Algarve
Istrian Riviera Holidays
Thanks to an unspoilt shoreline, national parks, and hilltop villages that have avoided the march of tourism, holidays to the Istrian Riviera are as organic as they get.
Rich history
Throughout history, the Istrian Riviera has been passed between conquering empires like a ping pong ball. All sorts of ancient superpowers have staked a claim on this pie slice-shaped peninsula on Croatia’s Adriatic Sea. And it only takes one look at the place to see why.
Supersized coastline
For starters, the Istrian Riviera is surrounded by more than 250 kilometres of coastline. In Rovinj, the dinky coves are just the start of the story. The town is next to a seaside forest where you can climb cliffs and swim off the rocks. In Porec, the pebbly beaches sidle up to a town centre full of historical heirlooms. The Euphrasian Basilica, for instance, is a World Heritage Site. In Pula, meanwhile, the beaches fight an enormous Roman amphitheatre for tourists’ attention.
Island hopping in Krk, Cres and Rab
Then you’ve got Istria’s eastern edge, which is a springboard for Croatia’s islands. Head to Rijeka and you can catch a ferry to Krk, Cres and Rab. The yolks of these islands are national parks and rolling mountain ranges, while the whites are beaches and hideaway coves.
At a glance
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Imagine the gladiator duals of old in Pula’s amphitheatre
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Leap-frog between Krk, Cres and Rab islands
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Explore the lakes and mountains of Plitvice National Park
Destinations in Istrian Riviera
Top Destinations
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Novigrad
You can count on harbour walks, sunset views, and some of the best food in Istria on holidays to Novigrad.
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Porec
If you like lazy days on the beach, lively nights on the town as well as some great historic sights, holidays to Porec are for you.
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Rabac
Holidays to Rabac take you to one of Croatia’s finest beaches, which just happens to come with a bustling promenade and great seafood restaurants.
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Rovinj
Holidays to Rovinj take you to the pearl of Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula and give you beautiful Venetian architecture, old town bars and quiet, tree-lined beaches.
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Lovran
Lovran holidays line up a quiet Baroque town square, chive-green countryside and a duo of beaches.
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Opatija
Holidays to Opatija up the style ante with a slick seafront promenade, pastel-painted villas and a sophisticated dining scene.
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Vrsar
Holidays to Vrsar take you to one of Casanova’s favourite rendezvous points. Here, you can roam through ancient town squares and sail among forest-covered islands.
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Umag
Holidays to Umag showcase the best of Croatia. We’re talking dinners by the marina, and days soaking up spectacular sea views from pebbly beaches.
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Pula
Holidays to Pula combine the atmosphere of ancient Rome with the buzz of modern Croatia. You get miles of lovely beaches, and some of the Adriatic’s finest seafood.
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Medulin
Holidays to Medulin deliver a character-packed village on Croatia’s iconic Istrian coastline. And, a bubbly night scene’s thrown in for good measure.
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Barbariga
If you’re after Croatia at its most authentic, you’re on the right track with holidays to Barbariga. The locals have kept the beach and restaurants to themselves, until now…