Istria, a beautiful green peninsula
in the Adriatic with stunning beaches, crystal clear blue sea, charming old coastal
towns, green rolling hills and an amazing heritage spanning over more than two millennia.
Different empires, cultures and nations shaped Istria and made it home of Croatian, Italian and
Slovenian language. The land of olive groves, vineyards and forests is one of the most popular
holiday destinations in the Adriatic. Hi guys, my name is Rok and I am a tour guide and I can’t
wait to show you the top ten places in Istria. We will start on the southern tip of
Istria where sits its biggest town, Pula. Due to its diverse history Pula is a unique
town filled with ancient Roman monuments, Venetian palaces and a huge number of Austrian
fortresses. Austrians left impressive military heritage as Pula served as a major naval
port of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. The main holiday attraction of Pula is its beautiful
coastline. Countless bays and coves hide rocky, sandy and pebble beaches with beautiful crystal
clear sea. But the most impressive landmark of Pula is its Roman Amphitheater, popularly called
the Arena of Pula. It was built in the 1st century AD to serve as the site of gladiator fights and is
among world's six largest surviving Roman arenas. North of Pula, on the western coast of Istria is a
small seaside town of Vrsar or Orsera in Italian. In Istria all towns and villages bear two names,
its Croatian or Slovenian and its Italian name. The medieval old town of Vrsar
lies on a hill overlooking the sea. Town offers numerous viewpoints with great views
to the archipelago of 18 islets. Even the most famous Italian lover Casanova was attracted by
Vrsar and his legend is still alive around town. Small fishing town expanded down the hill to the
sea and has become a popular summer destination with a modern marina and large campsites and
resorts within walking distance from the old town. In the North eastern corner of Istria is
Opatija, one of the most elegant and the oldest seaside resorts on the Croatian coast. With
the arrival of the railway in the nearby Rijeka, Opatija was developed in the 19th century
as a health and tourist resort for rich and powerful Austrian and Hungarian nobility. It has
beautiful parks, magnificent villas and hotels and a long enchanting seafront promenade named
after the Austrian emperor Franz Joseph I st. The promenade passes different beaches,
you can spot Croatian walk of fame and pass by the most beautiful landmark,
the statue of the Girl with the Seagull. Back on the West coast of Istria, next to the
mouth of the Mirna River, is a small peninsula with an impressive history spanning over two
millennia. The Romans occupied the peninsula and built their military fort that later developed
into a town known today as Novigrad. Around a well protected natural harbour sits a small fishermen
town that has become a popular summer holiday destination with a beautiful modern marina. Town
streets along with remaining town walls reflect its Venetian history, but the most recognizable
landmark is its free standing bell tower. But the main reason why Novigrad is popular in summer
are its rocky, concrete and pebble beaches. They are famous for their crystal clear water
and numerous pine trees providing nice shade. Novigrad is also a beloved spot for outdoor lovers
offering popular campgrounds covered with thick oak and pine forests.
Istria is also famous for its green rolling hills covered
with hilltop villages and towns. One of them is a beautiful medieval town of Grožnjan, the town
of artists and music. Its artistic revival began when artists from all over the world inhabited
the empty houses abandoned by Italians after WWII. In May, the otherwise sleeping town
hosts actors, musicians, painters, sculptors and art lovers and in summer there is
the annual Art exhibition and a Jazz festival. For centuries Grožnjan was part of Venetian
Republic. Winding stone paved alleys are lined by charming Venetian influenced stone houses,
but the most beautiful piece of architecture is the town's loggia. This gallery opens up to
a small square and still serves as a covered exterior public space. Around town are small shops
with regional art, handmade products, excellent olive oil and truffle products. Of course there
are plenty of great restaurants and many small, charming hidden places waiting to be discovered.
