Welcome in Istra
Welcome to Istria!
Istria is the closest Mediterranean destination for countries of Central Europe. The Istrian peninsula covers an area of 2,820 km2 forming a triangle from the mouth of the Dragonja River in the west, Cape Kamenjak in the south to the mountain massif Učka in the east. The total length of the coastline, together with its islands is 539 km. Istria has a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm dry summers and mild pleasant winters.
The coastal area and islands are covered with pine trees and green Mediterranean bushes macchia, characteristic for the Mediterranean. The forrests cover nearly one third of the Istrian territory.
The Istrian peninsula is immersed in the Adriatic Sea, so its inhabitants have always lived in close connection with the sea. The Adriatic Sea that washes the Istrian coasts ranks as one of the most beautiful and cleanest seas in the world, with a deep blue color, rich and interesting underwater world. Its temperature enables swimming almost all year round.
The western coast of Istria is our touristic paradise. In towns like Umag, Poreč, Vrsar, Rovinj, Pula or Medulin with their numerous hotels, campsites, tourist resorts, apartments and rooms with the sweet smell of the sea and pine trees, everything is turned towards sunset and the Mediterranean you can only dream of. The Arena of Pula, Basilica of Euphrasius in Poreč, mummies in Vodnjan or fossils of dinosaurs, Baredine Cave – nature monument and habitat of proteus anguinus, ornithological reserve Palud and the Brijuni archipelago are just some of the attractions of our rich cultural, historical and natural heritage that must be a part of your itinerary when visiting Istria.
If we leave the coastal area and set off by car, bus or better yet by bike to the interior of Istria, we reach a completely different world, where the landscape irresistibly reminds us of parts of Tuscany or Provence. This is a world of rolling hills with lovely hilltop towns: Grožnjan, Motovun, Oprtalj, Gračišće… while the vineyards and olive groves on the sunny slopes preserve the warmth and scent of the nearby sea. Visit Hum, the smallest city in the world, treat your palate to the original, traditional delicacies and wine along the wine roads and olive oil routes, enjoy the authentic rural setting and savor the atmosphere of green, enchanting Istria.
