Hidden Gems of Istria

Dolce Vita | Travel

The Istrian peninsula, which is part of Croatia and Slovenia, is known to most of us for its fabulous beaches and stunning coastline. But there are many other attractions that make it worth a visit, even in the off-season. These are the hidden gems we’ve put together.

Story by Nora Herczku

Wonderful natural attractions, picturesque medieval towns and castles, and mouth-watering cuisine await visitors to Croatia’s Istrian peninsula all year round.

Rovinj

Must-see towns and cities Two historic towns are not to be missed when visiting Istria.

Rovinj is a picturesque place built on a protruding cliff, which was under Venetian rule for four hundred years. This has influenced its architecture: visitors arrive in a charming Italian-style town. You can walk for hours along its winding, limestone-paved streets and then stop for a rest in one of its cosy cafés.

And Pula is mainly Roman. Its most important attraction is the Amphitheatre: built by Vespasian I, it was already considered one of the five largest halls of its time. In the evenings, after visiting hours, you can listen to classical music concerts within the ancient limestone walls. But this is just one of Pula’s many historical monuments: you can also visit the old castle walls, the Arc de Triomphe and, if you still have the strength, the Venetian fortresses.

Amphitheatre

If you have a strong fortress or a fortress of fortresses The tiny town of Svetvinčenat, inland Istria, between Pula and Pazin, is famous for its beautiful main square and imposing castle. The castle, surrounded by huge walls and bastions, is the best preserved fortress on the peninsula. Its gates are open to tourists every day, and medieval martial arts can be practised in its vast courtyard, which was once a witch-burning site. If you’re bringing children, don’t miss the medieval theme park at Sanc Michael, where they can enjoy everything from chess games to archery, the Ferris wheel and the labyrinth. And adults can continue their medieval journey in the nearby town of Bale (Valle in Italian), one of the most atmospheric towns on the peninsula, with its ancient houses, winding streets and unrivalled gastronomy.

Gastronomy at its best Amongst many other things, Istria is a gastronomic paradise: you’ll find their fantastic fish dishes on the menus of the better restaurants. They serve their own wine, white malvazija and red teran. Like most Mediterranean countries, the Istrians make their own olive oil, so be sure to try it. But it is the truffle that makes the region famous far and wide: not only the black truffle, but also the much rarer and more intense-tasting white truffle (Tuber magnatum), which is available and eaten here, albeit at a high price.

Picturesque excursions As well as sightseeing and culinary adventures, don’t miss out on natural beauty when in Istria! The enchantingly beautiful Kamenjak Peninsula is the wildest, most picturesque stretch of coastline in the whole region, with crystal clear sea, stunningly beautiful coves and huge cliffs. The entire peninsula is protected, with only dusty dirt roads, which can be accessed by car for an entrance fee. It is also accessible by bicycle and on foot.

And the Brijuni archipelago has been inhabited for millions of years, with preserved historical monuments that include dinosaur footprints, the remains of Roman luxury villas and the wildlife park favoured by Josip Broz Tito, the former Yugoslav head of state. Of the 14 beautiful islands, only the two largest are open to visitors, as they were under Tito. 

Rovinj