Istria, magic land that reminds of Tuscany

07.09.2020.

Istria, the largest croatian peninsula located at its North truly deserves title of the magic land. Often underrated (which is also my case) inspite of warmer south and Dalmacija Istria holds the magic of colourful streets, the ancient roman Arena, hilly towns in its interior surrounded by fabulous landscape, fantastic amusement parks and much more. I won’t tell you how the perfect itinerary looks like as I don’t want to ruin your vacation which calls to stay longer at one place, you know yourself what are your possibilities. But I will tell you what not to miss in Istria.

Rovinj

The most charmant town in Istria should be your definite choice. Its colourful streets will take you into the ancient joy of sweetness, into the journey through the cozy, italian twin towns and not only. Menton at the french coast would be the powerful reminiscence also. Built on the hill the center leads to the picturesque church called Eufrazijeva bazilika and wonderful views of the sea embraced by 22 islands. Church which dates at 18. century is the gathering point of various artists.

The county museum vibrates with its red facade.

Aquarium is one of the largest in Europe.

Many camping possibilities make the town very attractive.

This year even the hostel works which is the cheapest place to stay, a bit out of town but very comfortable.

Red island is an elegant and flowery escape to the heart of nature.

Mini Croatia is thematic park dedicated to the most significant croatian landmarks, located in the close proximity of the town and enchants with creativity.

What can decorate the town better than exclusive bugenvilla?

Poreč

Labyrinth of its cobblestone streets captivates not only visually but with many pastries and pizzerias. Poreč has also its own Eufrazijeva bazilika, church with fascinating art. Encircled with hotels just as the center beginns to fade away specially Plava and Zelena laguna Poreč offers fabulous and peaceful beaches.

Just across the city center 5 minutes by boat island St. Nicholas is an easy escape but with high price if you’re not staying there. Not only hotel is the your disposal but lovely castle dating from 1888., once serving also as the escape from plague in 17.th century. Many appartments with their own pool will be a fantastic choice just because of the view.

Poreč bursts with its history that belonged once to Romans, to the Venetians and even the Napoleon and Habsburg family.

Don’t miss the lavender fields among which the largest is the park Histria Aromatica which covers various other fields. Unfortunately, it’s closed this year.

Funtana

Only 7 km to Poreč Funtana with its lovely seaside promenade is the tranquille firework of possibilities.

Dinopark, the large entertainment park dedicated to dinossaurs is the world of its own.

Aquacolours is one of the largest european pool parks where the crocodile can boost your fantasy as well as river pools.

Funtana is enriched with few islands around and one of them bursts attention from the distance with the hut that belongs only to nature. It is truly so as the island linked with the bridge is entitled as the bronge age island. What a discovery!

Promenade leads all the way to Vrsar with the camping sites all around but it’s also possible to take a promenade all the way to Poreč or at least to Zelena laguna where the tourist train can take you to Poreč.

Lovely restaurants and caffe bars allong the way:

Lim fyord

Though it should be better call it canyon, we’ll be satisfied with the common name. I took the boat trip and must admit that the views from above are incomparable, just gorgeous. Located between Rovinj and Vrsar, it’s the phenomenon of Istria long 12 km. The cave named by its inhabitant Romualdis just another phenomenon.

Oh beautiful Croatia, even some movies are shot here, namely the one about Vikings featuring Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis.

Trips to the lim fyord can be found from Poreč, Rovinj, Funtana.

Photo that I took from the bus:

Pula

Oh fascinating Arena, who would forget Pula? It’s the biggest town of Istria. Not only for the famous film festival. Not only Arena, roman traces will lead you to the temple of Augustus. The golden doors or Triumphal arch of the family Sergievaca is another proof how small do we feel in front such ancient heritage.

Abandonded fort Punta Christo is the host to the various techno festival, the place with its picturesque beauty.

Brioni

This fantastic archipelago is the home to some wild animals and fascinating nature. The traces of history are left at elegant architecture and villas. National park from 1983. Brioni will enchant you with the lonley beaches, deep forrest and its history where even traces of dinossaurs can be seen.

Everything about visiting Brioni can be found here.

Umag

Tennis town is the northern location of croatian seaside. It’s the place where ATP tournament happens every year except this. Better than town, lovely touristic resort Stella Maris with shadowed beaches makes it a charming place. Unfortunately, Umag doesn’t have its own island and islets.

Interior of Istria

Motovun is well known town by its documentary film festival which happens every summer inviting people to camping. Typical tuscanian hilly town is full of romantic, tiny streets and picturesque green views.

Looks a lot like Montepulciano or Pienza, isn’t it?

These hills are sufficient reason for fairy-tale.

Not only Motovun, some of the hilly istrian towns are:

Vodnjan, Grožnjan, Bale and Buzet.

Buzet looks like this. It’s the starting and final point of the hiking trail Seven waterfalls of river Mirna. What a fabulous path.

All in all

I would suggest staying in Rovinj which is the most picturesque town of Istria or somewhere near Poreč like Funtana or hotels Plava or Zelena laguna. Istria is full of possibilities so day trips would be a perfect solution, even for one week.