Istria lays on the coasts of the Adriatic Sea in the northwest region of Croatia, south of Trieste, Italy. With its rolling vineyards, olive groves and ancient walled hill towns, it reminds of Tuscany both in looks and spirit. Romans colonized Istria in the 2nd century B.C, and the remains they left behind at Pula, near the southern tip, testify the importance of the peninsula during ancient times.
Designed for gladiatorial fights, the Istria Roman amphitheater with its seating for 22,000 spectators is one of Europe’s largest and best preserved. Nowadays this 18 century old site serves to host rock concerts, operas and film festivals.
Visitors can find authentic medieval charm at Rovinj, a coastal town with steep and narrow streets and centuries-old stone houses, crowned by the impressive 18th century Church of St. Euphemia. It is said that the marble sarcophagus of the saint has floated to Rovinj from Constantinople. The church is in close proximity to the Monte Mulini Hotel, which is set in a forested park that overlooks the beach. The hotel is famed with its large rooms, three-story spa, and the Wine Vault Restaurant, which serves contemporary French, Mediterranean and Croatian cuisine.
Porec is famous with it’s amazingly preserve ancient town center and the magnificent 6th century St. Euphrasius Basilica, whose complex mosaics are considered among the finest examples of Byzantine art. Surrounded by beach resorts, the newly renovated Grand Hotel Palazzo, built above the harbor in 1910, in Porec’s top choice, combining period charm and up-to-date luxury.
Deep into Istria’s green heartland is the town of Motovun. The town is renowned with the traditional Malvasia and Teran grapes that grow nearby. The fortified town of Motovun is a medieval time capsule of cobblestone streets, bell towers, and a 17th century hilltop Venetian palazzo.
No matter where travelers will decide to stay, Istria will accommodate all their needs from a place to sleep, to a place to eat. Istria also has e perfect transportation system which can take visitors all over the region. The Croatian government has also created various tourist information centers throughout the region, from where tourists can call Croatia tourist services, make international calls or receive medical attention in cases of emergency.
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