Allo Balkans

Istria is the Mediterranean area that is the closest to central Europe and is also the area where many cultural influences met. Slavic, Roman and Germanic peoples have left traces of their kitchens, languages and customs and created the unique and exciting Istria that we know today.

The natural, ethnological, gastronomic and urban diversity in this small space will allow tourists to make new discoveries. Without the sea, Istria would not be what it is, but the interior of the peninsula is not to be overlooked: you will find caves, medieval towns, vineyards and several local products such as truffles, olive oil and honey…

Poreč is a champion of Croatian tourism. In fact, the city is on the World Heritage List of UNESCO, thanks to its Euphrasian Basilica and its crowded streets during the summer months. You will remember Poreč with its old city of incredible beauty and large crowds in the narrow streets dominated by jewelers and souvenir shops.

South of Poreč, you will find many holiday resorts and the most famous are “Plava laguna“, “Zelena Laguna” and “Bela Uvala“. If you are not in a hurry, you can get there on foot or by bike. The path is shaded by pines and next to coastal vegetation, so you will be able to take a break at the seaside whenever you want.

Continuing a little further, you will arrive in the village of Funtana. This place is gorgeous and the water is probably the cleanest and clearest of the island.

In addition to the beautiful sea, Funtana is populated with many bars and restaurants. Feel free to stroll through the old town which, like any coastal town, has a church on the highest part and from which descend the winding streets paved with stones.

A little further south, about 3 km, you will find the town of Vrsar. Vrsar is known for its nudist camp, called Koversada, which is one of the most famous and largest in Europe.

Rovinj

Rovinj is the most beautiful city in Istria. You will be able to find beautiful alleys of pine trees that made the city famous. You had rather to park your car as soon as possible because in the city center, it is very difficult to find a location and, anyway, you will be able to explore the city on foot easily.

Rovinj will delight you at first glance. It is an authentic maritime city with walls along the sea, a labyrinth of narrow and cobbled streets, a marina for fishing and small boats where the atmosphere is pleasant for its many visitors.

Stroll through the old city to understand how old it is. This part of the city, which is the oldest, was until the 18th century, an island that is now connected to the mainland.

An interesting legend that circulates in Rovinj is that it had its own Atlantis. During the first centuries before Christ, near the town, there was an island that seems to have disappeared in an earthquake.

If you go a little towards the marina, you will arrive in a beautiful park with small hidden beaches, trails for walking, running and biking and where you will be able to hide you in the shadows in order to escape the sun.

For fans of climbing, there is also a good place for such activities with a nearby campsite to better satisfy the tourists.

Fažana

Further south of the Istrian peninsula, you will find the small village of Fažana. Passing by olive trees, vineyards and orchards enclosed by stone walls, you will arrive in this charming location facing the archipelago of Brioni which is a beautiful group of islands and a place that host a national park.

The Brijuni National Park homes rare plant and animal species that make this place a must-see destination for tourists. You will be able to visit the Brijuni archipelago and more specifically this park by embarking on a boat from Fažana.

Pula

The trip ends in the largest city in Istria: Pula. Even 3000 years ago, there was a civilization that inhabited this place, which was an important seaport in Roman times. This period is well represented by the amphitheater of Pula, also called “Pulska Arena“, which is a building that is over 2000 years old and that has not changed in all that time as well as it still welcomes concerts and festivals.

You will also find the Forum with the Temple of Augustus, a castle, the ruins of a Roman theater, triumphal arches, a cathedral, Byzantine churches and various ruins that testify to the rich history of this city. Pula is, today, a city that offers a variety of entertainment thanks to the many cultural and tourist events and its many beaches and interesting places. If you want to be near the city and in the countryside at the same time, a good solution is Fratarski Otok Island, just 10 minutes by boat from Pula, which houses a beautiful campsite that attracts many young people and diving lovers.

Feel free to visit all these cities that will leave you incredible memories. From Poreč to Pula, you will be able to discover places more beautiful the ones than the others. If you are not able to cover all these cities in one trip, we are sure that you will not hesitate to return in Istria.