Discover Istria

Istria is Croatia's northernmost and wealthiest region — and the one that differs most from the rest of Croatia. The heart-shaped peninsula (3,476 km²) was part of the Republic of Venice for centuries, then the Habsburg Empire, then Italy, and only became part of Yugoslavia in 1947. This past is felt everywhere: bilingual town signs (Croatian/Italian), pasta on every menu, and architecture that resembles Tuscany more than Dalmatia.

In the west, the Venetian coastal towns of Rovinj, Poreč, Novigrad, and Umag with their pastel-colored facades and fishing boats. In the south, Pula with the sixth-largest preserved Roman amphitheater in the world. And in the hinterland — the true heart of Istria — medieval hilltop villages, endless olive groves, vineyards, and oak forests where Europe's most valuable truffles grow.

Istria is culinary Croatia. Nowhere else in the country do you eat and drink so well. The region has more olive oil awards per capita than Tuscany, the white truffles rival those from Alba, and the native grape varieties Malvazija and Teran are conquering international wine guides.

Plan at least 5–7 days for Istria. Ideally with a rental car, as the most beautiful places in the hinterland are hard to reach without a car.