Still looking for reasons why visit Istria? This blog post will tell you exactly why Istria is worth visiting!
Istria is one of my favorite regions in Croatia, and as a Croatia native I visit it quite frequently. I would say it’s absolutely worth exploring, but if you’re still unsure, here are a few reasons why add Istria to your itinerary!
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you.
WHERE IS ISTRIA?
Istria is a gorgeous peninsula in the northwestern part of Croatia. It is the largest peninsula in the Adriatic and Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy share it. However, most of Istria belongs to Croatia. The most popular cities in Istria are Pula, Rovinj, and Porec. These towns are absolutely gorgeous, but the true charm of Istria lies in its small, hidden villages.
There are a lot of Roman, Venetian, Austrian, and Italian influences, and you’ll see them in Istria’s architecture, food, and local dialects. Italian is widely spoken in Istria, and certain towns definitely feel Italian.
IS ISTRIA WORTH VISITING?
Yes, Istria is absolutely worth visiting. I cannot recommend it enough. Istria has literally everything you need for a stunning holiday, especially if you like slow travel. You’ll get to explore stunning coastal towns like Rovinj and Porec, beautiful beaches, famous historical landmarks such as Pula’s Roman Amphitheater and medieval hilltop villages like Motovun.
You’ll get to enjoy incredible food and wines, and explore some of the most beautiful nature in Croatia, including the stunning National Park Brijuni. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll also get a more authentic Croatian experience, compared to Dubrovnik and Split, because Istria is not as crowded as some of Croatia’s most visited cities. All in all, I would say Istria is an absolute gem you should prioritize to visit!
5 INCREDIBLE REASONS WHY VISIT ISTRIA
If the former paragraph wasn’t enough to make you want to visit Istria, here are 5 reasons why I think everyone should visit Istria at least once.
You’ll get to explore stunning coastal towns
Istria is home to some breathtaking coastal towns like Rovinj, Porec, and Pula, where you’ll love spending time. Tiny, cobbled streets, colorful harbors, and historic landmarks are just some of the things you can see, and the Adriatic is stunning as always. These three towns must make it on your list, but you should also try and visit some of the smaller, inland towns such as Grožnjan, Motovun, Labin and so on. They have a special kind of charm, with their historic look making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
There’s so much incredible history in Istria
While there’s no Dubrovnik City Walls or the Diocletian’s Palace here, Istria still has so much to offer historically. Istria is truly rich in history, since it was influenced by the Romans, Venetians, and Austro-Hungarians. The main historical landmark in Istria is the Pula Arena, the iconic Roman amphitheater. You can explore it for only 10 euros.
Pula has a few other historical landmarks worth checking out, such as the Arch of the Sergii and the Temple of Augustus. Rovinj has the stunning St. Euphemia Church, and Motovun and Grožnjan are famous medieval hilltop towns with many ancient churches and buildings worth exploring. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love Istria.
You can visit one of the most beautiful national parks in Croatia
While everyone flocks to see Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Parks, one of the most stunning national parks is actually in Istria. Istria is home to Brijuni National Park, one of Croatia’s most beautiful natural wonders. This NP is a group of 14 islands with untouched landscapes, turquoise waters, and diverse wildlife. You can visit two of the islands, but the main part of the NP is the island Veliki Brijun.
This is my favorite national park in Croatia, because it’s relaxing and the crowds are never too much. In Brijuni NP you can explore Roman ruins, bike through incredible scenery, and visit the Safari Park with many animals in the wild. Here’s a complete guide to Brijuni NP – please add it to your itinerary!
You can try incredible food and wine
Istria is a paradise for food and wine lovers, so if that’s you, this might be your favorite region of Croatia. Everyone knows Istria for its world-famous truffles and incredible wine. However, it also excels in fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and top-quality olive oil.
While you’re in Istria, visit some of the konobas and try the incredible mix of Mediterranean and Italian influenced food. The truffles are a must-try, and so are some of the local wines you can find in most local restaurants. If you’re really into wine, you can also book excellent winery tours and tastings in Istria. That way you can thoroughly enjoy the best wines Istria has to offer.
It’s more affordable than Dalmatia
I’m not going to lie and tell you that no one knows about Istria and you’ll peruse the stunning towns by yourself. However, Istria definitely offers a more affordable and relaxed alternative to Croatia’s popular Dalmatian coast. Istria is popular, but accommodation, dining, and activities tend to be cheaper than in cities like Dubrovnik and Split.
There’s also less people because you can hardly visit it without a car, and there are no cruise ships which often overrun towns like Dubrovnik and Split. Istria still offers stunning beaches, amazing history, and incredible food, but in a more laid-back and authentic atmosphere. If you’re trying to find something budget-friendly, Istria might be the solution for you.
