The most beautiful places in Istria - the region of wine, excellent gastronomy and picturesque places

Romantic places, medieval towns, beautiful sunsets and delicious delicacies are just some of the reasons why Istria has earned the nickname "Croatian Tuscany".

This westernmost region of Croatia is also the largest Adriatic peninsula, and offers everything for a perfect summer vacation. Regardless of whether you are the type to stay in nature far from the hustle and bustle of the city, whether you prefer swimming in the crystal clear sea or like to explore cities and their history - Istria offers just about everything!

What to visit in Istria?

The most beautiful places in Istria are its towns and villages. Coastal places or inland Istria, both are are equally charming. Do not miss visiting natural sights in Istria, such as waterfalls.

Find below the top destinations in Istria that you must visit!

1. Rovinj – visit the city of colors and charming squares

If you are looking for a romantic city that exudes incredible charm at every turn, the beauty of Rovinj will win you over right away! In addition to boasting beautiful narrow streets, colorful facades and small squares, Rovinj hides a rich history.

According to archeological findings, this city originates from prehistoric times, and the old town core received its first inhabitants in the 3rd century. Be sure to visit the bell tower of the church of St. Eufemija, one of the most beautiful buildings of baroque architecture in Istria, which offers you a panoramic view of Rovinj.

If you are wondering what to visit in Rovinj, perhaps the best advice for seeing the city is to simply wander through the streets in the city center and enjoy!

2. Motovun – the most famous medieval fortress town

Perhaps the most famous Istrian medieval town – Motovun – is situated in the very interior of Istria.

Motovun will charm you from afar, already upon your arrival. Namely, as a town-fortress, it is located on top of a steep hill, just above the river Mirna. Back in the time of the Celtic and Illyrian tribes, there were two forts named Montana, which in translation means the city on the mountain, which stood on the site of this town.

The longest Istrian staircase of 1,052 steps leads you to the interior of Motovun. Once you reach the streets of this town, enjoy the charming sights, numerous little shops with local products and the smell of truffles from the restaurants.

Therefore, if you are wondering what to see in Motovun, it can be a movie! If you happen to be in this town during July, don't miss the Motovun Film Festival! Is there anything more beautiful than watching a movie under the stars while surrounded by a beautiful medieval town?

3. Pula – explore numerous well-preserved Roman buildings

Many consider Pula to be one of the most famous and most beautiful cities in Istria, so it is not surprising that it is among the popular destinations of foreign and domestic tourists.

What to see in Pula? As a city of incredible historical culture, Pula is full of beautiful and well-preserved Roman buildings. The Pula Arena, or the amphitheater in Pula, is the largest and best-preserved monument of ancient architecture in Croatia. Be sure to check what upcoming events are scheduled in the Arena, as this is the location of numerous cultural and musical events.

On your list of places to be visited in Pula, you should also find:

• Pula's Forum, a beautiful central city square

• Kaštel

• Triumphal Arch of the Sergii, also called Golden Gate

• church and monastery of St. Francis

• Temple of Augustus

• Zero Strasse, an exhibition space located in the tunnels under the city

4. Be enchanted by Grožnjan, the city of artists and music

If you want your vacation to be something more than swimming and sunbathing - Grožnjan is the place for you! This little pearl, only an hour away by car from the coast, in the very interior of Istria, is the ideal choice for your weekend in Istria.

Known as the town of artists and music, this medieval town will take you to a completely different world. All the most beautiful places in Istria bring, just like Grožnjan, a touch of some past times. According to legend, Grožnjan was built by giants adding tools from one hill to another.

Today, Grožnjan is a town of artists, and if you walk through its streets, you will understand why - the whole town looks like one big exhibition! If you decide to visit this charming town from spring to autumn, you will step into an oasis of painters, musicians and actors. As part of the Musical and Cultural Summer, the streets echo with the sounds of various musicians, and thanks to the Jazz is back event, you will be able to listen to the world's best jazz musicians.

5. Visit the smallest city in the world – Hum

Do you want to brag that you visited the smallest town in the world? Visit Hum - a small town that deserves to be on the list of popular Istrian destinations.

Hum is an Istrian landmark in itself and is worth visiting in its entirety - which will not be difficult considering that it consists of only three rows of houses and two rows of streets! Although it is small, Hum hides numerous beauties, rich history and restaurants and taverns. Take a walk through its streets, taste some of the famous brandies and enjoy the magical atmosphere of this sweet town!

6. Take a walk along the Trail of Seven Waterfalls - the most famous Istrian promenade

Are you looking for ideas for an active trip to Istria? Although the Plitvice Lakes in Lika are one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Croatia, Istria also boasts beautiful waterfalls that take your breath away!

The trail of seven waterfalls in Istria is becoming more and more popular precisely because of the enchanting nature and beautiful waterfalls on the river Mirna. The trail is 15 km long and is circular - the start is on one side of the river, and the return takes place on the other.

If you think that is too much for you, you can always walk a part of the trail and you will still be able to experience this natural attraction in Istria. The first waterfall you will come across is Zagon, followed by Bačva and the third and highest – Vela peć.

On the way to the other waterfalls, you will come across the restored old village of Kotli, an increasingly popular picnic spot in recent years and the answer of many Croats to the question: "Where to spend the weekend?" In this charming village there is also a restaurant where you can take a break before continuing on.

What to eat and drink in Istria?

After exploring the most beautiful places in Istria, discover numerous Istrian specialties and wines!

Gastro weekend in Istria: truffles, pasta and dried meat

Istrian cuisine will delight you with its diversity and harmony. Namely, the main feature of the Istrian gastronomic offer is the perfect combination of Mediterranean and continental cuisine. All dishes and drinks of Istrian cuisine are based on wine, olive oil, fruit brandies, cheese, bread, meat, fish and shellfish, dried meat, honey, truffles, pasta and cakes. Sound delicious?

For breakfast, the usual Istrian frittata is an omelet made from local eggs enriched with seasonal ingredients, and for lunch, try numerous versions of Istrian pasta. Pasutice, fidelini and makaruni are just some of the pastas made in Istria, but the most famous and sought-after are fuži, pljukanci and potato gnocchi.

Do you like seafood for dinner? Try shrimps „na buzaru“ - a special type of sauce prepared on a base of garlic, parsley, olive oil and wine. Round off lunch or dinner with a glass of premium Istrian wine, such as Istrian Malvasia.

Wine tasting in Istria

Tips for traveling to Istria, along with natural sights and romantic places, also include a list of wineries in Istria that you should visit. Kozlović, Kabola and Matošević are some of the most beautiful wineries that organize tastings of Istrian wines for their visitors.

Make sure that your accommodation in Istria is near one of them and relax and enjoy your weekend trip!