Tucked away near Italy and Slovenia, Istria is one of our favorite regions in Croatia. This charming Peninsula named Istria has everything—rolling vineyards, medieval hilltop towns, and even ancient Roman ruins—but without the crowds of the south. We love wandering through its charming villages, indulging in world-class truffles, and unwinding in the beautiful coastal towns. Istria has many things to do, so here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this incredible region.
Our Complete Istria Travel Guide
We like to call the lovely region of Istria the ‘Croatian Tuscany’, with captivating landscapes of rolling hills, stunning vineyards, and magical hilltop towns reminiscent of its neighbor’s iconic countryside. But you’ll also notice the Italian flair in the region’s food, language, and atmosphere!
Although growing in popularity, the heart-shaped Istrian Peninsula, located in northern Croatia, remains somewhat of a hidden gem. There’s so much to explore, from the bustling streets of Pula to the rugged trails along Kamenjak’s shoreline — you can easily spend your entire Croatian holiday here!
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Things to do in Istria, Croatia
1. Pula
Off-the-beaten-path Pula is probably one of the first places you’ll get to explore when you visit Istria, Croatia. It’s one of the more undiscovered places in Croatia, home to a beautiful old town and some of the most well-preserved Roman architecture outside of Italy! It’s the region’s principal city and has so much to do.
When you arrive, start at the Pula Arena, which, comparable to the Colosseum in Rome, is one of the biggest amphitheaters in the world. Then, peruse the local farmer’s market and the interconnecting streets of the Old Town before exploring the industrial fishing harbor. You’ll find plenty of incredible buildings here, like the church of St. Francis and the Temple of Augustus.
A day trip to Pula is perfect for discovering all the top things to do in the city. This includes the incredible nature on its fringes, such as caves, canyons, storybook villages, and the vibrant coast.
Read more: best things to do in Pula, Croatia
2. Visit Hum (Best Thing to do in Istria, Croatia)
Tucked away in the surrounding green hills in northern Istria lies the world’s smallest (!) village, Hum. Its petite charm unfolds through just over two or three streets, each lined with cobblestones and a few cute shops. Decorative bicycles stand out front, contrasting with the beautiful green leaves that cover the village’s houses.
Though it only takes 20 minutes to see the whole village, Hum’s quaint medieval atmosphere makes it one of the best things to do in Istria, Croatia. Spend some time on your Croatia road trip to stop here and walk past the cute houses, church, and shops.
3. Kotli Watermill
Only 10 minutes away from Hum lies the unique, hidden gem of Kotli, where an old (inactive) watermill cradles a pristine river. This idyllic retreat makes the perfect spot for a refreshing summertime dip, with vivid blue water and a small waterfall that gracefully falls over the limestone rocks.
Park your car at the nearby bridge and walk about two minutes to where you can hop in the water. These small natural pools lie between the lush greenery of the Istria Peninsula and are good to pair with a few other sites in the area.
4. Day trip to Venice
Taking the ferry to Venice from Istria, Croatia, for the day is a popular thing to do. This magical journey adds that extra layer of adventure to your trip. In just a few hours, you’ll glide across the Adriatic Sea, arriving in the heart of Venice. Here, you can explore its iconic canals and landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica, go on a gondola ride, and experience the city’s delicious cuisine.
Rovinj to Venice Ferry
The ferry ride itself offers stunning views of the coastline and is a convenient way to experience one of Europe’s most romantic cities. The best place to hop aboard is in Rovinj, allowing you to enjoy a full day in Venice and return the same day. You can also opt to stay overnight and explore the streets of Venice in the morning, which is usually a quieter time to visit.
5. Stay in a Villa (A Must-Do in Istria, Croatia)
Staying in a villa in Istria, Croatia, is like stepping into a Mediterranean dream. Nestled amidst the rolling vineyards, ancient olive groves, and picturesque hilltop villages, these villas offer the perfect accommodation to truly unwind and relax. Wake up to the scent of lavender and rosemary, with the Adriatic Sea shimmering in the distance.
