12 BEST THINGS TO DO IN ISTRIA, CROATIA IN 2026!

If you’re planning your Croatia itinerary this year, these are the 12 best things to do in Istria, Croatia!

Croatia is incredibly beautiful, but Istria is one of the prettiest regions in the country. Many people even say it’s the most beautiful part of Croatia overall. As a local Croatian, I’ve visited Istria many times and explored a large part of the region.

In this blog post, I’m sharing the 12 things to do in Istria that I would highly recommend to both first-time visitors and those returning again. I absolutely love Istria, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it too, so keep reading!!

WHERE IS ISTRIA?

Istria is a beautiful peninsula on the Adriatic Sea, located in northwestern Croatia. It’s close to Italy and Slovenia, which is why Istria has a mix of different cultures, food, and traditions. In fact, Istria is very closely connected to Italy. Much of the region was once ruled by the Republic of Venice, and because of that, many people living in Istria still speak Italian today.

You can reach Istria easily from Zagreb, Venice, or anywhere in Slovenia, which makes it a very convenient destination if you’re already travelling in this part of Europe. The best way to get around Istria is by car, since public transport doesn’t reach many of the smaller but very charming towns. Buses do work well between the bigger towns, but for full flexibility, a car is definitely the best option.

IS ISTRIA WORTH VISITING?

Yes, Istria is absolutely worth visiting. It really offers a bit of everything, from beautiful beaches and rich history to amazing food and scenic road trips. On top of that, it’s much less crowded than some other popular Croatian destinations like Dubrovnik, Split, or Hvar.

In Istria, you can explore Roman ruins, swim in crystal-clear sea, and wander through peaceful hill towns all in one trip. The food is also incredible, with local dishes that easily rank among the best in Croatia. I have a whole post on why Istria is worth visiting, so check it out if you’re having any doubts!

WHERE TO STAY IN ISTRIA

Istria is quite a large region, so you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to choosing where to stay. You can change accommodation and stay in a different place every night, or you can pick one base and do day trips to explore the rest of Istria.

We usually stay in Pula and use it as a base to visit different towns and villages across the peninsula. If we only have a day or two, we prefer staying in Rovinj and spending most of our time there instead. Below is a list of my favourite places to stay in Istria, along with reasons why each one makes a great base for your trip.

Rovinj

Rovinj is probably the most popular town in Istria. It’s full of colourful buildings by the sea, lovely beaches, and plenty of great restaurants and cafés, so it’s perfect if you want a romantic or classic Adriatic holiday. The Old Town is especially beautiful, with narrow stone streets and amazing sunset views.

Rovinj also works really well as a base for exploring Istria, since you can easily reach other towns, hilltop villages, and beaches from here. You can stay right in the Old Town if you want atmosphere and charm, or just outside the centre if you prefer something quieter while still being close to everything.

Options in Rovinj: The Melegran, Hotel Angelo d’Oro, Hotel Delfin, Eden Hotel by Maistra Collection

Pula

If you love ancient history and a more lively city atmosphere, Pula is a great choice. It’s the largest city in Istria and home to some of the most impressive Roman ruins in Croatia. Because it’s a bigger city, there are plenty of accommodation options, from hotels and apartments to hostels, so it’s easy to find something that fits your budget.

Pula is also a very practical base for exploring the whole region, since you can easily drive to different parts of Istria from here. That’s exactly why we usually choose to stay in Pula!

Options in Pula: Ribarska Koliba Resort, Vinkuran by Bura Hotels, Hotel Milan, Grand Hotel Brioni Pula

Porec

If you want a calmer town that’s very family-friendly, Porec is a great option. This town offers a nice mix of beaches, a charming old town, and plenty of hotels and resorts, which makes it especially popular with families. Everything is easy to reach, beaches are well maintained, and there are lots of activities for kids as well as adults.

Porec also has a beautiful historic centre, great restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect if you want a stress-free holiday. It’s a great base if you want comfort, easy beach access, and a slower pace while still having everything you need close by.

Options in Porec: Boutique Hotel Paradiso, Boutique Hotel Golden Key, Boutique Hotel Mauro, Hotel Park Plava Laguna

Inland towns

Inland towns are especially charming in Istria. If you’re looking for a slower, countryside-style stay, small hilltop towns like Motovun, Grožnjan, or Bale are a perfect choice. These towns are known for their peaceful atmosphere, beautiful views over vineyards and olive groves, and amazing local food, all without the crowds you’ll find on the coast.

