Where Croatia’s northwest coast meets Slovenia, a triangular shaped peninsula juts out into the Adriatic. This is the beautiful region known as, Istria. Historically, Istria has shifted back and forth from Venetian to Croatian rule and it still has a significant Italian-speaking population, a fact highlighted by the dual language road signs. Many of its historic buildings reveal Venetian style architecture. Add the piazzas, pizzas, local ice cream and superb Istrian wine to this Italianesque atmosphere and it is little wonder that some travel writers have dubbed parts of the Istrian hinterland as “The New Tuscany”.
Istria has been a popular holiday destination since the sixties, especially with tourists from Austria, Germany and the U.K. The climate of the coastal areas is very much a Mediterranean one, providing warm sunny weather throughout June, July and August. Package tour holidays have made their impact in one or two coastal towns but on the whole Istria remains an unspoilt gem, which appeals mainly to independent travellers.
Away from the coast, the landscape of vineyards and rolling hills that are often topped with pretty little towns, does indeed have all the looks of Tuscan scenery. But the comparison does not stop at appearances. Many of the vineyards produce wines of Tuscan standard and the world’s finest truffles are to be found growing in the woodlands.
The only city in Istria is Pula. At first glance, you might be tempted to write it off as a ramshackle port, devoid of any charm or beauty. This is a pity as Pula has a wealth of Roman history to reveal. Its amphitheatre is the largest Roman arena still standing, anywhere in the world and it is more than just a museum to ancient gladiatorial spectacles. In fact, it is regularly used on summer nights for both classical and pop music concerts when up to 23,000 people pack into the seats once occupied by Romans.
Pula’s amphitheatre is only the beginning of Pula’s Roman treasures however. The Archaeological museum displays many artefacts from Roman times and the Triumphal Arch of Sergius is another well preserved Roman monument that has been standing in Pula for nearly 2000 years. In the Roman Forum you will also find the Temple of Augustus which dates from the first century and still has intact columns.
Rovinj is the most attractive town on the Istrian coast. Its Venetian appearance is underlined by the number of Italian speaking inhabitants and excellent Italian restaurants. After a day spent on one of the beautiful beaches in the area, Rovinj is just the place to spend a summer evening.
For a major tourist resort that has attracted the package tour holiday crowds, Porec is still worth a visit for its well-preserved Roman streets and compelling old town. There is no shortage of bars, restaurants, hotels and things to do in this very tourist conscious town.
Tranquillity and quiet are never far away from even the busiest of Istrian resorts however, and the whole coastline is dotted with small islands, peaceful bays, and secluded beaches. Hidden coves with sparking, white pebbles dazzle and invite naturists to skinny dip in a crystal clear sea. Larger bays and flat platforms of rock provide idyllic spots from which sunbathers can lay back and apply copious amounts of factor thirty whilst listening to the mixed sounds of gently lapping waves, birdsong and cicadas. The many walking trails around pine-fringed inlets, lagoons and through beautiful woodland offer naturalists opportunities to observe rare and diverse specimens of flora and fauna.
Holiday destinations in Istria are easy to get to with cheap flights to Pula and other airports in the region being available from several U.K. airports including Gatwick and Stanstead. These flights can be booked on line. As well as cheap flight offers, there are many Internet sites advertising accommodation throughout the Istrian peninsula and especially around the coastal resorts.