Days are spent lounging by a private pool, savoring a glass of local Malvazija on the terrace, or exploring the nearby truffle-rich forests and coastal towns. Nevertheless, the evenings are just as magical — enjoy alfresco dining under a canopy of stars, surrounded only by the sounds of nature. This is an unforgettable way to soak up all the beauty of this Croatian gem.
Tip: Besides a private villa, another popular option (and cheaper) is to go camping in Istria, Croatia!
6. Bale
The fascinating village of Bale may be tiny, but it’s one of the best things to do in Istria, Croatia. This is one of the best villages we visited in Croatia and it’s particularly nice to walk around in the early evening as the sun goes down.
Reserve a table at Restaurant La Grisa for dinner. It has a wonderful outdoor terrace overlooking the valley and pretty village rooftops — we highly recommend it! After dinner, there’s a great jazz cafe called Kamene Priče, which sits in the center of the Old Town and is a welcome surprise to discover.
Fun fact: Unsurprisingly, with Istria being so close to Italy, Bale is a bilingual town and is also known as Valle in Italian!
7. Baredine Cave (A Must-Visit Spot in Istria, Croatia)
One of the best things to do in Istria is to take a trip to Grotta Baredine, an unforgettable cave that lies 60 meters underground. As you walk down into the cave, the temperature drops, and the colors of the stone intensify as you emerge into a whole new underground world!
Also read: best things to do in Croatia
Join a cave tour that takes you into 5 different chambers, each of which is home to thousands of stalactite and stalagmite formations. There’s even an underground lake! You’ll first need to pay your entrance fee (11 EUR) before you’re assigned a group where they offer different languages.
The tour takes 40 minutes and is the perfect thing to do at the hottest time of the day. If you have to wait for your tour to start, there is a small restaurant where you can buy drinks and food.
Tip: We recommend wearing suitable footwear to explore the Grotto Baredine, as the paths into the cave can be slippery.
8. Kamenjak National Park
This beautiful national park in Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula sits at the southern tip of the region and offers plenty of things to see and do. Discover a magical natural landscape that sprawls across a coastal headland full of ancient woodland and many turquoise sea coves (some of the most beautiful in all of Croatia!).
It’s the perfect place to pull back into nature after a few days of wandering around Istria’s cities and towns. With 30 kilometers of coastline to discover, spend the day cliff jumping, snorkeling, and relaxing by the water. Tip: Pop into a beach bar afterward, like Debeljak Beach Bar or Skoljic Beach Bar, for a refreshing drink
Tip: If you’re visiting from the nearby city of Pula, Kamenjak National Park makes a great afternoon trip as it’s only a 30-40 minute drive away. It’s the perfect place to spend hot summer afternoons cooling off at the beach and watching the iconic sunsets.
9. Groznjan – The Village of Artists
Groznjan is another charming Croatian village worth visiting on a half-day trip. Though it remains a small medieval gem hidden in the hinterland of Istria, it’s become a haven for artists, with countless art galleries, studios, and small boutiques. Stroll through the romantic winding stone alleys as you soak up the town’s unique charm.
You’ll find rustic cafes and great konobas tucked in between, perfect for a break. Go for lunch or dinner at Restaurant aModoMio. They have a lovely terrace at the back overlooking the green rolling hills – perfect during sunset!
You can also visit Groznjan by booking this popular wine tour of Istria
10. Rovinj
Perhaps the best thing to do in Istria, Croatia, is to visit the stunning coastal city of Rovinj. Though it’s often skipped in favor of more popular destinations like Hvar or Split, Rovinj shouldn’t be missed on your Croatia road trip. It’s home to romantic streets, a charming harbor, and brightly painted houses reminiscent of Italian coastal towns.
Tip: Go to location 1 and location 2 to get a perfect photo of the picturesque Old Town. Be sure to take care when walking through the alleys, though, as it can be very slippery – especially in flip-flops. High heels are definitely not recommended!
11. Motovun (A Must-Visit in Istria, Croatia)
Between the beautiful hills and green fields of Istria, Croatia, lies Motovun, a small hilltop village that overlooks the surrounding landscapes. Known for its medieval stone streets, beautiful castle walls, and incredible views, this location makes a must-see on any Croatia itinerary and is one of the best things to do in Istria.
