Istria in northern Croatia is a gorgeous peninsula that juts into the Adriatic. With so much shoreline as well as its remarkable hilly landscape, Istria has so much to offer travellers keen on experiencing the genuine Croatia. right here are 9 reasons to go to Istria, Croatia.

Croatia is on everyone’s travel hitlist at the moment as well as it’s simple to see why. Crystal waters of the Adriatic, remarkable coastlines, picturesque hilltop towns as well as that rustic beauty this part of Europe does so well.

But the Dalmatian coastline in the south of the country is rapidly falling fowl of tourism’s preferred habit: popularity.

However, our recent trip to Istria on Croatia’s north coastline showed us the side to the country we were looking for.

The Istria Peninsula, which Croatia, Slovenia as well as Italy all share, is in truth the largest in the Adriatic as well as separates the Gulf of Trieste as well as the Bay of Kvarner.

It’s likewise house to a few of our finest travel memories.

9 reasons to go to Istria, Croatia

1. amazing scenery

From the bit leaning laneways in the scattered towns of the peninsula to the rich eco-friendly valleys as well as hilltops of the Istrian countryside, this part of Croatia is extremely simple on the eye.

And with its 250km+ of shoreline graced with the gorgeous Adriatic Sea, Istria’s coastline is even much more impressive. Yet despite its beauty, this part of Croatia still preserves its dignity. Its peaceful pride enables visitors to appreciate the glimmer of its crystal waters or its wholesome inland grandeur in their own time.

2. Venetian influence with Croatian culture

With its proximity to the east coastline of Italy (there’s a ferry line that can get you from Pula to Venice in about 3 hours), the Istrian Peninsula has a heavy influence from the Venetians. You can see this in the food, the design as well as even the language.

This part of Croatia utilizes both Croatian as well as Italian in everyday life. In truth many supermarkets will have both the Italian as well as Croatian words for things on the labels.

The Istrian Peninsula has been fought over, annexed as well as disrupted for over 2000 years, with numerous different kingdoms as well as countries declaring ownership. The impact of this region having so numerous influences – not just Italian – has produced a interesting kaleidoscope of cultures.

3. outstanding food

The combination of Slavic heartiness as well as Italian balance implies food in Croatian Istria is fantastic. We tried difficult daily we were there to have a poor meal as well as failed rather happily.

Most notably, is the truffle that locals utilize like salt as well as pepper. We couldn’t believe exactly how much exquisite black truffle was on a easy gnocchi meal – a serving that would expense a ton of money anywhere else.

In autumn as well as winter season (September to January), the amazing Istrian white truffle comes out to play as well, which is obviously worth travelling for.

4. It’s better than you think

Croatian Istria is extremely close to Italy. The country’s entire shoreline is rather mindboggling, so it’s simple to fail to remember exactly how far north as well as west Croatia goes. This region’s proximity to Italy has a number of positives – as we’ve already mentioned.

But finest of all, it’s truly quick to drive between the two countries. It took us under 2 hours to drive from Trieste – likewise on the Istrian Peninsula – to the Croatian border (via Slovenia). the very best thing about this is there are so numerous flights coming into Trieste compared to Croatia’s Pula Airport.

Flying into Trieste as well as driving cuts costs of your trip hugely. as well as driving with three countries in practically as numerous minutes is quite awesome too.

5. Hilltop towns

The hills throughout Istria are clad in gorgeous yellowed stone towns, similar to Tuscany. There’s nothing much better than wandering the stony cobbles of these villages as well as walking amongst the ancient homes that line the bit streets.

The pleasure of all of a sudden concerning the end of the town as well as looking out over the roving countryside from a high-up location is one of the very best things you can do here.

6. Coastal towns

As is the nature of peninsulas, there’s so much shoreline to check out here. There are numerous towns dotted along the Istrian shores, all complying with a similar rustic yet amazing aesthetic.

Much like the hilltop villages, it’s great to roam the craggy streets to all of a sudden come to the end of the town. You’re rewarded with views out over the spectacular blue of the Adriatic, of sea walls as well as – if you’re lucky – a sight of the evidence of the town’s Venetian past. homes hang over the water, with front doors seeming to open directly onto the water.

7. Not yet found by the crowds down south

With the hype of locations likeSplit or Dubrovnik in the south, Croatia has seen a big boost in tourism in recent years. as well as rightly so – it is gorgeous on the Dalmatian Coast.

However, these parts of the country are now ending up being extremely congested – particularly in top periods.

Further north in Istria, the region is still fairly undiscovered, unexplored as well as untouched. during the high season of July as well as August, towns like Pula as well as Rovinj, locals told us it’s horrible, however we had those towns – as well as the whole peninsula – practically to ourselves.

To get an concept of what the Dalmatian coastline was most likely like 10 years, ago, Istria is the key.

8. less expensive than Dalmatian Coast

As always occurs with prominent destinations, it doesn’t take long for the supply as well as demand curve to draw in higher prices. The Dalmatian coastline is ending up being extremely costly as smart locals money in on the tourism grow their region is seeing.

Compared to the Dalmatian Coast, the Istrian Peninsula – with fewer visitors, less available harbours for larger cruises as well as a much more parochial mindset – is much much more affordable. having stated that, don’t expect cost labels to be as well small. It’s not the Czech Republic of the early 2000s.

9. simple to get around – however you’ll requirement a car

In spite of Istria being the largest peninsula in the Adriatic, it’s still little sufficient to make a drive to any type of part of it rather quick as well as easy. There are buses in the region, however I’m not sure exactly how reliable, regular or comfortable they are.

Driving in this part of Croatia is fine. The roads are rather well maintained, signage is simple to comprehend as well as web traffic is seldom a problem. The chauffeurs you do see are a bit crazy though, so be gotten ready for some tailgating. everybody seems to drive at least 10km over the speed limit.

Flying to Trieste, Italy then driving an hour or so to Croatian Istria is the simplest as well as most affordable method to travel here, though there are flights direct to Pula in the south of the peninsula as well as ferries there too.

Click right here to inspect flight costs to Trieste.

And click right here for vehicle hire costs from Trieste’s airport.

And if you have time, we’d extremely suggest costs at least a day in Trieste if you have time. Here’s what to finish with your time in this gorgeous northern Italian city.

Tell us, have you been to Croatia – either the Istrian or Dalmatian Coast? What did you think? as well as did it online as much as your expectations?