ISTRIA: TOP 5 DREAMY PLACES YOU WILL ABSOLUTELY LOVE!

Istria is one of Croatia’s most magical regions, so if you find yourself in the country, you absolutely shouldn’t miss this picturesque peninsula.

There are so many different places to explore here, from charming coastal towns to small inland villages full of character. In this blog post, I’ll share my top 5 places in Istria that truly deserve a spot on your bucket list.

Even though Dalmatia is incredibly beautiful and widely loved, many people say Istria has a different kind of charm, more reminiscent of small Italian towns. In fact, a lot of Italians live in the region, and both Croatian and Italian are commonly spoken. As a local from Zagreb, Istria is also quite easy to reach, so we visit often and we absolutely love it, especially these 5 places!

ROVINJ

Rovinj is one of the most photographed destinations in Istria, and you’ve probably already seen it all over Instagram and Pinterest. It sits between Porec and Pula on the west coast of the peninsula, and as one of the most loved towns in Croatia, Rovinj will definitely sweep you off your feet. The colourful houses and iconic bell tower create a postcard-perfect view, so make sure you bring your camera.

The best time to visit is during the off-season, as summer months can get very crowded. While you’re there, don’t miss Church of St. Euphemia and its bell tower, a walk along the beautiful waterfront promenade, wandering through the narrow colourful streets, and stopping for a drink at Mediterraneo Bar.

GROZNJAN

One of the dreamiest locations in Istria, and maybe my favourite, is Groznjan. 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.

Groznjan 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 Groznjan. 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 Groznjan, 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!

MOTOVUN

Motovun is one of the most unique places in Istria. Since it’s on top of a hill, it offers incredible views over the surrounding countryside, and the moment you arrive, the scenery is absolutely stunning. Try to find parking as close as possible, because otherwise you’ll have to walk uphill into town and that climb can be a bit tiring before you even start exploring.

Motovun is also famous for its film festival, which attracts filmmakers from all over the world each year. Once you’re there, make sure to sit down for lunch and try some truffle-based dishes, since truffles are a local specialty found in the forests around the area. Don’t miss walking the old town walls either because the panoramic views over the hills are some of the best in inland Istria. Even though it’s not on the coast, Motovun is absolutely worth a visit.

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,  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!

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. Just a few kilometres from Pula, Brijuni National Park and its natural beauty will absolutely leave you speechless. The park consists of several islands, with the two most well-known being Veliki Brijun and Mali Brijun.

This is one of my favourite national parks in Croatia, alongside Plitvice, and I can’t recommend it enough. You can easily reach it by ferry from Fažana. Once you arrive, rent a golf cart or a bike and explore the island at your own pace. That’s the best way to experience it fully.

CONCLUSION: TOP 5 DREAMY PLACES IN ISTRIA

These are the 5 places I truly recommend visiting if you find yourself in Istria. My two favourites are Brijuni National Park and Groznjan, but Rovinj is also absolutely stunning. You really can’t go wrong with any of these places. I’d also recommend doing a 5-day Istria road trip so you can see all the most important spots across the peninsula without rushing anything.