Medieval hilltop towns, superb wines, olive oil and truffles set the tone for the interior while the coastal towns offer family seaside fun
Venice-like towns, elegant resorts, hilltop villages, amazing wine and olive oils, sublime food, black and white truffles, seven waterfalls, caves, masses to do.Istria is a rather large triangular peninsula, bordering with the country of Slovenia in the north and very close to Italy. To the east, this region ends where the
The Istrian peninsula is in fact the northern-most region of the Adriatic, abundant with beaches as well as with exceptionally beautiful inland areas characterised with verdant valleys and mild slopes planted with vineyards and olive trees. It is truly a gourmet region of Croatia with award winning olive oils, truffles, excellent venison, fresh fish, hand made pasta, excellent restaurants and wineries. The pasta tastes delicious combined with the richly flavoured beef of the traditional Boskarin cattle, or served with local truffles or wild asparagus.
Zigante, in the village of Livade (00 385 52 664 302), offers a meal in which truffles flavour the pasta, the sauces and even the ice cream.The northern part of Istria comprises charming western coastal towns of
Porec,
Novigrad, and
Umag.
In between, the hilltop towns of
Motovun, Groznjan,
Oprtalj and Momjan are very famous.
Novigrad or Cittanova in Italian, is a picturesque town positioned on a small limestone peninsula on which the old town centre is built, surrounded by well-preserved mediaeval walls and pretty beaches.
Porec, is a popular Istrian tourist resort, featuring the important Euphrasian Basilica in the historical centre of the town. In the north of Istria the inland hilltop towns and villages are just as attractive as the coast.
The most famous is the 14th century
Motovun, which has unforgettable views of the green Istrian valleys from its wall ramparts. It is full of charming taverns and also hosts a trendy international film festival in July. Proceed to Groznjan, where the musical youth from all over the world gathers to practice and play for the public, while you stroll along the cobbled streets you will hear fabulous jazz or a Chopin waltz and find restaurants and excellent wine bars. This is the village of art in general and many artists have their summer homes and galleries there. We love strolling through dreamy
Oprtalj (Portole in Italian), where some old Italian palazzos have been restored, but some are languishing in a state of disrepair waiting for someone to fall in love with them and take them over. The highest of the Istrian hilltop towns, it shines in the summer sunshine whilst early morning mist gathers way below leaving Oprtalj floating on a white cushion of air. Also visit Momjan,
Buzet and
Labin - all are fabulous with excellent food and wine, then go to the smallest town in the world, Hum.
Labin, another famous art town is further east, overlooking the sea and the
Rabac resort on the coast. We love this area so much, and our secret place is sleepy
Merisce, with hardly any inhabitants, but close to a gorgeous restaurant Stari Podrum (The Old Cellar) and two fantastic wineries: Kozlovic and Kabola. Views from
Merisce are to die for - you see the sea, distant Venice and the Austrian Alps all in one vast panorama. Getting there.
Pula is the closest and most convenient airport but
Trieste in Italy is also within easy reach.
