Istria travel guide: the essentials on one page

The peninsula

Istria is the heart-shaped peninsula in the northern Adriatic, with a long coast, old stone hill towns, olive groves and vineyards. Pula sits at the southern tip, which makes it a good base: the sea is close, the airport is nearby and most of the region is within a day trip.

Getting here

Pula has its own airport, roughly a quarter of an hour’s drive from most of the places we offer. Many guests drive, and the roads are good. Approximate road distances to Pula:

When to come

Boats and beaches are in full swing from May until the end of October. Midsummer brings the hottest days and the fullest beaches, which suits anyone who lives for the sea. June and September give you a warm sea with more room, and are our favourite months for boat tours.

What to eat and drink

Istrian cooking mixes the sea and the hills. Look for fresh fish and squid on the coast, fuži pasta with truffles or game inland, local olive oil and Malvazija white wine. Ask your host where locals eat, and expect the best dishes to be the simple ones.

Towns and places to see

• Pula: the Roman Arena, the Temple of Augustus and the old town, all within walking distance of the Riva.
• Rovinj: a colourful old town on a small peninsula, easy to reach on our boat trip.
• Poreč: the Euphrasian Basilica with its mosaics.
• Motovun and the hill towns: stone villages above the vineyards, good for a slow day by car.
• Cape Kamenjak: wild coves and rocky shores at the southern tip.

Seeing the coast from a boat

The coast looks different from the water: cliffs, caves and small beaches that roads do not reach. Our guide to boat excursions helps you choose between the day, sunset and full-day trips.

Before you travel

Check the entry rules for your nationality and current travel information from your own government before you leave.