
20.000€ for a Dog? His Nose is Worth It!
Explore
Peninsula of giants, dreams, and fairies
Welcome to the Croatian land of magic, also known as Istria.
From the grandiose Arena, built by fairies according to legends, to gentle hills peppered with magical towns, paradise islands, and stone pearls off the Adriatic shore lulled to sleep by the sea – every detail of the largest Croatian peninsula will amaze you. As soon as you pass the mysterious mountain of the Učka Nature Park, you will be greeted by a green and blue rhapsody, an intoxicating Mediterranean garden and a forest realm where fragrant truffles grow, and history blossoms in stone alleys, courtyards, and walkways.
For thousands of years, the town of Pula has been the cultural centre of the Istrian microcosm. Walks on ancient pavements and rich film nights will undoubtedly provide a unique experience.
At the very centre of this area is the Roman amphitheatre, the sixth largest amphitheatre in the world, a magnificent ode to the region’s rich history and the most beautiful stage under the stars. The Pula Arena is the site where spectacular events such as the Pula Superiorvm – Days of Antiquity, the Pula Film Festival, and many famous concerts are held. Nearby, you will find the ancient Forum square, the social hub for many Pula citizens and visitors. If you want to turn your visit into a historical experience, be sure to sip some coffee against the view of the Temple of Augustus. Pula is a town that owes its timeless beauty to the greatest empires. The Arch of the Sergii or the Golden Gate, the fort system, the Twin Gate, and the Gate of Hercules are attractions that history buffs wouldn’t dream of missing out on.
Nestled along the southwestern shores of Istria, you will find the Mediterranean haven of Brijuni National Park. The cluster of 14 islands and islets near Pula is a wondrous masterpiece of nature, transformed by human hands into a dreamlike sanctuary for rest and relaxation. This stunning archipelago offers an extravagant tapestry of beautiful landscapes, dinosaur footprints, an exotic Safari Park, and an ancient villa nestled in Verige Bay. Mix in the rustic allure of the islands, a round of golf on the oldest course in Croatia, or a leisurely bike ride along scenic trails – and you’ve discovered the magical formula for an unforgettable holiday.
Amongst the main attractions of Učka are the unique limestone formations in the area of Vrana and at the very top of Učka, where an old tower is erected. Učka Nature Park is located on the eastern coast of the Istrian peninsula and connects Istria with Kvarner Bay. This oasis of biodiversity was declared a nature park in 1999 and encompasses the eponymous mountain and the Ćićarija plateau, covering 160 square kilometres. It is only in the cracks in the rocks on Učka that you can find the Croatian bellflower, and if you are lucky, you will be able to enjoy the sight of the impressive Eurasian griffon vulture flying overhead, an endangered vulture that has been nesting again high on the cliffs of Učka.

A picturesque landscape of the colourful Mediterranean awaits you in the south of Istria. The blue sea washes over the bays and golden beaches of Medulin and Premantura.
Kamenjak Cape, a kingdom of wild beaches, impressive rocks, and the pristine clean sea is ideal for lovers of nature, active holidays, and diving. You can spend the night in the nearby lighthouse on the islet of Porer. Beautiful starry sky, silence, and tranquillity of nature. Can it get any better than that?

Life in Istria has always been tied to the sea. After absorbing the positive vibes of the south, you should continue your journey to the Brijuni National Park.
These islands are also called paradise islands because, according to a legend, they were created in the image of Paradise. If you wish to experience the Istrian version of Jurassic Park, be sure to visit the safari park where you can see footprints of dinosaurs and exotic animals, and if you wish to witness the high-class side of the island, be sure to check out the ruins of Roman villas, Byzantine forts, and the official residence of the former Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito. The history of Brijuni is marked by numerous famous people such as Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, and Richard Burton, but its biggest star is the legendary cockatoo Koki, a feathery chatterbox with an irresistible charm. You can end your stay in the Brijuni style – driving in a 1953 Cadillac Eldorado.

On your journey from Brijuni towards the coast of your dreams, you will be greeted by a world of colourful towns with harmonious compositions – pearls serving as meeting points between Istria and the sea.
Like the backdrop of a work of art, these picturesque places make the sunset more profound and enjoyable. The trail of history will lead you to the mighty walls of the Savudrija lighthouse, where, according to folklore, tragic love between an Austrian count and a young girl blossomed, whereas the ruins of the sunken town of Sipar and the great ATP tournament will show you a different side of Umag.
Upon your arrival in Poreč, you will be enchanted by the spirit of the ancient times and the main streets of the old town, Decumanus and Cardo maximus, which still bear their original Roman names. Open like a flower, Istria is a land of diversity where numerous cultures inspire and complement one another. The best example of this is the Euphrasian Basilica, a masterpiece featured on the UNESCO World Heritage List, whose bell tower dominates the blue sky of Poreč. One of the most pristinely preserved monuments of early Christian art will guide you straight through the rich layers of Istrian history via its glorious mosaics.

You will come to Rovinj as a tourist, but you will leave it as a fan.
A multitude of houses overlooked by the St. Euphemia Church from the hilltop, terraces with a view of the sea, and the artistic flair of Grisia Street have earned this Istrian pearl the title of one of the most romantic towns in the Mediterranean. Surrounded by the lush Mediterranean vegetation of the century-old Zlatni rt park-forest and small islands with a noble atmosphere, Rovinj is both lively and indescribably peaceful at the same time, which makes it so easy to fall in love with.
By exploring Istria, you will also immerse yourself in its special landscape. The Gulf of Lim spans across more than 10 kilometres. It is a karst valley of dreams, deeply immersed in the land and ending in Romuald’s cave, where valuable historical remains have been discovered. The cave makes the perfect cradle for water, which explodes in 50 shades of turquoise thanks to the playful sun. There is no better place for enjoying the Lim oysters.

The signature landmarks of this terra magica are charming little inland towns offering a magical journey into history, and the best way to discover them is by bicycle or by taking one of the many hiking paths and enjoying the sounds of nature and the murmur of streams.
The noble Motovun, whose distinctive bell tower dominates the gentle valley of the Mirna River, has as many as 26 protected cultural monuments in its core, whereas the artistic Grožnjan seems to be counting down minutes to the next summer, when sounds of jazz echo through the medieval streets and the whole town turns into a scene from a marvellous oil painting. Astronomy lovers will enjoy Višnjan where they can visit one of the world-famous observatories, and if you wish to go back to the age of knights, be sure to visit Svetvinčenat and its Morosini-Grimani Castle. Discover Hum, the smallest town in the world, which was built by giants according to a legend, and discover how Jules Verne set the plot of his novel next to Pazin’s largest attractions – the Pazin Cave and Castle. To all the fans of this French writer, we also recommend visiting Labin, a charming town offering a journey to the centre of Earth. The mining tradition of this town dates back to the 17th century, and the National Museum allows you to go underground and have an authentic mining experience.
Gourmets will look forward to visiting Buzet, the town of truffles. You can even try your hand at foraging for this world-famous gastronomic delicacy in the surrounding forests. The freedom of nature and the call of untouched landscapes also await you on the seven waterfalls hiking path. In the pleasant atmosphere of authentic households, you will be able to hear the eternity of Istria while listening to the crackling of a fire and enjoying the flavours of traditional food with a glass of Malvasia.