Staying inland is ideal if you want to fully relax, enjoy quiet mornings, explore small villages, and experience a more traditional side of Istria. It’s also a great base for wine tastings, truffle dishes, and scenic drives through the region.

Options inland: Winery & Design hotel ROXANICH, Guesthouse Villa Marija, San Canzian Hotel, Boutique Hotel San Rocco

Smaller coastal towns

If you still want to stay on the coast but avoid the large crowds of the bigger and more popular towns, you can choose a smaller place like Novigrad, Vrsar, Medulin, or Borik. These towns offer lovely beaches, good accommodation options, and a much calmer atmosphere, while still giving you easy access to the rest of Istria.

They’re perfect if you want a relaxed seaside stay, quieter evenings, and less busy beaches, but still want to explore larger towns like Rovinj or Pula on day trips.

Options in smaller towns: Park Plaza Belvedere Medulin, Boutique Hotel Chevalier by Bura Hotels, Maistra Select Pineta Hotel

ISTRIA 5-DAY ITINERARY

If you’re coming to Istria, I’d highly recommend you have at least 5 days for it. Anything less will still be nice, but it will probably make you want to come back, since you wouldn’t be able to see even half of the things Istria offers. Even in 5 days you won’t manage to do everything mentioned in this post, but you can do a really nice road trip around the peninsula and see a lot of it. Five days is the perfect amount of time to properly explore Istria without rushing too much. I have a whole written itinerary for the perfect 5 day Istria road trip, which could help you plan out your own trip!

THINGS TO DO IN ISTRIA IN 2026

These are the best things to do in Istria, and I’d highly recommend you add at least a few of them to your itinerary.

Explore the Streets of Rovinj

Rovinj has one of the prettiest old towns in Croatia, and it truly feels like a postcard come to life. The Old Town is full of narrow cobbled streets, pastel-colored buildings, and lots of cats everywhere you look. You can climb up to St. Euphemia Church for sunset views, walk along the scenic seaside promenade, and enjoy long lunches or dinners right by the sea.

Every time we visit Rovinj, we’re completely blown away by its charm, so I’m sure you’ll love it too, especially if it’s your first visit. If you can, stay in the Old Town so you can explore it early in the morning, when it’s quiet and feels the most magical. Here are the best things to do in and around Rovinj!

Eat Istrian Cuisine at Restaurant Orca

If you ask any Istrian local what one of the best restaurants in the area is, Restaurant Orca will almost always be mentioned. It’s a local restaurant focused on authentic Istrian cuisine, and while it’s not a fancy seaside spot (it’s a short drive from Rovinj Old Town), the food alone is more than enough reason to visit.

We’ve tried their local pastas with truffles as well as several meat dishes, and everything was absolutely excellent. We’ve also heard amazing things about their seafood, although we haven’t had the chance to try it yet. It’s also a great option if you’re visiting with family, since the restaurant has a small playground that’s perfect for kids.

Revisit History at the Pula Arena

If you’re a history lover, Pula is a great day trip in general, but you’ll especially love its Roman amphitheater. The famous Pula Arena is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, and you can visit it for a small entrance fee.

Besides walking around and exploring it on your own, I’d highly recommend checking if there’s a concert or event happening while you’re there. Experiencing the Arena during an event really takes it to a whole new level. While in Pula, make sure you also leave some time to explore the rest of the city, since it’s full of other Roman ruins and historic sights worth seeing.

Explore Brijuni National Park

Brijuni National Park is among the most visited national parks in Croatia, together with Plitvice Lakes and Krka. Personally, Brijuni might even be my favourite national park in the country. While it’s very different from Plitvice or Krka, it’s absolutely magical in its own way, and you really should visit it while you’re in Istria.

Brijuni is an archipelago of islands, but the most visited one, and the one where most attractions are located, is Veliki Brijun. You can reach it by ferry from Fažana, and once there you can explore ancient Roman villas, beautiful nature, and even safari animals. Get your tickets at their official website!

I’d highly recommend renting bikes and exploring the island that way, since it’s perfect for cycling. If biking isn’t for you, you can also rent a golf cart and still see everything comfortably. Brijuni is calm, green, and very special, and it’s one of those places that really stays with you after you visit. Here’s a detailed guide to visiting Brijuni National Park!

