Looking for the best things to do in Istria, Croatia? You’re in the right place! This hidden gem, the largest peninsula on the Adriatic Sea, offers everything for the perfect getaway.
With breathtaking landscapes, gorgeous beaches, fantastic wine, and a rich history, Istria has it all. Enjoy its stunning landmarks, the blue sea, sunny weather, and delicious cuisine.
If you love outdoor activities, don’t miss the incredible hiking trails and diving spots.
So, if you haven’t added this lesser-known region to your bucket list, here are some great reasons to visit. Happy reading!
Table of Contents
Map of Istria’s Top Attractions
1. Wander the Charming Streets of Rovinj: One of the Best Things to Do in Istria
One of the best things to do in Istria is to explore the captivating medieval town of Rovinj.
Known as the most beautiful city in Croatia, Rovinj features a stunning location that overlooks the Adriatic Sea.
With its unique history of being built on an island before connecting to the mainland, this town has plenty of stories to share.
Take a leisurely stroll through its charming streets and soak in the rich culture and history all around you.
Perfect for a romantic getaway, Rovinj offers breathtaking views from both the harbor and the higher viewpoints.
While you’re wandering around the Old Town, be sure to check out landmarks like the Gate of St. Benedict, the Portico, the Gate of St. Cross, and the Venetian town clock.
2. Go Diving at Girandella Beach
If you’re on the hunt for a beautiful beach destination on the Istria Peninsula, you’ve got to check out Girandella Beach!
Nestled in the charming fishing village of Rabac on the peninsula’s eastern coast, this beach is often ranked as one of the best in the area.
With its pebble coves and crystal-clear turquoise water, it’s a perfect spot for both swimming and sunbathing.
You can kick back on sun loungers, rent an umbrella, or grab a refreshing drink at the stylish beach bar.
For those craving a little excitement, Girandella Beach also has an awesome diving school that offers a bunch of extreme sports activities.
Whether you want a relaxing escape or an action-packed adventure, Girandella Beach truly has something for everyone!
3. Taste Truffles in Motovun: One of the Top Things to Do in Istria
If you’re a truffle lover, the Istria Peninsula is a must-visit! It’s home to some of the finest truffles in the world.
You’ll definitely want to check out the charming town of Motovun, which boasts stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.
Motovun is famous for being where the largest white truffle ever was found back in 1999, so it’s definitely a place you won’t forget.
Don’t miss the annual White Truffle Festival every October, where they celebrate this amazing discovery.
And while you’re there, make sure to try some delicious truffle-infused dishes at Konoba Mondo. This Michelin-starred restaurant has a fantastic menu full of truffle delights, from appetizers to desserts!
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4. Explore the Smallest City in the World
Ever wondered about the tiniest city on Earth? Look no further than Hum, nestled on the Istria Peninsula in Croatia.
With just 30 residents and full city status, Hum is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Perched atop a scenic hill, this charming town offers breathtaking views that evoke the sunny landscapes of Tuscany.
While you’re there, be sure to check out the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the bell tower, and the stunning frescoes in the Chapel of St. Jerome.
If you’re planning a visit, June is the perfect time to witness the ancient tradition of electing the mayor.
5. Soak Up the Views from Poreč’s Basilica
Another awesome thing to do in Istria is visit Poreč, a town packed with world-class monuments.
This charming spot, located just 35 km (about 22 miles) north of Rovinj, is home to the stunning Euphrasian Basilica, which is one of the best-preserved examples of Byzantine art in Croatia.
No wonder it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1997!
Inside, you’ll be wowed by the gorgeous Byzantine mosaics, and make sure to check out the bell tower of the Archbishop’s Palace for some amazing views of the city.
Take a leisurely stroll along the seaside promenade to admire the Gothic palaces and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze.
Plus, from Poreč, you can hop on a ferry to Venice—it’s only a 3-hour ride away!
6. Snap a Photo with Casanova in Vrsar
Another great reason to explore Croatian Istria is Vrsar, a charming fishing village with a lovely harbor and a cute old town, just like you’d expect in a Mediterranean setting.
