Istra.hr - official tourist website of Istria

Summer is a season abundant with offer of outdoor sports. Nature and adventure fans will certainly passionately start to discover the unique beauty of this pearl of the Mediterranean - Istria.

The month of June is the time when the bravest starts the season of swimming in the sea while others prefer warmer sea temperatures and keep waiting for the end of the month to enjoy it until the end of September. The sea swimming season continues for those who will enjoy the pleasures of the sea all year round!

You have decided to spend your holiday in Istria, but you are not yet familiar with all the events which our region has to offer? We have prepared a list of top events which will make your holiday even more interesting.

There are 9 lighthouses in Istria, large and small. They are spread from the northwest coast towards the south end of the peninsula and at the eastern coast of Istria.

Experience the nine adventures through nine time periods at the authentic historical locations. Try a myriad of flavours which can be tasted on Istrian Peninsula...

Learn more about Istria on two wheels from the mountainous north to the south, from the eastern to the western Istrian coast, on nearly 2.600 kilometres spread the already  sixty plotted  bike trails.

The symbols of Easter in Istria are chicken and numerous pastries, as well as Easter eggs which, besides being the symbol of life, have always been a traditional gift. The traditional ways of coloring Easter eggs with nettle, onion shells, red beet, spinach or leeks are very interesting.

In spring, when the days are warmer and sunnier, it is a real challenge and attraction to spend an active day in nature by picking asparagus. And then in the evening, pleasantly tired of recreation, happy for well spent day, let yourselves enjoy some of the specialties.

Valentine's Day is a celebration of love.  We are especially romantic in this period and would, for sure, like to spend quality time with the person we love. On Valentine's Day we express love more than any other day to that special person in our lives.

It is a time of fun and creative, crazy moments! One of the most attractive and interesting events throughout the year is definitely the carnival in Istria.

The Christmas holidays can give you the opportunity to bring a last month of the year in a special joy and good company.
In many places the traditional holiday events will enrich the holiday atmosphere - Christmas fairs where you will find gifts for loved ones and everyone can find something for themselves like an appropriate decorations for your warm home. In tents on the streets you will have the opportunity to have fun with good music, mulled wine and taste some gastronomic specialty.

There are several wellness centers in Istria which are opened during the autumn and winter. They offer you excellent anti-stress therapy treatments, baths and saunas, solarium and other various treatments.

The rich Istrian land can praise its climate thanks to which our region is rich with outstanding world - class products. Who has not yet heard of truffles and wine from Istria, whose scents and tastes are so distinctive and memorable.

The tradition of olive growing dates back ancient Rome which recognized Istria as the ideal land for cultivating this most famous Mediterranean elixir. Archaeological sites along the coast clearly show that Istria had quite large olive oil production capacities which are by size ,unique in our wider surroundings...

The nine diverse cultural, historical and gastronomical experiences revived the authentic locations in Istria and it has presented them in a completely different way. The Istrian castles, Roman villas, old town cores, museums, and even a coal mine in Raša, were turned into a stage and along with superb directing, scenery, costumes and music have managed to evoke the moments of mystical Istrian history.

The reputation of Istria has continued in 2012, as one of the world's top destinations after receiving numerous awards in 2011 from leading travel guides like Lonely Planet and National Geographic Traveler. The Istrian peninsula is further praised by most tourist guides and journalists.

Istria is the ideal resort for fans of tradition and quality products. Discover the exquisite gastronomic offer by tasting top specialties in restaurants and authentic Istrian taverns as well as by tasting renowned wines.
It is recommendable to try out the superb olive oil of the region which will enrich your taste of dishes.

Would you like to find out more about the small and charming medieval places in our region? If you've never visited Istria and would like to take a walk on the streets of its towns, or you already have visited it and would like to remember how it was to walk on the little streets, see the towers and churches, old palaces, emblems, greenery that surrounds them, then we advise You to take a virtual tour on the most famous places.

Small places and towns along the coast of Istria reflect the real beauty of the Mediterranean.

Would You like to walk through the paved narrow streets, visit the towers, churches and enjoy the unforgettable sunsets?

Three thousand years of history waiting to be discovered. Taking a walk along the magical paths of the rich and tempestuous past, you will arrive at a noble interchange of civilizations on a piece of land whose cultural arboretum has been settled from the time of the Histrians, Celts, Romans and Lombards, over Byzantine, the Slavs and Venetians, to Franks and the Austrian-Hungarian Empire.

The dreamlike nature, almost mythical landscapes and gorgeous mediaeval towns of central Istria will awake within you the primeval and deep, true pleasure. Here, life has always been connected with land and nature. Ancient Romans used to call Istria a royal pantry, and true gourmets claim that central Istria still possesses that opulence!

Istria is the editors choice of National Geographic Traveler magazine selected among the top 10 destinations for summer 2011.
The article highlights that along the 546 kilometers of its coast more than 40 Blue Flags are flown, ensuring that the sea quality and beaches are run under the principles of environmental management
Especially it's worth of visiting the west and south of the Istrian peninsula, where are the hidden crystal blue bays, white sand and pebbles beaches along with fragrant pines.

Lonely Planet writes about Istria again - just as it was listed among the 10 most interesting destinations for 2011., the Istrian cape Kamenjak appeared these days on a list of ten secluded beaches of the Mediterranean that this guide, one of the most respected in the world, recommends on its website.