Beautiful Istria is one of the most popular destinations in Croatia and certainly one of the most impressive regions on the Adriatic. Fantastically beautiful beaches, fascinating hilly landscapes and romantic mountain villages are just a few of the most beautiful sights to be discovered in Istria! Especially the famous coastal cities like Pula , Porec and Rovinj, attract countless visitors from all over the world every year. Another highlight is the cuisine of this region: the Mediterranean cuisine, fantastic wines, the best olive oils and truffles make a holiday in Istria a real treat.
Pula
One of the most beautiful sights in Istria is the impressive port city of Pula in the south of the peninsula. The highlight is the extremely charming old town with countless historical attractions, above all the Roman amphitheater , which is even considered one of the symbols of Istria. Strolling through the enchanting stone streets, you can enjoy genuine Croatian flair, eat in small pretty restaurants or treat yourself to a glass of wine in one of the beautiful, rustic town squares . But the area around Pula is also absolutely worth seeing and offers countless possibilities for excursions and activities.
The beaches of Pula are also beautiful . These are located around the port city and are even among the most beautiful in the entire holiday region. Another reason why Pula has become one of the most popular vacation spots in Istria.
Porec
The town of Porec is a real highlight and one of the most beautiful places in Istria. The romantic old town, which is located on a small peninsula and is surrounded by a picturesque promenade , is particularly enchanting. In the city center there are some wonderful sights, some of which date back to Roman times, which are mostly located in picturesque historical places. One of the main attractions of the coastal town is the beautiful Euphrasian Basilica , which has even been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In addition, the resort is a true paradise for bathers . Not far from the old town, there are fantastic beaches in Porec that are ideal for a seaside holiday!
Rovinj
Certainly one of the most famous sights and the figurehead of Istria is the port city of Rovinj . This fascinating coastal town truly amazes visitors, because one of the most beautiful old towns in Croatia awaits you there . The colorful townhouses, which are lined up tightly from the sea to the top of the town, are particularly impressive. Small, winding streets lead through the center up to the town hill, the highest point of Rovinj, where the Church of St. Euphemia is located and you can enjoy a great view. On the way you will discover countless pretty attractions and photo spots, and cute restaurants and cafés invite you to take a leisurely sightseeing break.
Not only Rovinj is worth seeing, a real highlight are the picturesque beaches in Rovinj , all of which are not far from the historic old town. One more reason why a holiday in this port city is more than worth it!
Motovun
One of the most beautiful sights in Istria is the town of Motovun , which is located in the green hinterland. Surrounded by a picturesque landscape with vineyards and the green fields of the Mirna Valley, Motovun impresses with its pretty old town. This is enthroned on a steep 277 meter high hill and offers a magnificent view over the Istrian hills. The most important attractions include the historic city wall and the charming medieval streets, but also the many excellent restaurants and traditional taverns.
Umag
The coastal town of Umag is one of the most popular places for a holiday in Istria! Even the world-renowned magazine National Geographic voted it one of the top 10 summer destinations in the world. The extremely charming old town and the beautiful coastal landscape that surrounds the holiday resort are impressive. There are also beautiful beaches and bathing bays in Umag, where you can really relax and unwind. But the hinterland with the vineyards and the mountain villages is also extremely worth seeing and has countless excursion destinations in store.
Hum
A sight that should not be missed on any trip to Istria is the small town of Hum in the hinterland. It proudly bears the nickname ” the smallest city in the world ” and really, this place is tiny! Only around 30 residents still live in this medieval village, which basically consists of only 2 cross streets, a few houses, a church, a city wall, a tavern and a cemetery. Strolling through the historic stone lanes, you feel like you’ve stepped back in time and, despite its tiny size, you discover a lot of things worth seeing.
Vrsar
The town of Vrsar is a small pearl on the west coast of Istria. The most important attraction is the enchanting medieval old town , which impresses with its location on a hill and with its quiet flair. The old stone houses are lined up side by side and with the Sv. Martin Church at the top a unique backdrop. Among them is one of the most romantic harbors in Istria, where countless boats and yachts rock in the calm sea and conjure up a magnificent panorama with the old town in the background. The bathing bays and beaches of Vrsar , which are located around the center and are ideal for a bathing holiday, are also beautiful.
Novigrad
The town of Novigrad is one of the most charming coastal towns in Istria. The beautiful, romantic old town with the dreamy city harbor of Mandrac and the picturesque promenade are particularly fascinating . The countless pastel-colored townhouses conjure up an unmistakable ambience, and Novigrad’s colorful umbrella streets have become a popular photo motif. On a city tour you will discover a lot of sights, above all the well-preserved medieval city wall and the imposing Church of St. Pelagius as a landmark.
Also great are the countless beautiful beaches in Novigrad , which are lined up along the coast and conjure up the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable holiday for bathers.
Labin
The small town of Labin is located on the east coast and is a really pretty place in Istria. The medieval old town, which has recently developed into a charming artist and cultural town, is particularly beautiful . During a city tour you walk through indescribably beautiful alleys, in which many small galleries and shops have settled. Pretty cafés and excellent restaurants make a trip there really comfortable and invite you to linger.
Bale
Bale is a charming medieval town in Istria, located only 5 kilometers from the sea. Also known as the “Stone City”, a unique, dreamy backdrop awaits you here, which will take you on a kind of journey through time on a city tour . You will discover countless great photo spots and places worth seeing that invite you to linger and be amazed. The surroundings of Bale are also beautiful, with countless olive trees and green vineyards. A real insider tip among the most beautiful sights in Istria!
