A new documentary feature on Istria will soon be released, following one of Britain's best-known adventurers, travel presenters and advocates of sustainable living, Ben Fogle, as he discovers the authentic stories of the Istrian peninsula. 

The project was conceived and coordinated by the Istria Tourist Board with the aim of presenting Istria through the lens of sustainable and responsible tourism, highlighting the values that make the region truly unique – its unspoilt nature, rich cultural heritage, outstanding gastronomy and the people who preserve its identity every day.

Unlike traditional promotional videos, the documentary takes viewers on a personal journey through the destination. Rather than simply showcasing its most famous landmarks, it focuses on meaningful experiences, encounters with local people and stories that reveal why Istria is much more than a tourist destination. The carefully designed itinerary brought together numerous local partners to present an authentic portrait of Istria through Ben Fogle's genuine perspective.

The journey began in Pula, a city where more than two thousand years of history come together. Ben Fogle visited the Arena, one of the world's best-preserved Roman amphitheatres, as well as the Aquarium Pula, where he learned about the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre and the conservation programme dedicated to the noble pen shell, one of the Mediterranean's most endangered marine species. His stay at the Monumenti Heritage Hotel & Resort further illustrated how historic heritage can successfully be revitalised through contemporary, sustainable tourism.

The journey continued to the Brijuni National Park, where nature and cultural heritage exist in perfect harmony, before moving on to Vodnjan, where the Chiavalon family introduced Ben to the world of Istrian extra virgin olive oil. During a guided tasting led by Tedi Chiavalon, Fogle remarked that he had never experienced such an inspiring and in-depth presentation of olive oil production and tasting.

In Rovinj, Ben Fogle immersed himself in the Mediterranean spirit of the town while exploring its historic centre, learning about the traditional batana boat and the Batana Eco-Museum, both symbols of the town's rich maritime heritage.

Central Istria revealed a completely different side of the peninsula. In Motovun, he discovered the centuries-old tradition of truffle hunting, meeting a truffle hunter and his specially trained dog, before visiting Konoba Fakin, where he learned about Teran, the indigenous red grape variety that has become a symbol of inland Istria.

The final stage of the journey took him to north-western Istria. Grožnjan – Town of Artist, showcased the successful revitalisation of cultural heritage, while Momjan introduced him to the story of Istrian Malvasia and sustainable winemaking at Kabola Winery, one of the pioneers of organic wine production in Croatia. His stay at the San Rocco Boutique Hotel in Brtonigla also highlighted the important role that small family-owned hotels play in preserving the authenticity of Istrian hospitality.

Throughout the filming, Ben Fogle emphasised that the destinations which inspire him most today are those that have managed to preserve their authenticity:
"I've travelled to some of the world's most remote places, but what I look for today isn't spectacular scenery – it's places that have remained true to themselves. That's exactly what I found in Istria: a sense of authenticity that simply cannot be manufactured."

Denis Ivošević, Director of the Istria Tourist Board, highlighted the importance of projects like this as part of a modern approach to international destination marketing:
"The most valuable destination stories today are not those that simply showcase a place, but those that truly experience it. That is why we wanted someone who shares our values to discover Istria and communicate its authenticity in a sincere and credible way. This documentary is the result of a carefully designed project that presents Istria through its people, landscapes and values, creating content that will continue to inspire travellers long after its release."

Over the coming weeks, the documentary will gradually be introduced to international audiences. The Istria Tourist Board will begin by releasing a series of short videos from each location Ben Fogle visited across its digital channels. At the same time, the documentary is planned to be distributed to relevant international media and television platforms, with the aim of reaching the widest possible audience.

Through this series of videos, viewers will discover the many faces of Istria before the full documentary brings together one complete story of a destination whose greatest strength lies in its authenticity.

A special thank you to the Greencajt Festival team for being a valued partner in bringing this project to life.

[July 2026]