RASA ESTUARY
ISTRIA AND KVARNER RIVIERA
LOCAL AREA, BEACHES & THINGS TO DO
The Rasa Estuary
The Rasa Estuary on the east coast of the Istrian Peninsula is a deep inlet which divides into many smaller bays and sheltered coves. Geologically it is drowned river valley and with its steep sides and winding course the estuary is of great natural beauty. There is very little development along the shoreline of the estuary. The only communities on the estuary are Luka Krnica, a small village at the end of a deep inlet at the entrance to the estuary, and Trget, a hamlet on the shore deep into the estuary. There are many delightful and peaceful bays and beaches which can be reached by local farm tracks or by boat.
Beach, Rasa Estuary |
Swimming, Rasa Estuary |
Barban, the small town about 5km inland from the head of the estuary is a picturesque, Medieval fortified settlement rich in antique monuments and curiosities.
The village of Raklj, on high ground about 1km inland from the estuary is famous for its quarries and stone masons.
Duga Uvala
Duga Uvala is a sheltered bay on the east coast of Istria between the larger towns of Labin and Pula. This area of Istria is generally very undeveloped and provides a long stretch of unspoilt coastline. Inland from the coast are delightful rural villages. Local roads and farm tracks lead down to the coast and its many coves and inlets on the peaceful Rasa estuary and the bay of Duga Uvala. In Duga Uvala bay itself there is a Hotel, beachside cafes and pizzeria. The hotel complex includes a wellness centre, massage, aromatherapy amnd fitness centre. There are sport facilities available as well as night clubs and discos. The principal town of the area is Pula but there are shops and restaurants in several of the villages and small towns in this region.
Duga Uvala bay and hotel |
A quiet beach |
Pula
Pula is the main regional town in Istria, with a good selection of restaurants and an attractive shopping area. Walk through Pula and experience old town streets and squares some of which were there even in Roman times. The stunning amphitheatre is from the first century AD and ranks the sixth largest in the world. The town centre is about 10 minutes drive from Pula airport.
Pula Amphitheatre
Beaches
There are excellent beaches on the many peninsulas and bays around Pula; notable are Stoja, Veruda , Verudela and Pjesana Uvala. A little further out of town the nature reserve of Rt Karmenjak on the very tip of the Istrian pensinsula provides kilometres of unspoint coastline and many bays or tockky headlands where you can swim in the crystal clear sea.
Bay in Premantura |
Jumping at Rt Kamenjak |
Brioni islands
From the town of Fazana you can take a boat trip to the islands of Brioni, another national park area and formerly the summer residence of Yugolavia's President Tito.
Brioni Islands
Central Istria
Central Istria is often compared to Tuscany. The undulating landscape with vineyards, olive groves, woodlands and river valleys is studded with numerous hilltop towns and villages, many originating from the medieval period and earlier and almost all offering spectacular vantage points over the surrounding countryside. The guide books pick out the hilltop towns of Motovun and Groznjan but there are many others worth exploring and we will provide you with our own suggestions of places off the usual tourist routes that should not be missed. These medieval settlements have charming village houses, squares and alleyways and in towns like Oprtalj and Motuvun more imposing architecture and fortifications.
Oprtalj |
Motovun |
To the east side of Istria the old town of Labin and the hilltop village of Gracisce are worth visiting.
Excellent wines are produced in the area and well marked wine routes lead you through charming countryside to wineries where you can sample some of the best Croatian wines. Notable are the Kozlovic and Markezic wineries.
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Our Villas in Rasa Estuary
| Villa Rebeka | |
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A newly built, luxury air-conditioned Istrian villa with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, indoor Jacuzzi, sauna, gym, wine cellar and bar room, in a walled garden and with a pool. Rural location, 1.5km away from the local beaches. Pet friendly. Internet. Sleeps 8-9. |
| Villa Cantabile | |
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A modern three bedroom, three bathroom, air-conditioned, within easy reach of wonderful towns and beaches. Garden, pool, internet. Pet friendly. Sleeps 6-8. |
| Villa Toscana | |
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Villa Toscana consists of two restored stone houses, in peaceful and rural environment, with amazing view across the countryside. The houses are built with stone and excellent wood and decorative materials have been used. On the roofs are original old stock Istrian tiles. The houses share a swimming pool and are suitable for rent for a larger group or two to three families. |
