Istria, Croatia’s best-kept secret, is the largest peninsula on the Adriatic Sea and a true gem that deserves a spot on your bucket list. This destination offers a perfect escape from the crowds with stunning scenery, white sandy beaches, delicious wine, and a fascinating history. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Istria, with its remarkable landmarks and azure blue waters. Enjoy the sunny weather, savor local cuisine, and explore the picturesque towns. Here are the top 10 reasons why Istria should be at the top of your travel bucket list.

Map of attractions

1. To take a stroll through the streets of Rovinj

Discover the captivating medieval town of Rovinj, one of the top attractions of Istria that you simply can’t miss. It’s no wonder why Rovinj is hailed as the most beautiful city in Croatia with its scenic location overlooking the Adriatic and unique history of being constructed on an island and later connected to the mainland. Take a leisurely walk through its picturesque streets and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history. Perfect for a short break with your loved one, Rovinj offers stunning views from the harbor and from above. Make sure to visit the Gate of St. Benedict, the Portico, the Gate of St. Cross, and the Venetian town clock while exploring the Old Town.

2. To try truffles in Motovun

Istria is a must-visit destination for truffle lovers, offering some of the best truffles in the world. Experience this delicacy in the charming town of Motovun, which boasts stunning views of the nearby vineyards. Motovun is famous for being the place where the largest white truffle in history was discovered in 1999, making it a unique and unforgettable place to visit. Don’t miss the annual white truffle festival held every October to honor this incredible discovery. Taste the exquisite truffle dishes at Konoba Mondo, a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves a variety of truffle-infused dishes, from appetizers to desserts.

3. To admire the views from the basilica in Poreč

Make sure to add Poreč to your travel itinerary if you’re a fan of world-class monuments. This picturesque town, situated 35 km north of Rovinj, is home to the remarkable Euphrasian Basilica, considered one of the best-preserved examples of Byzantine art in Croatia. No wonder it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. The interior of the basilica is adorned with breathtaking Byzantine mosaics, while the bell tower of the Archbishop’s Palace offers stunning views of the city. Take a stroll along the seaside promenade to admire the Gothic palaces and enjoy the sea breeze. From Poreč, you can easily hop on a regular ferry to Venice, just a 3-hour ride away.

4. To take a photo with Casanova in Vrsar

Another reason to visit the Croatian Istria is Vrsar, a charming fishing village with a beautiful harbor and a picturesque old town, typical of Mediterranean cities. The town’s hilltop location provides plenty of viewpoints to enjoy stunning sunsets. Giacomo Casanova also fell in love with Vrsar, immortalizing his stay in the city in his memories. Keep an eye out for the bronze statue of Casanova on a bench, waiting to pose for a photo with you. And don’t miss the annual Casanovafest, a love festival featuring literary evenings, film screenings, and music concerts.

5. To admire the Roman amphitheater in Pula

Undoubtedly, no trip to Istria would be complete without visiting the lively city of Pula. This is where one of Croatia’s most magnificent monuments is located: the Roman amphitheater. This impressive structure dates back to antiquity and, along with the Colosseum in Rome, is one of the largest preserved Roman arenas in the world! Additionally, the amphitheater in Pula is the only one that can boast of four side towers that still exist today. Interestingly, the arena was initially built of wood and was later reconstructed with limestone. At one time, the amphitheater in Pula could accommodate up to 23,000 spectators and was an arena for gladiator fights. Nowadays, mainly concerts are held here, with stars such as Elton John, Luciano Pavarotti, and Andrea Bocelli having performed here.

6. To try oysters from the Lim Bay

Located just 15 minutes north of Rovinj, the Lim Bay is a must-visit destination in Istria. This 10-kilometer long canal, which is actually a lagoon, is situated in an incredibly picturesque valley of the Pazinčica River. It’s no wonder that this place has been the backdrop for many movies, including The Vikings from 1959 and The Long Ships from 1964. Due to the unique characteristics of the local waters (lower salt content and high oxygen concentration), Lim Bay is abundant in various fish, shellfish, and oysters, making it a nature reserve. In my opinion, the best seafood in the region can be found at the Viking restaurant, which is situated right on the canal. Although prices here are not the cheapest (a freshly caught oyster costs around 2.5 euros, and half a kilogram of mussels costs around 9 euros), the experience is definitely worth it.

7. To go diving at Girandella beach

If you’re looking for a beautiful beach destination in Istria, Girandella beach is a must-visit. Located in the charming fishing village of Rabac on the peninsula’s eastern coast, this beach is considered one of the best in the region. Its pebble coves and crystal clear turquoise water create a heavenly scene, making it an ideal spot for sea bathing and sunbathing. You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas or grab a drink at the stylish bar. For the more adventurous, Girandella beach boasts an excellent diving school that offers various extreme sports activities. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing or action-packed vacation, Girandella beach has got you covered.

8. To visit the smallest city in the world

Are you curious about the smallest city in the world? It’s located on the Istrian peninsula in Croatia, and it’s called Hum. With just 30 residents and city rights, Hum is a hidden gem that’s worth discovering. This charming town sits atop a picturesque hill, offering stunning views that resemble those of sunny Tuscany. Must-visit attractions include the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the bell tower, and the frescoes in the Chapel of St. Jerome. If you’re planning a visit, June is an ideal time to witness the old tradition of electing the mayor. Discover Hum, the world’s smallest city, and experience the beauty of Istria.

9. To admire the Brijuni National Park

If you’re looking for a vacation spot, Istria should definitely be at the top of your list, thanks in part to the Brijuni National Park. The park runs along Istria’s western coastline and consists of 14 islands that have a rich history dating back to Roman times. The most impressive of these islands are Veliki Brijun and Mali Brijun. Veliki Brijun is not only the largest island but also the most beautiful and popular in the archipelago. Mali Brijun is the second largest and is famous for its impressive fortifications and Ulysses Theatre, which attracts large crowds every summer. For a beautiful beach experience, Sveti Jerolim is the place to be and is a favorite destination for day-trippers. To get to the Brijuni Islands, you can take a ferry from Fažana, and don’t forget that admission to the park is paid.

10. To enjoy local wine

The Istrian peninsula is renowned for its exceptional wines, making it a must-visit destination for wine lovers. Interestingly, the Greeks brought the first grapes to the region in the 6th century BC, making it one of the oldest wine regions in Europe. The peninsula’s long coastline and hilly terrain are ideal for cultivating a variety of grape types. The most famous grape on the peninsula is the Malvazija Istarska, which produces a refreshing and fruity white wine. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Teran, and Refošk are the main red grapes grown on the iron-rich soils of Istria. Kozlovic Winery, Stancija Collis, and Cattunar are among the best wineries to visit and sample Istrian wine. The wine tasting prices range from 25 to 33 euros per person for 4-6 glasses of wine.

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Summary

If you’re planning a trip to Croatia, make sure to add Istria to your itinerary. While many people only visit Rovinj, this peninsula has much more to offer. You can explore impressive monuments and natural wonders, sample some of the best food and wine in Croatia, and enjoy the stunning coastline. Istria’s wine and food scene is particularly noteworthy, so don’t miss the chance to indulge in local delicacies like truffles and seafood, and taste the famous Malvazija Istarska wine. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to discover all that Istria has to offer!

I hope that the above list has convinced you to plan a visit to the Istrian peninsula in Croatia. If you have already been to Istria and have some recommendations, please share them in the comments below!