Another beautiful old hill top town is Motovun. Steep cobblestone streets lead to the top of the
town where you can enjoy a spectacular 360 view of a beautiful Istria interior. Motovun is still
encircled by double town walls that are separating the town in three parts. Entrance to the old town
is still through the main town gate guarded by the winged lion of St. Mark, the symbol of Venetian
Republic that ruled Motovun for over 500 years. The inner town gates lead to the very top with
the oldest part still encircled by completely preserved inner town walls from the 13th and 14th
centuries. You can take a walk on the walls and get stunning views. Most people come here on a day
trip in summer to escape crowded coastal towns. Here are nice restaurants and small shops selling
local products, including famous Istria truffles, as Motovun is the most famous area
for these underground mushrooms. Brijuni are a group of fourteen small islands
about 2 kilometres off the western coast of the Istria peninsula. Its cultural and historical
heritage include archeological sites from the Bronze Age, Roman remains, monastery with church
from the middle ages and museum collections. In Venetian times there was a settlement with a
tower, castle and the churches. After becoming part of the Austrian Empire Brijuni were turned
into a prestigious summer vacation resort of Austria's Habsburg royal family. You can still
stay in the Austrian era hotels that reflect the holiday spirit of the early 1900s. After WWII
Brijuni became a summer residence of Yugoslavian communist leader Josip Broz Tito as he built
villas to host heads of states and movie stars. Today Brijuni are a popular national park
with Safari which holds animals given to Tito. Here is also a Dino park as more than 200
dinosaur footprints have been discovered. Most people visit Brijuni as
a half day or full day trip. One of the most popular summer destinations in
Istria is Poreč, located on its western coast. It offers campgrounds, boutique hotels, big
resorts and even a luxury island resort. Poreč offers many nice coves and beaches and has one of
the most beautiful sea promenades called Lungomare shaded by pine trees. Along the promenade are
numerous paved, rocky and pebble beaches awarded with the Blue Flag, an international symbol of
high beach standards and the crystal-clear sea. Charming old town on a small peninsula with
stone-paved streets has a rich heritage spanning over 2 millennia. You can explore heritage from
Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Austrian eras. The most important landmark is
Euphrasian basilica from the 6th century, part of UNESCO world heritage Sites. It was
built in the time when Poreč was part of Byzantine Empire and thus it is ornamented
with one of the finest Byzantine mosaics. Charming streets are full of life offering
great restaurants and nice small shops. Although a big part of Istria belongs to
Croatia, its northern part is in Slovenia. Here you can find a picturesque seaside town of
Piran. Charming old town on a small peninsula is partially surrounded by medieval town walls. Town
has an impressive maze of charming windy stone streets with stone passageways, cobbled alleys and
small squares, surrounded by beautiful Venetian architecture. The heart of the town is a large
square named after famous violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini. Right above the square rises
a small hill with the most prominent landmark, the Roman catholic church. It is named after St
George, the town's patron saint who is thought to have saved Piran when it was hit by a violent
storm. Church has a free-standing bell tower, a replica of St. Mark's bell tower in Venice
and shows a strong Venetian influence as for more than half a millennia Piran was part of
the Republic of Venice. Today Piran is one of the major tourist attractions in Slovenia.
But the most beloved and picturesque place in Istria is Rovinj. Town sits on a narrow peninsula
surrounded by an archipelago of beautiful islets. Like other towns in Istria, Rovinj was home of
the Romans, then it was ruled by the Byzantine Empire and for 500 years it was part of the
powerful Venetian Republic. Centuries of different cultures and nations contributed to the
creation of a beautiful town with charming winding stone paved streets. Old stone houses have wooden
window shutters and if you look up you can often spot a laundry hanging out to dry. Due to the
exceptional microclimate, flora and fauna Rovinj was used as a health resort. But its various
beautiful beaches and crystal clear Adriatic sea are its main attractions. Rocky, sandy, pebble and
concrete beaches scattered around beautiful coves make Rovinj one of the most beloved and beautiful
holiday destinations. To learn more about these stunning places in Istria check out my playlist
in the top right corner. As there is plenty more to see and do in Istria I also prepared a
list of my favourite tours and experiences in the description below. Super Thanks for your
support and for watching, and see you next time.
