Home › Destinations › Istria
Istria, Hrvatska - Things to Do in Istria

Istria

Istria, Hrvatska - Complete Travel Guide

Istria, Croatia's heart-shaped peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea, is a captivating blend of Italian elegance and Croatian charm. This enchanting region has medieval hilltop towns, rolling vineyards, olive groves, and a impressive coastline dotted with fishing villages and resort towns. Often called 'Croatian Tuscany,' Istria offers visitors a perfect combination of cultural heritage, culinary excellence, and natural beauty. The peninsula is renowned for its world-class wines, truffle hunting traditions, and exceptional cuisine that reflects centuries of Venetian, Austrian, and Slavic influences. From the Roman amphitheater in Pula to the artistic haven of Rovinj, from the hilltop gem of Motovun to the coastal elegance of Poreč, Istria provides an authentic Mediterranean experience away from the crowds of Dalmatia.

Top Istria

Medieval Hilltop Towns

Discover enchanting hilltop settlements like Motovun, Grožnjan, and Oprtalj, perched dramatically above the Istrian countryside. These well-preserved medieval towns offer impressive panoramic views, ancient stone architecture, and charming cobblestone streets lined with galleries, wine bars, and local artisan shops.

Booking Tip: Most hilltop towns are free to explore independently. Consider joining guided tours (€25-40 per person) during truffle season (October-December) or wine harvest time for special experiences. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best lighting and fewer crowds.

Truffle Hunting Experience

Join local hunters and their trained dogs in the oak forests around Motovun and Buzet to search for precious white and black truffles. This unique culinary adventure includes learning about truffle cultivation, participating in the hunt, and enjoying a traditional Istrian meal featuring your discoveries.

Booking Tip: Book truffle hunting tours in advance during peak season (September-December) for €60-120 per person. Choose operators that include meal and wine tasting. Morning tours are most successful as truffles are easier to detect in cooler temperatures.

Wine Tasting in Istrian Vineyards

Explore world-renowned wineries producing exceptional Malvazija, Teran, and international varietals across the peninsula's rolling hills. Visit family-owned estates and modern wineries to taste premium wines while learning about Istria's ancient winemaking traditions and terroir.

Booking Tip: Wine tours cost €40-80 per person including tastings and snacks. Book directly with wineries for more intimate experiences or join organized tours visiting 2-3 estates. Spring and autumn offer ideal weather and beautiful vineyard scenery.

Coastal Town Hopping

Visit picturesque coastal gems like Rovinj with its colorful houses and Venetian this destination, historic Pula featuring a remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater, and elegant Poreč with its UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica. Each town offers unique architecture, cultural sites, and waterfront dining.

Booking Tip: Towns are easily accessible by car or bus (€3-8 between towns). Consider staying in one base and taking day trips, or book coastal boat tours (€35-60) connecting multiple destinations. Summer requires advance accommodation booking.

Brijuni National Park Excursion

Take a boat trip to this impressive archipelago of 14 islands near Pula, once Tito's summer residence and now a protected national park. Explore archaeological sites, exotic wildlife including zebras and elephants, beautiful beaches, and the fascinating museum showcasing the islands' unique history.

Booking Tip: Park entry costs €200 HRK (€27) including boat transfer and island tour. Book tickets online or at Fazana harbor. Full-day visits recommended; bring sun protection and comfortable walking shoes. Operates April-October with reduced winter schedule.

Getting There

Istria is easily accessible by air through Pula Airport, which receives seasonal flights from major European cities, or year-round via Trieste Airport in Italy (90 minutes drive). By land, the peninsula connects to the rest of Croatia via the A9 Istrian Highway, with good bus connections from Zagreb (4-5 hours), Split, and Rijeka. Ferry services operate from Venice and other Italian ports to Pula and Rovinj during summer months. Rental cars are highly recommended for exploring the region's scattered hilltop towns and coastal villages at your own pace.

Getting Around

A rental car is essential for fully experiencing Istria's hilltop towns, vineyards, and hidden beaches, as public transportation between smaller settlements is limited. The peninsula has well-maintained roads and clear signage in multiple languages. Local buses connect major coastal towns like Pula, Rovinj, and Poreč regularly during summer (reduced winter service). Bicycles are popular for exploring the countryside, with numerous marked cycling routes and bike rental shops in larger towns. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available in urban areas but expensive for longer distances.

Where to Stay

Rovinj Bratislava
Pula City Center
Poreč Historic Center
Motovun Hilltop
Novigrad Waterfront
Rural Wine Country

Food & Dining

Istrian cuisine brilliantly combines Italian techniques with Croatian ingredients, creating a unique food identity centered around truffles, olive oil, wine, and fresh seafood. Traditional konobas (taverns) serve hearty dishes like fuži pasta with truffles, Istrian prosciutto, and local cheeses, while upscale restaurants earn international recognition for innovative interpretations. Don't miss trying Malvazija wine, Istrian olive oil (among world's best), and seasonal specialties like asparagus in spring or game dishes in autumn. Coastal towns excel in seafood, while inland areas specialize in meat dishes and truffle preparations.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Croatia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Pizzeria Sette Sorelle

4.9 /5
(9566 reviews) 2

BOKAMORRA HAUTE COUTURE PIZZA & COCKTAILS

4.7 /5
(5439 reviews) 2
bar

Boban

4.5 /5
(5480 reviews) 2

Il Secondo

4.6 /5
(3297 reviews) 2

Gastro Italiano

4.6 /5
(2952 reviews) 2

Paesano

4.6 /5
(2616 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer ideal weather, fewer crowds, and special seasonal experiences like truffle hunting and wine harvests. Summer (July-August) brings perfect beach weather and busy festivals but also peak crowds and higher prices, especially in coastal areas. Winter can be quiet with some restaurants and attractions closed, but it's perfect for intimate wine tastings and truffle season. Spring brings beautiful wildflowers, comfortable temperatures for hiking, and the famous asparagus season celebrated throughout the peninsula.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Istria Tourist Card for discounts on attractions, restaurants, and activities throughout the peninsula
Many restaurants close on Mondays and during winter months, so check opening times especially in smaller towns
Learn a few Italian phrases as many locals speak Italian alongside Croatian, and menus often feature Italian terminology

Activities in Istria