In the far northwestern corner of Croatia, the province of Istria offers numerous historical and natural attractions. The region includes the Istrian peninsula that juts out into the Adriatic Sea and forms a large triangle at the bottom of the city of Pula, one of the most popular and interesting cities in the province. Along the northwest coast of the peninsula lies the town of Porec, known for the beautiful Basilica of Euphrasius, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Further south lies the historic town of Rovinj and the archipelago of islands that form the beautiful Brijuni National Park. Istria has long been inhabited, with ruins and evidence of habitation left by both the Illyrians and the Romans. A number of major monuments from Roman times are still visible, including one of the largest surviving Roman amphitheatres in the world in Pula.
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1 Medieval Rovinj
Rovinj (Rovigno), a tightly packed medieval town on a plot of land jutting into the Adriatic Sea and founded by the Romans, is home to a number of excellent attractions. At the highest point of the city stands the 18th-century baroque Cathedral of St. Euphemia (Katedrala Sveta Eufemija) with its enormous bell tower, while on the main square is Trg M Tita where you will find the old Town Hall and Balbi’s Arch , which opens on the harbor with its many cozy restaurants and cafes. Worth seeing is the 17th-century loggia on the main square, home to the City Museum (Gradski Muzej) with its interesting mix of art from the 15th to 19th centuries, including paintings by the Old Masters and modern works by Croatian artists. The Baroque Balbi’s Arch was built in the second half of the 17th century and is notable for its elaborate decoration, including the sculpted head of a Turk on the outer wall, while on the inner wall is the sculpted head of a Venetian. Above the arch is the coat of arms of the Balbi family and a relief of the lion of St. Mark, the symbol of Venice. Balbi Arch stands at the entrance to the old Venetian Quarter, a beautiful area with picturesque squares and steep streets and a mix of architectural styles with Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical influences.
2 Brijuni National Park
Brijuni National Park consists of two large and 12 small islands and islets and was used as a summer residence by Marshal Tito, the Yugoslavian president, from 1949 until his death in 1980. In addition to hosting heads of state and movie stars here, Tito introduced a number of peculiarities to the islands, including African animals such as elephants, zebras and antelopes, along with species of plants not native to Croatia. Today the only islands open to the public are the two main islands of Veli Brijun and Mali Brijun , although access is still limited (the park must be visited as part of a guided tour unless you are in one of the Veli Brijun hotels – even then, visiting some parts requires a guide). The main highlights in Brijuni National Park are the remains of a second-century Byzantine fortress, a Roman villa, the Church of St. Germana, the safari park and an interesting exhibition about Tito. Access to the islands is usually from the town of Fazana where the Brijuni National Park office is located and from which the park ferry departs.
3 Porec and the Euphrasian Basilica
Porec, one of the most popular and well-promoted tourist destinations in Istria, has a beautiful coast with a series of hotels and tourist complexes of about six kilometers along Plava Laguna and Zelena Laguna. A popular spot for water sports such as water skiing, parasailing, sailing and kayaking, this historic old town emerged from an original Roman layout when the town was known as Colonia Julia Parentium. A highlight of the city’s early years is the beautiful Euphrasian Basilica of the 6th century, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful mosaics on a gold background. Highlights include a fourth-century sarcophagus containing the remains of St. Maurus and a 13th-century ciborium with marble pillars and gold mosaics above the steps to the altar. Be sure to also visit the Porec Museum housed in the Baroque Sincic Palace with its displays on the city’s history and a particular focus on the Roman and early Christian eras. Collections include archaeological finds from the third century BC, such as pottery fragments, religious icons and paintings, choral figures and furniture displays. Afterwards, you can take a stroll through the picturesque harbour, where cafes line the promenade or take a water taxi to the nearby island of St Nicholas (Sv Nikola), popular for its beaches.
4 Pula Amphitheatre
Due to its status as a university town, Pula (Pola) is known as a vibrant community with many great restaurants, hotels and cultural events. A popular destination for day trippers, the city’s main attractions are the Roman ruins , especially the beautiful Pula Amphitheatre. One of the largest of its kind, Pula Amphitheater was built by Emperor Vespasian in the first century around the same time as the Colosseum in Rome. The amphitheater’s arena could accommodate more than 20,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial combat and later for jousting tournaments. It is the subject of much restoration work and the site can seat 5,000 people and is used as a venue for festivals and performances in the summer , while the underground passages contain archaeological finds and exhibitions about the local olive industry.
Also of interest in Pula is the Venetian Fortress , home to the Historical Museum of Istria with its collections on maritime history, coins, weapons and military equipment, as well as antique maps, postcards and photographs. Finally, see the ancient Roman forum , a pedestrian area that still functions as one of the central gathering places in the city. The best preserved part of the forum is the Temple of Romae and Augustus (Augustov Hram) on the north side of the square with its many Roman sculptures.