Visit the Hilltop Fairytale Town Motovun

If you want to visit a place you definitely won’t forget, visit Motovun. This incredibly charming town is located on top of a hill, and even while driving up to it you’ll see just how breathtaking it looks.

Motovun is surrounded by vineyards and truffle forests, which already makes it very special. Once there, you can explore the old town, walk along the city walls, try local wine, and enjoy some truly stunning views over the Istrian countryside.

Keep in mind that if you’re visiting during the summer months, parking right at the top can be tricky. In that case, you’ll likely need to park lower down and walk up, but honestly, the views along the way make it completely worth it.

Discover Artsy Groznjan

My absolute favourite place in Istria is Groznjan. Groznjan is known as the Town of Artists because it’s filled with galleries, jazz festivals, and has a slightly bohemian atmosphere that you can feel as soon as you arrive.

The old town is absolutely magical, with stone houses, narrow cobbled streets, and viewpoints that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. On top of that, Groznjan is rarely crowded, so there’s a big chance you’ll get to enjoy it in a calm and relaxed way, unlike some of the more popular towns in Istria. I truly can’t recommend Groznjan enough.

Take a Boat Tour

There are several boat tours you can take from different locations in Istria, and they’re a great way to see the coast from a different perspective. One of the most popular options is a boat tour to the Brijuni Islands, but there are plenty of other great choices as well.

You can go on a sunset cruise from Rovinj, dolphin watching from Pula, or visit the beautiful Lim Bay from Vrsar. Whatever you feel like doing, you’ll most likely find a boat tour that fits your plans in Istria.

There are many excellent options available online, but you can also simply check what’s offered on the spot once you arrive in Istria!

Visit Bale

If you want a place that’s truly off the beaten path, this is it. Bale is a small and charming village located between Pula and Rovinj, and not many people stop here, which means you can enjoy a beautiful Istrian old town with almost no crowds. Bale doesn’t offer a lot of activities, but even a simple walk through the village is really lovely. You can sit down for a glass of local wine or some food, take in the views, and just enjoy the calm atmosphere.

Explore Porec

Porec is a small but lively coastal town that works perfectly both as a base and as a day trip while exploring Istria. What makes Porec special is that you get the best of both worlds. You can explore a charming old town with UNESCO-listed history and still enjoy great beaches at the same time.

Porec has excellent family-friendly hotels, a lovely seaside promenade, plenty of local shops throughout the old town, and some really impressive landmarks, most notably the Euphrasian Basilica. It’s an easy place to enjoy without rushing, and you really shouldn’t miss it while in Istria.

Go Truffle Hunting in Central Istria

If you want something really adventurous, you should go truffle hunting. In Istria, you can join local experts in the oak forests near Motovun and search for famous white and black truffles. You’ll walk through the forest with locals and their trained dogs and learn how truffles are found in a very traditional way.

After the hunt, you usually get to taste the truffles you’ve found, most often served on fresh pasta and paired with local wine. It’s an amazing way to experience Istria in a very authentic and local way. Just keep in mind that most tours start near Motovun, so you’ll need a car or another way to get there.

Take a Trip to Opatija

Opatija isn’t officially part of Istria, but it’s very close and absolutely worth a visit. Opatija is best known for its hotels with a strong focus on wellness, so it’s a great place to treat yourself to a spa day.

The town also has a beautiful seaside promenade and well-kept parks that are perfect for slow walks and relaxing by the sea. If you feel like taking a break from sightseeing and just want a calm, relaxing day, Opatija is a perfect choice.

Taste Istria’s Wine & Olive Oil

Istria is famous for its incredible wine and olive oil, and it would be a real shame to miss out on a few tastings while you’re there. The region is full of family-run wineries and olive oil estates that offer tours and tastings, where you can learn a lot about local production and taste award-winning Malvasia wines and some of the best extra-virgin olive oils in the world.

These tastings are usually very relaxed and personal, and they give you a great insight into Istrian traditions and gastronomy. If this is something that interests you, I’d definitely recommend booking a tour and adding it to your itinerary.

CONCLUSION: THINGS TO DO IN ISTRIA

These are only some of the best things to do in Istria, especially if you’re visiting for the first time. Try to include at least a few of them in your trip, and if you’re short on time, I’d highly recommend Brijuni National Park, Groznjan, and Rovinj.

Istria is truly one of the prettiest regions in Croatia, and you definitely won’t regret visiting it. The only problem is that once you’re there, you’ll probably wish you had more time to explore it all.