Istria Croatia boasts of some unique highlights that any visitor shouldn’t miss. Among Croatia’s regions this one offers some of the most stunning sights scattered all over the peninsula.
Most tourists traveling to Istria are predisposed to visit coastal towns like Umag, Porec, Rovinj or Pula refereed as a ‘blue area‘ , forgetting the fact that this region offers a surprising diversity of natural and historical resources specially in the part, sometimes called ‘green area‘.
The nature has rewarded this region with a 430 km coastline and an interior of green hills and fertile plains, attributing this zone a name of ‘New Tuscany’. Find out more info on map of the peninsula showing major and minor roads as well as towns and villages.
In July and August peninsula is mainly visited by Italian and German tourists, but if you decide on lower season like June and September, you will have more time to enjoy the Roman ruins ( Pula , Porec), old Venetian fishermen ports (Rovinj), beaches, vineyards and ever green hill towns of this fascinating regions.
Here are the most significant highlights you should not ignore when visiting this peninsula:
- Visiting the Euphrasian Basilica in Porec.
- Visiting and taking part in a concert at Pula’s amphitheater.
- Visiting Brijuni national Park.
- Admiring the Venetian architecture of Motovun.
- Workshop in Groznjan.
- Half day scenic cruise to the Limska Draga Fjord (Limski kanal).
op Istria Croatia Sights
Here are the most significant peninsula highlights you should not ignore when visiting this peninsula:
Blue Istria highlights:
- Porec town – sixth-century Euphrasian Basilica
- Pula – Roman’s amphitheater
- Brijuni islands – National Park
- Limski Fjord canal (Limski kanal) near Rovinj
- Rovinj – old Venetian fishermen port
Green Istria highlights
It’s enough to get away from the sea a few miles and to find out how many beauties are hidden among the green hills. It’s unbelievable how this green part of this peninsula can be so charming for nature lovers or history and culture explorers.
- Motovun – a dream hilltop village
- Pazin town with the best-preserved medieval fortress – Find it on the map!
- Buzet – the town of truffles
- Groznjan – the town of artists
- Hum – the smallest town in the world – Find it on the map!
- Brtonigla – town of top quality wines and gastronomy – Find it on the map!
Getting from Venice to Istria, Croatia
Are you looking a way to get from Venice to Croatia? Wouldn’t be nice to start in Venice and then take a day or two down the Croatian coast?
If you are visiting Italy and you don’t have enough time to visit Croatia then take a day or two trip from Venice! Book your trip with Venezia Lines. Check catamaran schedules and prices.
During the high season there daily fast catamaran lines that connect Venice to the most beautiful Istria’s towns like Umag, Porec, Rovinj, Pula. You can also reach these towns from Trieste by Liberty Lines company that runs regular seasonal connections.
Getting Around Istria Croatia Peninsula
Bus service is very good organized between main coastal cities. You can even book online your bus seat by Autotrans partner company.
The other way to explore this peninsula is using your own car or renting one. There are no train connections around peninsula or ferry lines between coastal towns. Read more about getting to Croatia from Italy.