Istria Through the Lens of Luxury, Gastronomy, and Romance
Istria is rapidly earning its place in the spotlight of prestigious international media, which showcase it as a destination that effortlessly caters to a wide range of tastes - from families in search of a laid-back holiday, to gourmets eager to discover authentic local flavours, to couples dreaming of the perfect romantic escape.
The British magazine House & Garden shines a light on Istria’s luxurious side, featuring exclusive stays like the Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, family-friendly attractions such as Dinopark Funtana, and wine experiences at renowned wineries like Roxanich and Meneghetti. Meanwhile, The i Paper refers to Istria as "the Tuscany of Croatia," focusing on truffle hunting in the Motovun forest and indulging in tastings of exceptional local wines.
For those craving a more intimate escape, Retreat magazine highlights Istria as the perfect destination for weddings and honeymoons. Meanwhile, Austria’s Kleine Zeitung reveals hidden treasures like the vibrant street art in Vodnjan and the enchanting “desert” near Šterna. British publications The Times and The Telegraph applaud Pula for its rich historical landmarks and approachable luxury, while The Independent dubs it a charming, romantic alternative to Dubrovnik.
Whether it’s rescuing sea turtles in Pula, cycling along the stunning coastline, savouring Istrian Malvasia, or spending the night in medieval towns, Istria offers a unique story for every traveller.
This growing media spotlight is no accident: Istria blends a rich history, pristine nature, and world-class gastronomy, making it a magnet for those seeking far more than an ordinary holiday. Discover more about these and other media features below.
House & Garden: Family Travel by Arta Ghanbari
Family travel
The April issue of the renowned British monthly magazine celebrated for its focus on interior design, gardening, architecture, and luxury lifestyle-features Istria as a captivating destination for family holiday. The region is celebrated for seamlessly blending exceptional design, nature, and fun-filled activities that appeal to all generations. The article highlights luxury accommodations, memorable gastronomic experiences, and a diverse range of activities, with special attention given to Rovinj, its outstanding hotel options, and natural gems like Lone Bay and Golden Cape Forest Park.
The i Paper: A taste of Tuscany in Croatia
A taste of Tuscany in Croatia
In a feature for a British daily, Siobhán Norton captured the unique allure of staying in Istria, spotlighting its luxurious wine and gastronomic delights: award-winning olive oil and wines, with truffle hunting standing out as a true highlight. She beautifully conveyed an atmosphere that blends rustic elegance, the abundance of pristine nature, rich cultural authenticity, and exceptional food and wine-elements that make Istria an ever more sought-after destination for travellers in search of a refined and sophisticated getaway.
Retreat Magazine: Love in the Air
Love in the air
Retreat magazine, a leading authority on luxury travel and lifestyle, has named Istria one of the world’s most desirable wedding and honeymoon destinations for 2025. The Istrian Peninsula is celebrated as a hidden gem of the northern Adriatic-perfect for couples seeking an intimate, unique, and unforgettable setting for their special day. Beyond its breath-taking natural beauty and charming coastal towns, Istria shines as a world-class gastronomic hotspot, renowned for its exceptional olive oil, prized truffles, and exquisite wines that rival those of neighbouring Italy. »» Istria as wedding destination
Kleine Zeitung Online:
Was auf der Halbinsel der Seligen noch längst nicht jeder kennt
What Many Still Don’t Know About the Peninsula of the Blessed
Silvija Trippolt-Maderbacher, acclaimed author of a popular book on Istria, unveils to readers of a regional Austrian daily some of the peninsula’s lesser-known yet remarkable treasures: the intriguing natural phenomenon of the Istrian “desert” near the village of Šterna, the artisanal production of premium olive oil in Sveti Lovreč, and the charming village of Draguć, famed as a backdrop for several renowned film productions. She was particularly enchanted by the authentic ambiance of Žminj and the breath-taking beauty of Oprtalj. »» Read the article: www.kleinezeitung.at/lebensart/reise/19409101/was-auf-der-halbinsel-der-seligen-noch-laengst-nicht-jeder-kennt
Freizeit Online:
Kroatien-Urlaub einmal anders: Geheimtipps in Istrien
Holiday in Croatia with a Twist: Insider Tips for Istria
Gerald Stiptschitsch has highlighted Vodnjan on an Austrian lifestyle portal as one of Istria’s lesser-known yet captivating destinations. The town’s rich history and culture shine through the Church of St. Blaise, home to over 300 relics and the renowned Istrian mummy. Vodnjan beautifully blends tradition and modernity through its vibrant street art scene, boasting more than 40 murals that grace the façades of this town with a strong, unique identity-where history, heritage, and contemporary art come together in perfect Mediterranean harmony. »» Read the article: freizeit.at/reise/istrien-reise-tipps-kroatien-geheim/403007475
The Player: Incredible Istria
Incredible Istria
Jon Patton delivers a rich and personal journey through Istria, celebrating its remarkable diversity and its pivotal role across different historical eras. From arriving by plane and cruising through stunning landscapes to indulging in luxury hotel stays, he shines a spotlight on the region’s culinary treasures: visits to wineries, olive oil tastings, guided truffle hunts with expert tracking dogs, and exquisite fine dining experiences. Through his intimate narrative, the article invites readers of this luxury lifestyle magazine to discover Istria as a land steeped in history, renowned for its exceptional cuisine, unspoiled natural beauty, and elegant accommodations-making it an essential destination for travelers seeking Europe’s best-kept secrets.
The Sunday Times:
18 of the best affordable summer destinations in Europe
18 of the best affordable summer destinations in Europe
Poreč is highlighted as one of Europe’s most affordable summer destinations, often overshadowed by Croatia’s more famous hotspots like Dubrovnik and Split. Yet, this coastal gem is sure to captivate visitors with its charming old town, crowned by red-tiled roofs, and the stunning Euphrasian Basilica complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With lovely beaches just moments away, hotel groups such as Valamar and Plava Laguna offer excellent value for money: www.thetimes.com/article/dbf2aad7-81a2-4085-86f1-0bb9d4131bab
Decanter: Discovering Istria
Discovering Istria
The renowned wine media brand dedicated a special feature at the end of last year to Istria’s wines, olive oils, and gastronomy, offering a comprehensive guide to the region’s vibrant food and wine scene. The piece promotes Istria as an authentic, sophisticated, and sustainable destination. In addition to an in-depth overview of the region’s leading wineries, the feature highlights the importance of indigenous grape varieties and the creativity of local winemakers who skillfully blend traditional methods with modern approaches. Olive oil production was also given special attention, particularly the award-winning oils from the Mate estate. The article further explores the cultural and culinary significance of truffles-especially the highly prized white truffle-and the unique experience of guided truffle-hunting tours.
»» Learn More About Istrian Gastronomy: www.istra.com/gourmet