Visit Istria, Croatia

With a reputation for its olive oils, wines and truffles, Istria has plenty of gastro-credentials, but that’s just for starters. At times, this northwest region feels more Italian than Croatian, and it shares many of the same attractions. It plays host to Italianesque ports left over from its time under the Venetian Republic, along with a string of bucolic islands and one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres still standing. You’ll also encounter UNESCO-protected Byzantine art, age-old towns and castles, and vineyards reminiscent of Tuscany.

Our Croatia specialists have explored Istria’s main sights and its lesser-known ones, and they’ll carefully plan your visit to the region individually to match your preferences. Whether you want to explore culinary delights and visit vineyards or olive farms, search for truffles or linger over long lunches, they’re there to guide you along the way.

With first-hand knowledge of Istria and its historic sights, our specialists can also help you decide where to go and what to do. We might suggest exploring the medieval fishing town of Rovinj or attending a summer concert in the Roman amphitheatre in Pula. You can take a boat trip around the forested islands of Brijuni National Park and discover their Cretaceous dinosaur footprints. Or, explore the ancient Roman town of Poreč with its 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica, a place of worship cosseting golden Byzantine mosaics.