Istria is one of Croatia’s most magical locations, so if you find yourself in Croatia, you must visit this picturesque peninsula. There are many different places you can visit there, ranging from towns to small, charming villages. In this blog post we’re bringing you the top 5 places which absolutely must be on your bucket list.
Istria is the biggest peninsula in the Adriatic sea. Even though Dalmatia is beautiful and very loved, people often say Istria has much more charm because it resembles small Italian villages. A lot of Italians actually live in Istria and both Croatian and Italian are spoken there.
ROVINJ
You’ve probably seen our first pick all over Instagram and Pinterest. Situated between Pula and PoreÄ, Rovinj found its place on the west coast of Istria. As one of the most loved towns in Croatia, Rovinj will definitely sweep you off your feet. Colourful houses and the gorgeous bell tower make for a postcard photo, so make sure you snap enough pictures while you’re there. The best time to visit is during the off-season because it gets quite crowded during the summer.
There are many things you could do in Rovinj and here are our favourites:
Mediterraneo Bar
If you want an incredible sunset view and a relaxed evening, go for drinks at the Mediterraneo Bar. This unique, colourful bar is perched on the edges of the island, right next to the sea.
Orca Restaurant
After all the walking you will surely want a nice meal. One of the best restaurants in Rovinj is restaurant Orca. It’s one of a few which are open throughout the year and offer incredible Istrian cuisine. If you visit, don’t miss out on incredible Istrian truffles.
St. Euphemia Church
The key landmark of Rovinj is the beautiful baroque St. Euphemia Church with its 60-meter-high bell tower. The church is on a small hill, but once you get there you will have an incredible view of the sea ā sunsets are especially stunning. The bell tower is the symbol of Rovinj and it’s included in every picture-perfect view of the town.
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GROŽNJAN
One of the dreamiest locations in Istria is Grožnjan. The moment you get there you’ll feel like you stepped into a fairytale.The amazing thing is… this little town is still a total hidden gem, so you can explore it without the huge crowds like the ones that will follow you in Rovinj.
Grožnjan gets the most tourists during summer when there are various jazz and art festivals, but it’s still much less than any coastal town. The town’s most iconic landmark is the 14th-century Venetian Gothic-style Church of St. Vitus, which dominates the skyline of Grožnjan. If you visit it off-season like we did, you will have it all to yourself. The town is really tiny so there is no need to stay there overnight, but there are various cafes where you can sit down for a drink and enjoy breathtaking views.
When in Grožnjan, you should definitely visit many of the art galleries found there. Many artists have their own galleries open throughout the year so whenever you visit don’t forget to support the local artists!
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MOTOVUN
Motovun is one of the most unique places in Croatia. It’s on top of a hill and the view of the countryside you get once you’re up is stunning. Try to find parking as close as possible otherwise you’ll have to walk uphill to the town and that won’t be nearly as enjoyable as the town itself. Motovun is famous for its film festival which hosts many filmmakers from all over the world.
Although it’s inland, it’s absolutely worthy of a visit. Have a drink or lunch in one of the restaurants and enjoy walking though this small medieval town.
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LABIN
Right across Rovinj, on the opposite side of the peninsula you will find Labin. This small, picturesque village is another Istrian gem you should visit. Labin is rich with culture and architecture, Ā and its narrow, cobble streets will charm you off your feet. While you’re there, visit Rabac nearby, a picturesque seaside resort town known for its crystal-clear waters and pebble beaches.
Explore Labin on foot and when you get tired stop for some luch at pizzeria Rumore, it’s one of the best pizza places in Croatia!
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NATIONAL PARK BRIJUNI
You can find one of Croatia’s most famous national parks in Istria and it would be a shame if you missed it. Only a few kilometers from Pula, NP Brijuni and its nature will surely leave you speechless. The NP Ā consists of several islands, the two most prominent ones being Veliki Brijun and Mali Brijun. You can easily rech the NP by ferry from Fažana. Once you’re there, rent a golf car of a bike and explore the island freely.
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I hope you will enjoy your stay in Istria and visit as many of these locations as you can. Leave me a comment if you’ve already visited these towns ā I’m curious!
absolutely beautiful- hope to make it to Croatia someday!
I have yet to visit Croatia, and reading about these lovely places is making me want to discover the country. I particularly like to sound of Grožnjan and Rovinj. Both look idyllic and picturesque.
Motovun sounds like my type of place.
Istria is so beautiful and you highlighted some of the best spots! Canāt wait to go back!
Gah!!! Love love love this place. Will add it to my list when visiting Croatia. Thanks so much for putting together this helpful guide!
Looks amazing and great information. I had never heard of Istria.
Istria is lovely. We just couldn’t fit it in our 2 week trip to Croatia. there are so many beautiful places to visit. Hope to go back to Istria someday.