Istria

From the blue of the sea to the deepest green of the hinterland, from the surprising Brijuni Islands to the medieval and fairytale Pazin, Istria welcomes you to a varied and authentic territory, capable of making you fall in love in a few moments. Let yourself be enveloped by the scent of the vineyards, let yourself be enchanted by the rocky beaches and the blue coves and retrace a thousand-year history. Explore Istria!

What to do and see in Istria

There is so much in Istria that it is not easy to choose the best of everything the peninsula has to offer. With its territories belonging to Croatia and partly to Slovenia and Italy, this incredible region satisfies the needs of the most diverse travelers, always with having special consideration for sustainability and respect for local populations.

The best way to discover all the Istrian beauty is to immerse yourself in its most authentic life, characterized by slow rhythms, a strong connection with nature and ancient traditions. Thus, wandering in the green Istria, that of the hinterland, you can discover the cellars where delicious wines are born, stroll in ancient villages such as Gračišće or the more rural Boljun, taste local specialties in the typical taverns, follow the story of the frescoes of the Istrian churches, admire castles and archaeological sites or explore caves; all without forgetting the numerous paths to be covered on foot, on horseback or by bike. Then moving to the blue Istria, that of the coast, you can rediscover the pleasure of a promenade in Pula or Poreč enjoying a beautiful sunset on the Adriatic sea, snorkel on the educational underwater trail in the Brijuni National Park, enjoy freshly caught fish dishes, immerse yourself in the social life of young Istrians or simply relax on one of the many beaches in the area.

Istria is a treasure chest of hidden treasures, boundless beauties and suggestive corners that follow each other everywhere, but there are some cities that are absolutely worth seeing. Pula, with its amphitheater, the crystalline sea and the pine forests overlooking the port, is certainly one of these; as well as the romantic Rovinj, a charming village with winding alleys, narrow houses with characteristic fireplaces, alleys and squares, and Poreč, where the Euphrasian Basilica is located, a World Heritage Site and the most important monument of Byzantine art in all of Europe.

The eco-museums are also very interesting, allowing you to live an authentic experience by taking part in traditional activities. You will no longer be just visitors of Istria, but part of it.

Itineraries between natural parks, coast and hills

Istria offers numerous outdoor activities for families and experienced explorers, with an immense network of trails and cycling routes. There are numerous perfect routes for e-bikes thanks also to the presence of charging stations, the paths that lead to the numerous natural springs of the region such as that of Sentona which starts from the historic center of Labin and arrives at the bay of Rabac, allowing us to discover the Negri Cave and its water source.

Do not miss the paths inside the Brijuni National Park, a unique and jagged archipelago made up of 14 islands. Our favorite itinerary remains the Parenzana, a former railway line converted into a beautiful cycle path that allows you to discover the most authentic Istria in 120 kilometers.

Local flavors and ancient recipes

Just as the territory is varied, so is its cuisine, a meeting point of different cultures and traditions. On the coast you can savor resh seafood, in the typical brodet, in the scampi alla buzara or in a delicious oyster. In the hinterland, on the other hand, delicious meat dishes meet the unmistakable flavor of wild asparagus, and you can also taste hot soups and the typical Fusi. All accompanied by organic oil and wines of excellent quality.

Where to sleep in a sustainable way in Istria

Lighthouses in the middle of the sea, glamping, villas by the sea or houses surrounded by greenery: all kinds of eco-sustainable accommodation facilities await you in Istria. In fact, the region is striving more and more to protect its natural resources and now it also provides two certifications for tourist accommodation. On Ecobnb you can find the most beautiful ones, from the Porer Lighthouse to the Robinson Accommodation Freedom tents, up to the Golden Valley apartment with attached ranch.