Set between the Julian Alps and the Adriatic Sea, Istria is Croatia’s green, heart-shaped peninsula where fishing villages, Venetian-style seaside towns and medieval hilltop villages all sit within an easy drive of each other. The coastal town of Rovinj is often called one of the most beautiful places in Croatia and makes an ideal base for exploring.
Istria is famous for its red soil, vineyards, olive groves and truffle-rich forests, earning it a reputation as the "new Tuscany". Yet it still feels relaxed and low-key, with local konobas (small family owned restaurants), family-run wineries and quiet country roads leading to viewpoints, beaches and tiny stone villages.
My first impressions of Istria were shaped from basing myself in Opatija, with its old Austro-Hungarian villas, long seaside promenade and a slightly nostalgic, "Belle Époque" feel. What surprised me most was how different it felt from Dalmatia, greener, more Central European in atmosphere, with a mix of seaside glamour and hilltop villages, yet still unmistakably Croatian in its food, language and laid-back pace.
Istria at a Glance
- Where it is: Northwest Croatia, close to Slovenia and Italy, with easy access from Zagreb, Ljubljana and Venice.
- Vibe: A mix of Mediterranean coast and green countryside, think stone villages, vineyards, olive groves and a slower pace than southern Dalmatia.
- Best bases: Rovinj for romance and sunsets, Poreč for families and resorts, Pula for the Roman amphitheatre, inland villages like Motovun for wine and truffles.
- Ideal trip length: 3-5 days for a taste of the region, 7+ days if you want time for beaches, hill towns and food experiences.
- Best time to visit: Late April-June and September-October for warm weather, open beaches and smaller crowds; July-August for peak heat and buzz.
- Who it’s for: Couples, food and wine lovers, road-trippers, families who prefer quieter resorts to big cities.
Best Places to Visit in Istria
Istria is compact enough that you can see a lot in a few days, but it still helps to focus on a couple of bases and then add day trips. Here are the main areas most travelers consider.
Rovinj - romantic harbor town
If you only choose one base in Istria, make it Rovinj. Its pastel houses, cobbled alleys and sunset views over the islands make it one of Croatia’s most atmospheric towns, with easy access to beaches, boat trips and inland day trips.
Poreč - family-friendly resorts & UNESCO basilica
Poreč combines a lively old town and the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica with a long strip of family-oriented hotels and campsites. It’s a good choice if you want facilities, bike paths and plenty of options for children.
Pula - Roman ruins & city life
In the far south of Istria, Pula is known for its remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater, busy harbor and year-round atmosphere. It works well as a short city break combined with nearby beaches and Cape Kamenjak.
Hilltop towns - Motovun, Grožnjan & central Istria
Inland Istria feels like another world, with villages perched on ridges above vineyards and forests. Towns like Motovun and Grožnjan are perfect for slow walks, viewpoints, truffle dishes and local wine tasting.
Cape Kamenjak & southern beaches
At the southern tip of the peninsula, Cape Kamenjak is a protected area of coves, cliffs and bike trails. It’s a favorite day trip for swimming, cliff-jumping and kayaking in clear water.
Brijuni Islands National Park
Off the coast near Fažana, Brijuni is a small island group with pine forests, Roman ruins and safari-style tours. It’s easy to visit on a day trip by organised boat excursion or local ferry.
How to Get to Istria
Istria sits in the northwest corner of Croatia and shares borders with Slovenia and Italy, so it’s easy to combine with trips to Ljubljana or Venice. The main regional airport is Pula, with seasonal flights from many European cities. Trieste, Venice and Zagreb airports are also realistic gateways, especially if you’re happy to drive.
By car, driving times are roughly 3 hours from Zagreb, 2 hours from Ljubljana and 3-4 hours from Venice, depending on traffic and border queues. The best way to explore the region is by rental car - daily rates often start from around €30-40, but always check current prices and conditions when you book. You can compare options via rent a car in Croatia.
There are regular buses from major Croatian cities as well as from Slovenia and Italy, with main stations in Pula, Rovinj, Poreč and Umag. In summer, high-speed catamarans and ferries link Istrian ports with Venice and other towns along the Adriatic. For timetables and tickets, see ferry booking in Croatia.
Ferries from Venice and other parts of Italy also run daily during the summer months to the ports of Poreč and Rovinj. Read more about ferries from Rovinj to Venice and Trieste in Italy and Piran in Slovenia.
I personally prefer arriving in Istria by car from Zagreb, as it gives me flexibility to stop in hilltop towns along the way, but I always try to avoid crossing the Slovenia-Croatia border at peak weekend times in summer, when queues can easily add an extra hour or more to the drive.
Where to Stay in Istria
Istria is compact, but choosing the right base can save you a lot of time on the road. Many visitors pick one coastal base and then add inland day trips.
- Rovinj: Best all-round choice for couples and first-timers. Beautiful old town, sunsets, good restaurants and easy access to beaches and day trips inland. Start with our detailed Rovinj travel guide.
- Poreč: Great for families and resort stays, with hotels, campsites and bike paths along the coast, plus the UNESCO Euphrasian Basilica in town.
- Pula: Good if you want a working city feel, nightlife and the Roman amphitheatre, with beaches and Cape Kamenjak close by.
- Inland villages (Motovun, Grožnjan, etc.): Ideal for food and wine lovers who prefer quiet nights, views and country roads over beach clubs.
For help comparing hotels, guesthouses and apartments across the region, see find accommodation in Croatia.
Top Things to Do in Istria
- Walk the Roman Arena in Pula. One of the best-preserved amphitheaters in the world, it hosts concerts and events in summer and gives a real sense of Istria’s Roman past.
- Get lost in Rovinj’s old town. Climb the alleys up to St. Euphemia’s church, explore art galleries and finish with a sunset drink by the harbor in Rovinj.
