Destination Finder

Istria

A land of truffles, wine and bucolic bliss. Istria is separate from the rest of Croatia. Christened ‘Terra Magica’ by the Romans, this small, triangular peninsula was Italian until World War II. Istria has its own, celebrated gastronomy, its own wines and olive oils. Nothing is ever far away, and inland is as nice as the coast. You can spend the day at the seaside resorts of Rovinj, Poreč or Novigrad and dine in style in the main town of Pula. Inland is dotted with hilltop villages, Grožnjan, Motovun, Hum, and restaurants Italians cross the border to savour.

Pula

Istria’s de facto capital, Pula has outstanding Roman remains, notably the sixth largest amphitheatre in the Empire. Outstanding restaurants are another major attraction.

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Motovun

Home of the film festival of the same name, this charming hilltop town stuns visitors with its commanding view – some love it so much they stay to open boutiques and galleries.

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Novigrad

Istria’s underrated gem, Novigrad contains at least three restaurants worthy of a visit alone, a new five-star hotel with its own marina and far too many bars than it knows what to do with. Italians flock here on Sundays.

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Rovinj

This pretty and popular resort is known for its restaurants and its galleries, its cocktail bars and its high-end hotels. The only town in Istria with a significant gay scene, Rovinj makes best use of its stunning natural setting.

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Poreč

One of Istria’s busiest tourist towns, the former Roman base of Poreč contains one of Croatia’s most glittering historic sights, the Euphrasian Basilica – although crowded streets may be your abiding memory here.

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