'''Istria''' is the north-westernmost region of Croatia. In a triangular shape, it is bordered in the north by Slovenia, east by the Kvarner region of Croatia and on the south and west by the Adriatic Sea.

Cities

  • Pazin
  • Pore?
  • Pula
  • Rovinj
  • Umag
  • Other destinations

  • Beram
  • Cape Kamenjak
  • Groznjan
  • Hum
  • Limski kanal
  • Motovun
  • Understand

    Formerly part of the Venetian Empire, this region has seen many empires such as Byzantine, Roman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslavian (Communist). The cultural legacy of Istria is thus very rich and diverse.

    After defeating the Illyrian Histri tribe, the Romans settled in the peninsula and left a large heritage, turning Pula into an important administrative centre and building villas, amphiteatres and temples. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the inner land remained a feudal territory occupied by Slavs, Frankish, Byzantines and finally Austrian Habsburgs, while the coast fell under control of the Republic of Venice in the 13th century. Intermittent combats were held between both powers until the fall of Venice in 1797. Since that date, the Croatian population of Istria struggled for autonomy and were severely repressed both by Austrians and Fascist Italians, eventually ending with a revenge from Yugoslav partisans after the World War II, forcing all the Italians to leave. Relatively spared from the Yugoslav Wars, Istria is now a prosperous region. Latter years have seen a growing regional sentiment and a reconciliation with its previously conflictive Italian identity.

    The peninsula offers stark contrasts: the interior is very unspoiled and mountainous with ancient walled cities atop hills with surrounding fertile fields, whilst the coast has numerous beaches -do not expect any sand in them, though- and stunning scenery of rocky walls plummeting into the sea. The Istrian coast is arguably the most developed tourist destination in Croatia. Hordes of Italian, German and French tourists enjoy package tourism during the crowded high season.

    Although Pula is the main town, according to population and culture, relatively rural Pazin is the administrative centre of the peninsula.

    Talk

    Croatian. Among locals, Italian will often be understood along the coast, rather than English.

    Get in

    Pula is the main transportation hub for Istria so most people will arrive there if they are not driving. Some boat lines arrive to Pore?, too.

    By bus

    '''Buses''' run from Trieste in Italy, Zagreb and other major cities to Pazin in the centre of Istria, and most to Pula in the South.

    By air

    Ryanair provides a connection London (Stansted) to Pula three days a week, and Dublin Pula also. Scandjet connects Pula to Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm once a week (on Saturdays) during the summer. Germanwings also serves Pula.

    By train

    Trains run daily between Ljubljana in Slovenia and Pula, and from Rijeka to Ljubljana. Unfortunately due to historical accident, the two train lines do not meet up despite some works having been commenced on a rail tunnel to link the two short distances.

    See

  • '''Roman structures''' in Pula, including the Arena and Forum.
  • The old Venetian town of Rovinj.
  • '''St Euphrasius Basilica''' in Pore?.
  • The many '''beaches''' along the coast.
  • Brijuni (Brioni) Islands - private playground of Tito including an international zoo, dinosaur footprints and Roman and Byzantine ruins.
  • Hill-top villages of Groznjan and Motovun, populated by artist communities.
  • Magnificent frescoes of '''Our Lady of the Rocks''' chapel in Beram.
  • Itineraries

    Istria is a fine region to practise hiking and biking, as much in the mountainous inland as in the coast.

    Visit [http://www.istria-bike.com/ istria-bike] for a set of bike routes around the peninsula, and bike rental places.

    The Southern end of Istria is arguably the best place for biking. Ask for a bike map in Pula Tourist Office, showing well-marked routes around the coast and in the Cape Kamenjak.

    Also, all the authentic foodies and gourmets willing to discover the delicacies of Istria are invited to visit [http://www.istria-gourmet.com/ istria-gourmet].

    With diversity at the heart of Istria, you_fll delight in new culinary experiences and reconnect with traditional flavors.

    We invite you to discover our rich gastronomic heritage, culinary icons, food and wine events and celebrations, restaurants and taverns. Join us in exploring forgotten flavors and traditional techniques, as well as sophisticated, trendsetting preparations.

    Do

  • Visit Lovran, Istria, near Opatija, for the '''Days of Cherries Festival''' in June
  • Join the '''Truffle Days''' festival in the Motovun/Buzet area in late September
  • Attend a music or folklore performance in the unique atmosphere of the Pula Arena
  • Motovun Film Festival. otovun, Istria. n the main road between Buzet and Buje. 385 1 374 07 08 / 374 07 07. ttp://www.motovunfilmfestival.com/. Internationally-renowned film festival in the hilltop Northern town of Motovun.

    Eat

    Istrian gastronomy is known by its huge diversity. Pasta, gnocchi, risotto and polenta, as well as its high-quality vegetables (which can be found, at a cheap price, in any of the numerous open-air markets present in almost every Istrian town), accompany main dishes, as an Italian heritage. Especially, Istrian peppers have international recognition.

    At the coast, fresh fish and seafood are a tradition. Scampi is the favourite, together with squid and sole. In the inland, air-cured ham (Prsut) and sausages are the highlights.

    But the gastronomic pearl is no doubt the '''truffles'''. After the beginning of the season, in late September, truffles can be found accompanying any dish and sauce. Especially recommended is pasta with truffles. Also, olive oil with truffles is a typical product of the region.

    Drink

    Istria is a land of vineyards. '''Wines''' are sweet and fruity, with a wide variety of grapes present, such as white malvasia, red teran and muscat. The most famous vineyard area is Kalavojna, on the Eastern coast.

    Regional liquor '''grappa''' is widely produced in here, with several varieties available.

    Stay safe

    Get out