Istria
The Istria peninsula offers something for everybodys taste. There you can find beautiful towns on the coast, and also its central part with green landscape and history...
The dreamlike nature, almost mythical landscapes and gorgeous mediaeval towns of central Istria will awake within you the primeval and deep, true pleasure! Central Istria is one of the rare Mediterranean regions adorned with the quality of unspoiled natural landscapes and rich heritage. Numerous coves and hillocks connect and divide many magic-like settlements, creating almost unreal scenery.
Towns like Pazin, Motovun, Hum and Roč are ideal places for wonder and history scrolling.
The Pazin fortification Kaštel is elevated above the Pazinčica River, a spectacular pit, a natural phenomenon placed under special protection. From this fortification, Pazin County - feud of the Habsburgs - used to be governed.
Motovun-Montona is most important inhabited place of these parts since prehistory. This picturesque mediaeval town placed on a hill, has a rich cultural and historical heritage. It dominates over the valley of the Mirna River and the famous Motovun-Montona wood, a habitat of the best truffle in the world.
Roč is today an exceptionally active cultural center, as well as Hum - the smallest town in the world. Between these two small towns there is a unique memorial complex dedicated to the old Croatian Glagolitic alphabet and culture. Both of these towns are placed under protection as exceptionally significant cultural monuments.
Istra also offers a wide range of good cousine and vine.
In Žminj, a small town where old Istrian houses and holdings now serve for agritourism, you can get accommodation and enjoy the homemade Istrian cooking and the unspoiled nature.
Svetvinčenat is the art center of southern Istria. It is placed on the karst plateau and surrounded by woods, pasture grounds and vineyards. Kaštel, the churches and the beautiful Renaissance square form a perfect scenography for supreme art events. Your thirst for cultural atmosphere will thus be fulfilled, bringing closure to this remarkable evening in your journey through the fairytale land.
On the coastal area, there are lots of cities that give you a good look at Istria history, as well as other activities that will make you vacation unforgettable.
Umag-Umago, Buje-Buie and Novigrad-Cittanova create the gateway to the magic land called Istria. You can enjoy some 50 km of beautiful beaches. In the hinterland, standing on the Karst terraces, you can see and smell the sea.
Today’s wellness tourism in Umag-Umago can be traced back all the way to the Roman rustic villas. Here you can engage in sports and recreation, all in all an active vacation where you can recharge your batteries.
If you prefer a peace be sure to visit Novigrad-Cittanova, a typical small fishing town near Umag-Umago. The old town with its well protected port and picturesque coast will make your stay exceptional.
On the cape situated furthest to the west of Istria, there is a small fishing place called Savudrija. The most prominent attraction is the oldest lighthouse in Istria, at which one can stay.
Poreč - In this former Roman colony you can enjoy the sights of Romanesque architecture with beautiful Venetian gothic palaces that will make your walk a truly memorable experience. Its orthogonal set of streets has been completely preserved till today! During the reign of the Byzantine emperor Justinian, Porec reached its highest peak. This will become obvious to you once you see the Euphrasius' basilica, beyond doubt a breathtaking sight. It was built in the middle of the 6th century in the Byzantine style, and the mosaics on its front and interior are truly one of the most beautiful works of art in the world! The whole edifice has been included in the UNESCO's World Heritage list. Entering the basilica, you will feel the ghosts of past centuries and will be able to touch the eternity!
On the beautiful west coast of Istria, just underneath the Lim canal is the most romantic place in the Mediterranean! The town of Rovinj-Rovigno is the right destination for all of you who long for a sentimental atmosphere of the times long lost. Due to the lack of space, houses are closely built, streets are narrow and squares are small, still untouched by modern urbanism.
The history of Pula-Pola starts with the myth of the Argonauts and the search for the Golden Fleece. It was the home of the Histrians, the Romans and the Venetians. Once the central Austrian port, today it is the largest cultural and economic center of Istria. Various layers of history took part in the making of this unique town in which Roman temples defy baroque palaces, early Christian churches stand face to face to Austrian villas, and the remnants of mediaeval walls are cut through by antique town gates.
