across the globe and a rich political history. Don't miss Pula's renowned Roman amphitheater, among the largest and best-preserved in the world. If you enjoy tranquility in beautiful nature, head to the village of Premantura, south of Pula. There, you'll find the Kamenjak National Park with lovely coves and stunning natural beauty.

Delicious Cuisine with Generous Portions During your trip to Istria, you'll enjoy many charming family-run restaurants. Menus feature plenty of pasta, grilled meats, and a variety of seafood delights. Vegetables are fresh from the farm, and the tomatoes are especially flavorful. Hearty soups like minestrone or jota make for a perfect lunch. The famous air-dried ham "pršut" is a delightful starter. Seafood lovers ought to visit the restaurants in Limfjorden, where mussels and oysters are farmed. Paired with a glass of white wine, it's a feast. Croatians appreciate good wine, and the region has a long tradition of wine production. Best of all, Istria remains an affordable destination.