Region of Istria

Histri, the first known inhabitants of the peninsula, left the traces of living in the name which Istria carries today. The rich cultural soil was insulated by numerous peoples who planted the testimonies of their culture in construction, painting, gastronomy and architecture, which have been preserved until today, representing world class monuments. In the Roman era, a new way of arranged living was introduced in Istria, first urbanisations were carried out, roads were built and towns created, as a new form of community. During the Roman Empire prosperity, some of the most famous monuments of that period were constructed – the Amphitheatre and the Temple of Augustus, both located in Pula. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, Istria fell under the Byzantine Empire rule, during which period construction of sacral buildings was flourishing. The Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč has been preserved as the most beautiful monument of that era. Together with the Roman and Byzantine empires, Istria was also under the rules of the Venetians, Habsburgians, Napoleon, the Kingdom of Italy and, since 1990, Slovenia and Croatia have shared the territory of the Istrian peninsula.

Each part of Istria will tell you a separate story and, during your stay, you will have the impression of forever wandering to and fro between different worlds. Life on the coast of Istria has always been closely connected with the sea, many sailing on it, looking for shelter, but also fishing. It is hard to resist the beauty of the peninsula, winning and seducing many people to stay. Sailing along the deep blue Istrian bays, you will come across picturesque Mediterranean towns, which boast their hundreds of years old heritage, surrounded by most beautiful beaches and numerous islets. Find your sanctuary at Aminess Sirena Campsite and abandon yourselves to adventurous exploration of the coast!

If you start your journey from the north of Istria, you will first reach Umag, a town which proudly maintains the image of the centre of Istrian sports as the host of ATP Konzum Croatia Open, a tennis tournament, but also as a well-known cycling centre. If you continue your journey towards the south, your next stop is Novigrad, a magic fishing town, where the sea washes against the town walls, in which the memories of one-time turbulent times are engraved. When you return to the present and continue your journey, you will be beckoned by the deafening sounds of the bell tower of the Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč, which, within its walls, hides an abundance of picturesque and luminescent mosaics. On the green peninsula, between Novigrad and Poreč, nests Lanterna Premium Camping Resort, offering a morsel of the Adriatic on spacious pitches by the sea, mobile homes appointed in the Istrian style and an experience of luxurious camping in style, so-called glamping. In the distance, on a small hill, you will see Rovinj, a town with narrow streets, high stone houses and minute squares. Catch your breath in the bell tower of the Church of Saint Euphemia and let the Rovinj archipelago islets seduce you. Call also at Pula, which will greet you with its magnificent Amphitheatre, wave to the virgin intact nature of the Brijuni archipelago and, along the east coast, head for Labin. This town, immersed into the greenery of nature, keeps its art, culture and inhabitants inside its walls, from which it closely keeps an eye on the pearl of Istria – Rabac – an oasis of white pebble beaches and crystal clear sea.

Should you fancy a spot of refreshment during hot summery days, go along the roads of legends and history into the inland area of Istria, a separate world where you can come across numerous traces of former civilisations and ways of living, delighted by the gentleness of the continent with which the inland of Istria exhales, fill yourselves with peace, but also with energy from the breath-taking, clean nature. Get curious! Climb to the small medieval towns, located on hilltops and latticed by narrow streets that follow the course of the walls, which will take you to the heart of the town life – the square. These small towns dominate the landscapes, inviting you to hear their tales of the secrets of their endurance, but also to host you in excellent taverns, rural agritourism facilities, best wine cellars and take you for a tour of olive oil trails. When you get to know and taste the inland area of Istria, you will keep returning to it, with your arms spread wide, ready to embrace it.

If you have already been to Istria, you can witness its tales and layers of a long and rich history, numerous traces of its one-time lifestyle and customs, amalgamated with the modern achievements of today. You have certainly been convinced that Istria is a place which, within a small area, offers a magic holiday, which you can tailor to suit your desires. As its geographical shape also confirms, Istria will always warmly welcome you, host you and give you the best it has, the best of Istria!