The best day trips from Istria: from historic towns to natural beauty spots

As the largest Croatian peninsula, Istria has much more to offer than just beautiful beaches and hidden coves. It has a rich history and beautiful natural scenery along the coast and inland. And it is also perfectly located if you want to explore some of the sights in neighboring Italy or Slovenia while on holiday in Croatia. If you’re not sure where to start when planning your trip, take a look at our suggestions below.

Explore Croatia

Cities in Istria

Whether you prefer to explore new cities or spend your time enjoying the outdoors, Istria has it all. The larger Istrian cities, such as Rovinj, Poreč, and Pula, are full of ancient Roman buildings and monuments. The smaller, inland towns, such as Motovun and Buzet, offer beautiful views, the opportunity to taste Istrian specialties like pasta with truffles or boškarin, an indigenous breed of cattle in Istria, as well as the chance to visit one of the wineries scattered across the hills.

Nature Trips

If you find yourself in Buzet and want to spend an active day in nature, the The Trail of 7 Waterfalls starts just outside the town. This circular trail takes you past the waterfalls for which it is named and through old and abandoned mining villages. If you are interested in trips to western Istria, visit the Lim Channel, located between Vrsar and Rovinj. It is known for its variety of bird species, as well as its shellfish farms, which makes it a great place for seafood lovers.

Recommendation from our team

A local Istrian legend says that the pirate Henry Morgan sought refuge in a cave in the Lim Channel, which is now called the Pirate’s Cave. You can reach it by sea or on foot and in the summer, there is a café by the entrance where you can sit down for a drink after exploring the cave.

Klemen Hren

To enjoy both nature and swim in the crystal-clear sea, head south to Cape Kamenjak. It offers untouched nature and hidden coves without too many tourists. And if you’re already in the southern part of the peninsula, don’t miss the Brijuni National Park, which features historical sites, diverse flora and fauna, and a safari park. You can reach the park from Fažana. Tickets also include boat transportation and must be booked several days in advance because they sell out quickly, especially during the high season.

Explore Italy

Venice

If you’re vacationing on the west coast of Istria, you can take a day trip to several destinations in Italy, including the famous city of Venice. This jewel of the Veneto region is particularly popular with tourists in the summer, who come to explore its numerous canals, bridges, islands, and sights, such as St. Mark’s Basilica. You can reach Venice from Istria by car, by train, or by a combination of the two. Another option is to take the Prince of Venice ferry, which departs from Poreč, Rovinj, Pula, and Umag in the summer. The journey takes between three and four hours, depending on your departure point.

Trieste

Trieste is another destination that is easy to reach from Istria. If you are in Umag or Poreč, the drive will take about an hour and a half. Even if you are in the southernmost part of Istria, Trieste is a great option for a day trip, despite the slightly longer drive. The city combines several different cultures and architectural styles, so you will have no problem spending an entire day exploring it. Popular sights include the Piazza Unità d’Italia and the Miramare Castle. Trieste also used to be an extremely popular shopping destination for Croats. And even though they maybe don’t go as often as before, many Croats living near the border still shop in Italy and Slovenia because prices tend to be cheaper.

Recommendation from our team

If you decide to take a trip to Trieste, choose the picturesque coastal route through Slovenia that passes through Portorož, Izola, and Koper. The views are fantastic, and the tall cypresses along the road will make you feel like you’re in Tuscany. The perfect place to stop for lunch is the Pinija restaurant in Strunjan.

Julija Boronjek

Content Writer

Explore Slovenia

Piran

As soon as you cross the border from Croatia to Slovenia, you will have easy access to several coastal destinations, the most popular of which is Piran. This jewel of the Slovenian coast has a clean sea and an interesting old town where Venetian architecture influences the narrow streets and building facades. This part of the city is a pedestrian zone, making it ideal for leisurely strolls and visits to landmarks such as the Tartini Square and the Church of St. George. The church’s bell tower offers beautiful views of the surrounding area, reaching all the way to Trieste on clear days.

Škocjan Caves

If you want to explore some of Slovenian natural wonders, head inland. A short drive will take you to the Škocjan Caves, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. During the tour, you will visit part of the caves, see where the Reka River plunges, which is how this underground cave system was created, and end the tour with a funicular ride.

Postojna Cave

Postojna Cave is a 20-minute drive further inland from Škocjan Caves. In addition to its large halls with stalactites and stalagmites, you can see some olms and take a tourist train ride through some of the caves. Next to the cave is Predjama Castle, the world’s largest cave castle, which is carved into a 123-meter-high cliff.

Conclusion

If you chose Istria for your vacation, you’ve probably done so because of its natural and historical wealth, as well as the proximity of interesting destinations for trips. Now that you know more about what you can see, all that remains is to choose a campsite in Istria as your home base and plan a vacation full of new experiences.