Istria—with its sleepy fishing villages, azure waters, and verdant hills of truffle, olive, and vine—is still, miraculously, under the radar. This pointed peninsula, which straddles both Mediterranean and Balkan identities, is not only the perfect Tuscan rival but also a more refined, softer counterpart to tourist-heavy Tuscany. Dalmatian coast.
The UK has a number of new routes, including some that are based at airports in the UK. There is also a new generation of hotels with a design-forward feel, restaurants serving local food and coastal hideaways. Simply put, Istria This is a perfect weekend getaway or an addition to a Balkans trip for anyone based in Europe. Just remember that the lack of infrastructure for public transport means it’s not as accessible.
A typical Istrian day could start with some truffle-hunting in the hills of Motovun or Buzet before a snorkel along the rugged coasts at lunchtime. At sunset, you are in the charming old towns of Rovinj and Porec sipping Malvazija, wondering where the day has gone.
This place is a perfect example of how a place can be both refined and wild, relaxed yet on the go, with more. cyclists There are more outdoor enthusiasts than there are seagulls and cashmere-clad couples on catamarans.
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FAQ:
What is the best way to reach Istria?
There are no direct flights to Pula from the US, but it is easily accessible via major European hubs such as Frankfurt, Munich or London. Regional carriers such as Croatia Airlines offer short flights to Pula Airport. Likewise, easyJet The company has now expanded its Croatian reach. Returns from Pula to London start at around $64 per passenger. For those happy to pair the trip with a scenic drive, Venice Marco Polo Airport—served by direct flights from New York, Boston, and Chicago—is just a two-and-a-half-hour drive away from the Istrian border, making it a popular entry point for international travelers, and an ace roadtrip en route.
What is the best transport around Istria to use?
A rental car is essential for the dual geography of the region, which includes coast and grove. Kayak Croat cars are available for as low as $43 per day. Pula Airport has the best pick-up locations for direct flights, with several international car rental desks. If you land in Italy, it is common for travellers to rent a car at Venice or Trieste and then drive across the border into Croatia. This route offers sweeping sea views, and drops you directly into Istria’s hilltop villages, and vineyards—a no brainer.
Istria – Where to Eat
Istria’s gastronomy has been a source of pure, almost religious, gastronomy for centuries. The region is renowned for the quality of its olives and grapes as well as the rare truffle. The entire region has a wide range of high-quality restaurants, ranging from Michelin-starred establishments to traditional taverns, or konobas, all offering a taste of the landscape. In and around Rovinj’s fashionable fishing town, you will find the highest concentration of star-rated restaurants. This includes Croatia’s very first Michelin-starred eatery. Monte. If you’re looking for something more casual, try PuntulinaThe cliff is so close that the Adriatic Anchovies could just as easily jump right out of the water onto the plate. Set within the Grand Park Hotel, Cap Aureo It’s world-class dining, but with a twist. In chef Jeffrey Vella’s dishes, flavor and seasonality are king (such as his life-affirming cauliflower ‘three-ways’ appetizer), with welcome flair and understated theatrics.
Bale’s olive groves are a little farther south. Meneghetti Restaurant & Bar Ante Miletic, 28, is a 28-year old wunderkind who has created a menu based on local ingredients. Dishes dance between truffle-topped fuži pastas, Lim Bay oysters, or whatever is budding in the abundant kitchen garden that day. Heading north into the fairytale hill towns of Motovun, Grožnjan, and more, easier offerings can be found in one of the many roadside konobas, with Konoba Stari Podrum’s The open grill and garden are well worth turning the hazard lighting on for.
You should remember that wine is as important to Istrians as food. olive oil—and rightly so. Both have won international awards in recent years. But none more than historic winery Kozlović, whose über modern, panoramic tasting room embodies the region’s forward thinking approach, playfully poking out into the ancient, flowing vineyardsBuje, the land of cream.
Istria: Where to Play
The joy of Istria is reveling in the mash-up of coast and countryside—and when it comes to play, the place manages to be both relaxed and elemental. Take a family-run dog walk inland for a unique experience. Prodan Tartufi, The snouts of these dogs are so good that they have three generations’ worth of human counterparts. will lead you through the wild, misty hills of Buzet—a town locals say has more truffle dogs than people. Remember that you can enjoy truffles in many different forms, including scrambled or iced eggs. Beyond hills of so-called ‘Black Gold’ there’s also a handful of serene swimming lakes and waterfalls, such as local spot Zarečki Krov, which is well worth the drive for a lazy lunch.
Down south, surrounding Pula, there’s a wealth of enviable archipelago, islet, and craggy coast to uncover—or at the very least, bask on, lizard-style. If you’re a sun worshipper, then there is no better place to get a tan than on a kayak tour Cape Kamenjak with its hidden bays and glistening waters is only known to locals. Then, if you dare, dive into the Kolombarica Blue Cave, which glows sapphire-blue when the sun shines.
A private boat trip around the 14 protected areas is a good option for those who are looking for a chill vibe. Brijuni Islands might be the ticket—here Roman ruins, wild deer, and the occasional cresting dolphin compete to become your new lock screen image. In a similar vein, solid pit stops can be had along the coast, from Rovinj’s cobbled old town to those of Poreč and Novigrad, where you’ll forever be drawn through cute slices of limestone alley, back down toward the pure blue sea.
What to do in Istria?
The Adriatic never looked better than from the expansive terrace of the Grand ParkThis sloping, stone-and-glass marvel is tucked into pine-dotted cliffs and hovers over the yacht filled bay of Rovinj. This sloping stone and glass marvel, tucked into the cliffs, is Croatia’s most luxurious stay. Rovinj’s pastel-colored old town rises out of the sea like an artist’s watercolor on the easel. You can expect exquisite design, low lighting luxury and a killer Spa-and-Relaxation area.infinity-pool combo. This place makes everything a moment—from a decadent breakfast to the scent of the surrounding pine forest. This place is for design-snobs and spa-lovers.
