Istria is one of the most popular destinations for foreign visitors to Croatia and its towns of Umag and Porec continually top annual polls of the best holiday resorts in Croatia, as organised by the Croatian National Tourist Board and Croatian TV. With a strong Italian influence (the region in fact used to be part of Italy during the early part of the 20th century), this certainly is a beautiful region of Croatia both along the coast and inland, with its pretty hilltop towns. 


Rovinj is a true gem of a town, and Pula is also well-worth a visit - home to the Arena, a very well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. The one thing that Istria does lack, however, compared to more southern coastal regions are many large islands. The Brijuni group of islands (near Pula) are the exception and great for a day-trip.

 Bordering Slovenia and with a maritime border with Italy, this peninsula is easy to reach from the rest of Europe and is also well-connected by air to the UK to the main airport in the region, Pula Airport.

Rovinj
For more information about Istria and its resorts, see our new special pages below:

 Getting to Istria
There's a variety of options for reaching this part of Croatia, both flying direct to the region's airport at Pula, or utilising flights to nearby places in Italy. See more details here.

 Umag
One of the smaller resorts in Istria, Umag is still popular with many holidaymakers.

 Porec
Istria's most popular resort, and of the most popular in Croatia

 Rovinj
A truly lovely town, you'll be charmed by its pretty Old Town

 Pula
Pula is the main town in Istria and with its numerous sights - including a very well preserved Roman amphitheatre, is well worth a visit.
 Events in Istria
Information on some of Istria's many annual festivals and events.

 Day Trips in Istria
Taking a trip to inland Istria is highly recommended - see what places we suggest you visit.

 Day Trips from Istria
For trips a little further afield, why not pop over the border into Slovenia, or take a catamaran across to Venice? Details here.

 Do also see our section on the Brijuni Islands, which are located off the coast of Istria, near Pula.