However, the very best part about visiting Motovun on the Istrian Peninsula is the chance to try its famous local food and wine. Especially if you’re a lover of all things truffle, this is the place for you! The old town offers some of the best restaurants and shops to sample the earthy mushrooms; you’ll find them on almost every menu.
Tip: If you’d like to learn more about how they find this incredible ingredient, you can also join a truffle-hunting tour. This experience offers a unique and immersive look at what’s needed to unearth these prized treasures.
12. Visit a Winery
Istria, especially its center, is full of rolling hills covered in vineyards, showcasing the region’s rich wine culture. For nearly 2000 years, since the days of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius bright the first vine to the peninsula, wines like Teran, Merlot, and Muscat have thrived here.
Therefore, you can’t miss out on diving into this history and visiting one of the vineyards of Istria. Choose a tour across the property and the estates’ cellars, or go winetasting with views over the incredible landscape; there are plenty of options to get a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Istria. Plus, many of these businesses are also family-run and have existed for generations — wow!
Some of our favorite wineries lie close to the town of Motovun:
Find all locations in our Google MapsFind in our Google Maps
What to Eat in Istria
In Istria, your taste buds are in for a true adventure! This region of Croatia is a culinary gem, with many incredible local dishes that reflect its rich heritage and Italian influence. As you explore the winding alleyways of old towns or drive through the countryside, stop for lunch or dinner and try traditional Istrian pasta like fuži or pljukanci, often served with strong truffle sauces.
There’s also plenty of fresh seafood along the coast where you can savor the catch of the day, drizzled with world-class Istrian olive oil. However, no visit to Istria would be complete without trying some of the region’s famous truffles and wine, so make sure you sample some on your Croatia road trip!
Budget tip: You’ll find bakeries everywhere, so as you wander the towns, you’ll never be far away from fresh bread and sweet pastries, which make the perfect cheap brekkie!
Where to Stay
There are plenty of accommodations dotted across Istria, from cozy apartments in the old towns to countryside villas. Spend some time browsing the best option for you, depending on what you want to see.
For the best experience, we recommend staying in the beautiful coastal town of Rovinj. With its Venetian-inspired architecture, charming streets, and beautiful sea views, it’s the perfect base to explore the region. All destinations mentioned in this guide are within an hour’s drive from here. Other popular options are Pula, Porec, and Bale.
How to Get Around Istria
Getting to Istria, Croatia
If you’re traveling solely to the Istria Peninsula, it’s best to fly into Pula Airport (PUY). The airport has numerous connections with other European cities, making it relatively easy to get to.
If you’re first starting out in the south of Croatia, like in Dubrovnik or Split, there are frequent bus connections that drive between major cities, including Pula, Rovinj, and Poreč. Additionally, you can travel to Istria from neighboring cities in Slovenia and Italy.
Transport
Once you’re in Istria itself, the best way to get around is to rent a car in Croatia. Public transport commutes regularly between the main towns of Pula, Rovinj, and Poreč. However, if you want to explore the countryside, hilltop towns, and beaches, you’ll quickly notice that it’s much harder to get there by public transport.
Therefore, having your own vehicle gives you much more flexibility and is the best way to see Istria, Croatia. Tip: Try booking a car before your trip to make sure there’s one available. If you base yourself in a central location, like Rovinj, all sites are not more than 1-hour drive away.
We recommend to rent a car in Croatia through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Alternatively, you can always try to find organized day trips to your desired sites. Whether you’re looking for half a day or a full day, there are plenty of tour options in Istria.
The Best Time to Visit
Although you can visit the Istrian Peninsula all year long, June and September are fantastic months to visit. During this time, it’s still lovely and warm (15 – 25 degrees Celsius) for swimming and sightseeing. Plus, there are fewer tourists than in the peak summer months of July and August. Go in the fall if you’d like to see the olive and grape harvesting and go truffle hunting.
During the summer months, the temperatures can reach over 30°C, and there are more tourists in the area. However, it’s not too bad compared to other regions of Croatia! It’s the best time to enjoy the beaches and festivals like the annual Summer Salsa Festival in Rovinj!
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