5 The perfect climate of Opatija
The perfect climate of Opatija
Long one of Croatia’s premier seaside resorts, Opatija is a wonderful holiday destination thanks to the many elegant old hotels that line its pleasant coastline, attracting visitors all year round. The climate here is mild even in winter as the city is protected by Mount Učka from the “bura” (or bora) wind, a northerly wind that blows into the Adriatic Sea. Besides providing shelter, Mount Učka , the highest point on the Istrian peninsula, also has an abundance of beautiful landscapes. Thanks to its mild climate, Opatija has many outdoor dining options, with most restaurants and hotels offering pleasant terraces and patios, many open all year round. A special treat is a walk along the Lungomare promenade which starts here and stretches for 12 kilometres, passing some of the country’s most spectacular coastal scenery along the way.
6 Medieval castle of Pazin
One of the largest inner cities in Istria, Pazin’s main draw is its beautiful medieval castle and spectacular surroundings. Built in the ninth century, the castle sits dramatically high on a cliff overlooking a gorge, with its entrance over a drawbridge. The current layout dates from the 14th century when some additions were made whereby the four wings were joined together to form a courtyard. The castle now serves as home to the Ethnographic Museum of Istria with its many displays of traditional costumes, textiles, agricultural implements, fishing equipment, musical instruments and household items. Also at the castle is the Civic Museum with its many archaeological finds, as well as collections of bells and weapons. Other interesting sights in Pazin include the medieval Church of St. Mary and the 15th century Church of St. Francis (Sv Frane).
7 Festival time in Lovran
Just five kilometers from Opatija , Lovran is one of the most sought-after summer resorts in Croatia. Protected from the cold winds of winter by Mount Učka and spread along the coast, Lovran enjoys a mild climate that keeps it busy all year round. Be sure to explore the old, fortified part of the city, where some parts of the original wall still remain. Popular sights in this historic area include the Romanesque Bell Tower and the 14th-century Baroque St. George Church (Sv Juraj) on the main square. Popular annual events in Lovran include the St. George’s Day Celebrations in April, the Fishermen’s Feasts during the summer months, Marunada in October and a Yachting Regatta in November.
8 The picturesque promenade of Lungomare
The Lungomare is a beautiful 12 kilometer long promenade that runs all the way along the Adriatic coast from Volosko to Lovran . One of the main highlights in Opatija and the surrounding area, the Lungomare was built in the late 19th century when Opatija began to develop as a holiday resort. At the same time, elegant hotels emerged, many of which still exist and have been restored and still cater to wealthy tourists. The Lungomare is a good place to walk or find your own piece of ocean to enjoy the sun, as it is possible to get along the coast to one of the many rocky points that open into the sea.
9 They sting
The picturesque village of Pican, known as Petena in Roman times, is located about 12 kilometers south-east of Pazin and has been of religious value since the fifth century with a long history as a bishop. Today the village has a variety of well-preserved medieval buildings, including the beautiful city gates from the 14th and 15th centuries. Also of interest is St. Nicephorus Cathedral , originally built in the 14th century and completely rebuilt in the early 17th century. Highlights include the main altar with a beautiful Valentin Metzinger painting of the Annunciation . Also interesting is the Romanesque Church of St. Michael (Sv Mihovil) with its beautiful 15th century frescoes.
10 De Romeinse ruïnes van Vrsar
Vrsar (Orsera), a once fortified fishing village with origins dating back to Roman times, contains many ancient Roman ruins, including the remains of an ancient villa and the Montaker Quarry, still used by sculptors and their students as a source of stone. Remnants of the old Roman fortifications can still be seen, particularly the sea gate from that period, while highlights from later periods include the 10th-century Romanesque Church of St Mary (Sv Marija) near the waterfront. Also of interest is the 12th century Vergottini Castle , the nearby 19th century Church of St. Martin, and the Dusan Dzamonja Sculpture Park just a short distance outside the city. South of Vrsar, the Limski Canal is a marine reserve popular for its many limestone caves, one of which was home to the famous hermit St. Romualdo.
Where to stay in Istria for sightseeing
We recommend these charming hotels near the top attractions in Rovinj, Pula and Lovran:
- Hotel Monte Mulini: 5-star luxury resort in Rovinj, stunning bay views, beautiful waterfront pool, stylish decor, deep bathtubs, free use of bicycles.
- Hotel Adriatic: 4-star boutique hotel in Rovinj, fantastic location, city views, modern decor, dramatic artwork.
- Park Plaza Arena Pula: mid-range Pula resort, private beach, sunny terrace, outdoor pool, Roman spa.
- Hotel Park Lovran: budget Lovran hotel, sea view, friendly staff, swimming pool, sauna.
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