Trips to Istria (county)

Along Croatia's northern coast, the ancient fishing villages are like pearls on a string, filled with historical landmarks. In Istria, you'll encounter cobblestone streets, tall church towers, picturesque squares, and colorful houses inspired by Venetian palaces.

Cliffs, Coves, and Snorkeling

The climate in Istria is pleasant, with up to ten hours of sunshine per day in July and August. The beaches are mostly rocky and pebbly, with some featuring constructed bathing terraces. Many pools are filled with seawater, but freshwater pools are also available.

Istralandia – Fun for the Entire Family

Swap the beach and hotel pools for Istria's first major water park, "Istralandia." The park offers an extraordinary range of adventures with no less than 20 water slides. There is a large parking area and several fast-food outlets for your convenience.

Shopping, Leisure, or Active Holiday

In Istria, you’ll find a delightful mix of crocheted doilies, various wooden souvenirs, jewelry in all forms, olive oil, cheese, and strong local drinks made with various herbs. Local markets are held in several locations along the coast and inland, offering a fun experience. A visit to the charming village of Groznjan, an artists' colony with exhibitions and excellent food, is a must. It’s also reputedly home to the best truffles and olive oil in Istria.

There are many galleries along Istria’s coast, well worth a short trip. Even more artists exhibit their work on the streets, squares, and harbor or along the promenade. Those interested in contemporary art should visit the outdoor exhibition Forma Viva in the village of Dubrova, a few kilometers from Labin. There are plenty of sports activities both on land and water, mostly run privately and typically not affiliated with the holiday resorts. Several of our hotels and holiday resorts have started offering various activity programs, providing a wide range of options for both adults and children.

Excursions - Gondolas, Caves, and National Parks

If you’re staying in Istria, you can also experience Venice, perhaps as a day trip by boat. The famous Postojna Caves and the Lipica horse stud farm in Slovenia are just a comfortable car ride away. Boat trips to the Brijuni Islands, now a national park with wildlife from around the world, are popular. The islands were once playgrounds for the political elite.

During your vacation, you must not miss visiting Pula’s famous Roman amphitheater, one of the largest and best-preserved in the world. If you enjoy peace and quiet in beautiful nature, head to the village of Premantura, south of Pula. This is where the Kamenjak National Park begins, featuring lovely small coves and stunning natural beauty.

The Food is Well-Cooked and Portions Are Generous

Traveling to Istria for your holiday, you’ll be delighted by the many charming, family-run small restaurants, "konoba." The menu includes plenty of pasta, large grilled meat portions, and a wealth of seafood delicacies. Meat dishes are generally priced lower than fish. Vegetables have a short journey from the farm to the table, and here the tomatoes still taste like tomatoes. Hearty soups like minestrone or jota are popular and serve well for lunch. The famous air-dried ham "pršut" is a delicious starter, often enough for two. For seafood lovers, the restaurants in Lim Fjord are a must. Mussels and oysters are farmed at the far end of the little fjord. With a glass of white wine, it becomes a festive meal. Good wine is appreciated by the locals, and wine production here has a long tradition. Best of all, the price level remains a pleasant surprise.

Whether you choose to travel by car or take a low-cost flight, Istria is conveniently located.