Perched on a hill, the town has plenty of spots to catch breathtaking sunsets. Even the famous lover, Giacomo Casanova, fell in love with Vrsar and wrote about his time here in his memoirs.
Keep an eye out for the bronze statue of Casanova sitting on a bench, ready for a photo op with you!
And don’t forget to mark your calendar for the annual Casanovafest, a fun celebration of love featuring literary evenings, film screenings, and music concerts.
7. Check Out the Roman Amphitheater in Pula: One of the Best Things to Do in Istria
No trip to the Istria Peninsula is complete without swinging by the lively city of Pula. Here, you’ll find one of Croatia’s greatest gems: the Roman amphitheater.
This amazing structure, dating back to ancient times, is one of the largest preserved Roman arenas in the world—right up there with Rome’s Colosseum.
What sets Pula’s amphitheater apart are its four side towers, which are still standing strong today.
Originally made of wood, it was later rebuilt with limestone. At its peak, the Pula amphitheater could hold up to 23,000 spectators for thrilling gladiator fights.
These days, it mainly hosts concerts, with big names like Elton John, Luciano Pavarotti, and Andrea Bocelli performing on its stage.
8. Treat Yourself to Oysters from Lim Bay
Just a 15-minute drive (about 9 miles) north of Rovinj, Lim Bay is a must-visit on the Istria Peninsula.
This stunning 10-kilometer-long (approximately 6.2 miles) canal, tucked away in a beautiful valley shaped by the Pazinčica River, is actually a lagoon.
It’s no surprise this spot has been featured in movies like The Vikings (1959) and The Long Ships (1964)!
Thanks to its unique waters—lower salt content and high oxygen levels—Lim Bay is a nature reserve filled with all sorts of fish, shellfish, and delicious oysters.
For the best seafood experience, check out the Viking restaurant, right on the canal.
While it might not be the cheapest (fresh oysters run about €2.50 each, and half a kilogram of mussels is around €9), the experience is totally worth it!
9. Take in the Amazing Scenery at Brijuni National Park
Another fantastic thing to do in Istria is visit Brijuni National Park.
This beautiful park stretches along the western coast of Istria and is made up of 14 islands, each with a rich history dating back to Roman times.
Two islands you won’t want to miss are Veliki Brijun and Mali Brijun. Veliki Brijun is the biggest and most stunning, with jaw-dropping views and gorgeous landscapes.
Then there’s Mali Brijun, the second largest, known for its cool fortifications and the Ulysses Theatre, which gets packed in the summer with performances.
If you’re in the mood for some beach time, be sure to swing by Sveti Jerolim—a favorite spot among visitors.
You can hop on a ferry from Fažana to reach the Brijuni Islands, but just remember there’s an entry fee for the park!
10. Enjoy Local Wine in Istria
If you’re a wine lover, the Istrian peninsula is a must-visit!
This stunning region is famous for its amazing wines. Its history dates back to the Greeks, who brought the first grapes here way back in the 6th century BC—making it one of Europe’s oldest wine regions.
With its beautiful coastline and rolling hills, Istria is the perfect spot for growing all sorts of grape varieties. The star of the show is definitely Malvazija Istarska, known for its crisp, fruity white wines.
But don’t miss out on the red varieties, like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Teran, and Refošk, which thrive in the region’s rich, iron-packed soil.
Make sure to check out some of the top wineries like Kozlovic Winery, Stancija Collis, and Cattunar.
Wine tastings usually cost between 25 and 33 euros per person, and you’ll get to enjoy 4-6 different glasses.
It’s a great way to experience the flavors of Istria while soaking up the gorgeous scenery!
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10 Best Things to Do in Istria: Summary
Now you know the best things to do in Istria. This Croatian peninsula offers much more than just Rovinj.
You’ll find plenty of attractions to satisfy a variety of tastes. Istria is not only home to impressive monuments but also features stunning natural wonders that will delight any nature lover.
And let’s not forget about Istrian wine and the excellent cuisine, which rank among the best in Croatia. This is yet another reason to visit this region. Don’t hesitate—discover the charms of Istria today!
I hope the list above has inspired you to explore Croatian Istria. If you’ve been there, please share your impressions in the comments below!
