Welcome to Istria,

 

The Adriatic below the Alps, central Europe’s closest Mediterranean. This miniature heart-shaped world and the largest peninsula of the Adriatic Sea lies on the 45th parallel emphasizing its idyllic geographical position with perfectly arranged seasons - lush greenery springs, colourful autumns, pleasant summers and mild winters...

 

Natural attractions

The Istrian Peninsula has managed to preserve true and original natural values. The protection of such natural treasures, passed on from generation to generation, has also become an unwritten rule for today’s new generations - to preserve the unspoilt, sun soaked hills, highlighted with flourishing Mediterranean greenery, forests shading the Adriatic sea…

From the distant past Istrian people have benefited from and preserved the great natural wealth of Istria. Hard work and efforts have yielded the recognizable quality of olive oil, grapes from which top quality wine is produced, health food sprouting from the natural and unpolluted soil.

Mild Mediterranean climate with 2,387 hours of sunshine a year, sea temperature reaching 25°C and average air temperature of 25°C in summer, are all reasons why Istria justly claims the title of an ecological and healthy tourist destination.

 

Arts and culture

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,...

 

History

Voices from the Past still echo over the Istrian landscapes. They whisper to us from the yellowed pages of ancient books, from the windows of the old castles and forts…

 

Coast and beaches

Whether you choose hidden coves with white pebbles, small or larger bays, or rocky sun drenched fragrant reefs, the pure and intact Istrian beaches are true wonders of nature. Though it has always been easier to capture them in paintings than describe them in words, you just have to think about them and the sight will emerge before your eyes.

While the sun is at its zenith, and the maestral wind (landward breeze) blows lightly over the pine-trees crowns whose branches yearn for the azure of the high seas, you can leisurely sprawl on a warm white rock in a hidden cove enjoying the sound of cicadas. Run your fingers through the pebbles sparkling under the crystalclear waters of the Adriatic, while your lungs fill with fragrances of the Mediterranean. Here, time is irrelevant. Enjoy the peacefulness of infinity that can only be interrupted by a sea gull or some small boat just spreadingits sails somewhere in the distance.

Surrounded by the fullness of scent, flavor and summer noises, you will jump from a rock deep into the blue sea and rise to the surface among the fireworks of the flaming red sunset... Sounds unreal? This is only the beginning…

 

Sport

The mild Istrian climate, fresh air and non-polluted sea enable athletes to practice nearly all events throughout the year, both indoors and outdoors...

For athletes
The mild Istrian climate, fresh air and non-polluted sea enable athletes to practice nearly all events throughout the year, both indoors and outdoors. Many world famous athletes have recognized this advantage and have been coming to the Istrian coast to improve their sports technique when not competing. In the vicinity of hotels there are equipped sports grounds - for tennis, football, mini golf and athletics as well as for other team sports enabling top quality training of the best sportsmen.

Recreational
Istria also has many jogging and cross country tracks through the intact nature. It also offers bike trails, horseback riding and tracks for other «land» events. Higher category hotels have fitness centers, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and sauna and massage facilities.

For the bravest
Many of those fond of adrenaline will satisfy their «thirst» for the extreme – paragliding and hang-gliding, free climbing, mountain running and mountain biking along the hilly and demanding trails, exploring the caves, canyoning, parachuting ...

 

Food and wine

Discover the enchantments of flavour and scent of this wonderful country in which, as Cassiodorus wrote in 537, “patricians lead the lives of Gods”. A table filled with seafood brought to the surface from the turquoise depths of Poseidon, here is as cultivated as the humble asparagus and legendary truffle, the underground treasure taken right from the plates of Hades. Crust of home-made bread is dipped into the golden liquid of the best olive oil in the world, while the palates are ennobled by the finest of wines.

As you string up delicious bites on the necklace of pleasure, you will be overwhelmed by the polyphony of flavour and scent. Food taken from the sea and soil simmer in the cauldron of happiness over the fire of passion made of olives and grapevine. Rosemary, laurel, basil and thyme that sprout up on the footpath, crown the bites that you bring to your mouth. Do not hesitate, if you pick a sprig, it will carry the memory of the warm Mediterranean scent for a long time to come.

Whether you chose delicacies of the sea or a delicious truffle, the golden drops of the autochthonous Malmsey, the fragrant Momjan Muscat or ruby-coloured Teran that Casanova used to refresh himself with, these superb pleasures will stay in your memory forever.

 

About the region

 

Welcome to the 3000 years of history! The history of Pula-Pola starts with the myth of the Argonauts and the search for the Golden Fleece. It was the home of the Histrians, the Romans and the Venetians. Once the central Austrian port, today it is the largest cultural and economic center of Istria. Various layers of history took part in the making of this unique town in which Roman temples defy baroque palaces, early Christian churches stand face to face to Austrian villas, and the remnants of mediaeval walls are cut through by antique town gates.

 

Moments in time...

And then, you will come across the Amphitheatre, revealing itself to you in all its beauty. This is one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world, the most significant monument in Pula! Arena, the place where gladiators faced lions, used to be able to entertain 25 000 spectators. This grandiose edifice allows you to get an insight of its glorious history, the one you can see, feel, and experience. It also serves as a host to greatest cultural programs.

Still, there is more. The Austrian Pula, with its numerous gorgeous historicist buildings surrounding the port and the historical nucleus, waits for your arrival. Wherever you go, you will see that the town's rich history and culture make a perfect scenography for supreme musical and dramatic spectacles. Concerts, operas, ballet, theatrical performances, film festivals, all kinds of surprises in the streets and squares of Pula – this is only a small part of what Pula has to offer. 

Only some 10 km north of Pula, you can enjoy the loveliness of picturesque Istrian small towns Vodnjan-Dignano and Fažana-Fasana. Stone houses and grandiose church-towers reflect the peacefulness of the times past. Looking at the sea, you will see the Brijuni islands. In this unique national park, exceptional historical monuments make peace with the cultivated landscape rich with flora and fauna from all over the world.

If you go some 10 km south of Pula, you will come across a beautiful peaceful bay with archipelago of islets and the picturesque small town of Medulin. Due to its perfectly clear sea, its rich offer and pleasant climate, Medulin is one of the most desirable tourist destinations when it comes to family vacation. On the other side of the Medulin bay, Pomer and Premantura are settled. Once homes of fishermen and farmers, today they are tourist places, gates through which you can reach the most southern part of Istria, Kamenjak Cape, a nature reserve and one of those wonders that only nature can create.

Do visit this gentle wilderness!