Heart-shaped Istria is the sort of destination where lifelong romances begin. You’ll fall in love with its culture and its heritage, its coastline and its villages, its gastronomy and its wines. In other words, you’ll fall in love with Istria. This peninsula is so in demand, that Croatia and Slovenia share it. Even Italy has a small toehold. As well as being a melting pot of Latin, Slavic and Germanic cultures, it’s packed with world-class attractions and monuments. Top things to do in Istria include tours to the coastal towns of Pula – its Roman arena is spectacular – Medulin, Porec and Koper. Plus, there are boat trips in Kvarner Bay and excursions to picture-perfect Lake Bled. And if you want a bit of fun family frolicking, you’ve got the thrills and spills of a day at the waterpark.
The Six Best Things to in Istria
1. Uncover Istria’s Roman heritage
Pula has been a magnet for holidaymakers since ancient times. The Romans loved it so much that their presence can still be felt as you walk around, whether it’s the amazing seafront arena or the well-preserved Temple of Augustus. You can visit the arena, which is still used for concerts, and take lots of selfies. Later residents left behind gems such as the 13th-century Communal Palace, the three hilltop forts that ring the old town and the elegant Habsburg palaces along the Riva, which exude oodles of old-world charm.
2. Savour the flavours of Istria
Istrian cuisine is renowned all over Croatia and Slovenia for the richness and variety of its flavours. The star ingredient is the not-so-humble truffle, which is one of the world’s most expensive foods. Locals brook no imitations and restaurants proudly display brass plaques saying ‘tartufo vero’, or ‘genuine truffle’. Other popular delicacies include mussels, oysters, cured pršut ham and the omelette-like fritaja, usually made with seasonal greens such as asparagus. For dessert, make sure to try rum-and-raisin-filled doughballs known as fritule. And why not head to heart of the peninsula to taste these Istrian specialities in style. The hilltop hamlet of Motovun, still protected by its medieval Venetian walls, is a local mecca for dishes layered with wafer-thin truffle slices – washed down wines from the vineyards below, naturally.
3. Enjoy a cruise in Kvarner Bay
The western coast of Istria is dotted with beautiful, must-visit towns such as Koper, Poreč and Pula. In contrast, the eastern coast is far less developed. Wrapped around Kvarner Bay, it’s famed for the karst islands that are scattered across it like gemstones. Cres and Krk are the two largest and can be visited on boat trips. Another option is a coastal cruise that takes in hamlets such as Mošćenice or the former Habsburg riviera resort of Opatija. While Medulin on the very southern tip of the peninsula is a hub for dolphin-watching and sunset cruises. And for alternative watery fun, Aquapark Istralandia is ideal for a family day out.
4. Visit Lake Bled in Slovenia
If you want to get the ultimate Istrian holiday selfie, head to Lake Bled in Slovenia. Wait till you set eyes of it – an alpine beauty that’s launched a thousand postcards. The lake is nestled in a valley surrounded by the often-snowcapped peaks of the Julian Alps. The icing on the cake is the tiny tree-studded islet crowned by a copper-topped belltower in the middle of the lake. You can get a boat out to it and visit the baroque church, which is reached after climbing up 99 steeped-in-legend steps. And there’s more. Adding to the scenery is clifftop Bled Castle, which lords it over the lake. The waterfront is lined with cafés and restaurants, most offering typical cream pastries from the valley – the recipe is officially protected by the Slovenian government. A guided tour from Istria ensures you get to visit all the lake’s attractions.
5. Explore the caves of Istria
The town of Pazin in central Istria boasts one of Europe’s most unusual cave systems. And you can explore it from top to bottom, either by zipline or an underground tour. Just under Pazin Castle is a 100-metre-deep abyss known as the Pazin chasm, which you can cross by zipline. The canyon is the entry point into the caves, which house three lakes. It’s a subterranean underworld so impressive that locals say it inspired writers as far apart as Dante Alligheri and Jules Verne. The castle, precariously perched on a clifftop, has stood guard over the gorge for more than a thousand years and is really worth a visit. And if you can’t get enough of caves, the Baredine Cave near Poreč is another must. Sophisticated use of lighting makes any visit an illuminating experience.
6. Experience the Venetian vibe of Poreč
Picture-postcard Poreč has a Venetian vibe that reels you in the moment you arrive. Its stone streets and alleys crisscross a tiny peninsula that has in its heart a Byzantine basilica that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Euphrasian Basilica, as it is known, was built over a Roman villa whose mosaic floor can still be seen in the oratory. In summer months, there are regular boat trips to the islet of Sveti Nikola, some 500 metres from the peninsula. It’s very developed, with hotels, resorts and even a mini-golf. But the star is without doubt the Istrian Fantasy Forest, which is like something from a Grimm Brothers’ fairytale.