- Visit a hilltop town. Spend an afternoon in Motovun or Grožnjan, wandering stone streets, tasting local wine and enjoying long views over vineyards and forests.
- Try truffle dishes and Istrian wine. White and black truffles, Malvazija (white) and Teran (red) wines are regional stars - budget around €15-25 for a basic truffle pasta in a konoba, and more for tasting menus in fine-dining restaurants.
- Swim and kayak at Cape Kamenjak. Hidden coves, clear water and low cliffs make the southern tip of Istria perfect for swimming, snorkeling and relaxed adventure.
- Take a boat trip to the Brijuni Islands. Join a day excursion for pine forests, Roman ruins and island views just off the coast from Fažana.
- Head out on the water. Join a sunset cruise from Rovinj, go kayaking along the coast or consider a short sailing trip - start with our guide to sailing in Croatia.
Another of my favorite activity's is truffle hunting in inland Istria, especially around Motovun and nearby forests. Walking through the woods with local guides and their dogs, then tasting fresh truffle dishes afterwards, feels more special and "Istrian" to me than a standard beach or city tour, so I always recommend it if you want an experience you won’t easily find elsewhere in Croatia.
Food & wine in Istria
Istria is one of Croatia’s top regions for food and wine. The landscape of vineyards, olive groves and truffle-rich forests means you can easily combine days of sightseeing with long lunches in country konobas and tastings at small family-run wineries. Menus often blend Italian and Croatian influences: homemade pasta, slow-cooked meats and fresh seafood with plenty of local olive oil.
Truffles are the star ingredient of inland Istria, especially around Motovun and the nearby forests. You’ll see them shaved over simple dishes like fuži (local pasta), steak or eggs. In a traditional konoba, expect to pay from around €15-25 for a basic truffle pasta, with prices higher in fine-dining restaurants and hotel restaurants in places like Rovinj and Poreč. If you’re a serious foodie, consider joining an organised truffle hunt followed by a tasting menu.
Istrian wines are also a big part of the experience. The fresh, aromatic white Malvazija pairs perfectly with seafood and lighter truffle dishes, while the red Teran is a little more rustic and works well with meat stews, grilled dishes and richer sauces. For a deeper dive into Croatian wine regions and grape varieties, have a look at our guide to Croatian wines.
Olive oil is another local obsession. Many estates offer tastings where you can try different single-estate oils with bread, cheese and cured meats before buying a bottle to take home. To explore more about regional dishes, snacks and drinks across the country, visit our Delicious Croatia food & drink guide.
When to visit Istria
Istria is a year-round destination due to its Mediterranean climate and closeness to many European countries. The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October). The weather is mild and there are fewer tourists, making it easier to explore the region and enjoy its attractions.
In spring, the countryside is alive with colourful wildflowers, and the weather is perfect for hiking, cycling, and exploring the many picturesque villages and towns. In addition, many food and wine festivals take place during this time, offering visitors the chance to sample Istria's delicious cuisine and wine.
In autumn, the weather is still warm and sunny, but with fewer crowds. This is an excellent time to visit the region's vineyards, as the grape harvest takes place in September and October. Visitors can participate in the grape-picking process, and taste the freshly pressed juice or sample some of Istria's famous wines.
If you prefer warm weather and swimming the summer months (June to August) are a good time as the sea temperatures are warm. Just be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices during this time. Many towns and villages host festivals and events showcasing local culture, music, and cuisine.
Istria FAQ
Where is Istria and what is it known for?
Istria is a heart-shaped peninsula in northwestern Croatia, close to the borders with Slovenia and Italy, on the northern Adriatic Sea. It’s known for its mix of Venetian-style coastal towns, medieval hilltop villages, excellent olive oil, wine and truffle-based cuisine.
When is the best time to visit Istria?
Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) are ideal, with warm weather, open beaches and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. July and August are hottest and busiest, great for swimming and festivals if you don’t mind higher prices and more people. Winter is quieter, with some places partially closed, but it can work for a slow-paced foodie trip.
How many days do you need in Istria?
Plan at least 3-4 days if you want to base yourself in one town such as Rovinj or Poreč and add a couple of day trips. With 5-7 days you can combine the coast, hilltop towns, wine and truffle experiences, and maybe a boat trip to the Brijuni Islands or Cape Kamenjak without rushing.
Do you need a car in Istria?
You can visit Istria by bus or organised excursions, but having a car makes it much easier to reach hilltop villages, wineries and quieter coves. Roads are generally in good condition and distances are short, so a rental works very well for a few days. To compare options and prices, see our guide to rent a car in Croatia.
Is Istria safe to visit?
Yes. Istria is generally considered a very safe region, with low levels of violent crime and a relaxed atmosphere even in the main towns. As always, use common sense - keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas, don’t leave valuables in cars and take extra care at night, especially if you’re on quiet roads or walking back from beaches.
What currency is used in Istria and can I pay by card?
The official currency is the euro (€), and it’s used throughout Croatia. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and petrol stations, but it’s still useful to carry some cash for kiosks, small konobas and rural areas. For more detail on money, ATMs and bank opening hours across the country, see our Croatia travel information and advice.
What language is spoken in Istria?
The official language is Croatian, but many locals also speak Italian, and English is widely understood in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Croatian or Italian phrases is always appreciated and can make interactions in smaller villages feel even more friendly.
Is Istria a good destination for families?
Yes, Istria works very well for families. Coastal towns like Poreč and Rovinj have beaches, bike paths, family-friendly resorts and boat trips, while inland you’ll find easy walking trails, viewpoints and farm stays. Driving distances are short, so you can mix beach time with castles, hill towns and simple outdoor activities without long days in the car.