Location of our holiday homes
We eat there: tested and recommended restaurants in our region.
Sometimes we fancy for a prestigious meal while on the other day we'd just eat something quick and cheap. That why the restaurants map varies with color, where:
yellow - cheaper
light green - middle price
dark green - more expensive, but prestigious
Places in Istria with speed control, the list will grow as we discover more of them.
These are according to us absolute highlights of Istria, which shouldn't be skipped once you visit the region. It is a mixed list from all kind of attractions.
Eastern part of Istria has many beaches located between steep mountain slopes, which makes them especially beautiful, but sometimes not so easily accessible.
We're also surprised how many waterfalls you can find in Istria. So, here you have a full list of them.
Istria has many remains of medieval castles. Most of which are situated on top of the hill from which you'd see the next one. This strategic placement of the castles allowed communication between them when defending the region.
Naturally Istria offers many hiking places though untouched wild nature with stunning views. The lists starts with few locations we've already tested, but there is way more to be discovered.
Although google maps doesn't support cycling directions in Istria it doesn't mean that it has none. even the opposite - Istria has plenty bike routes including an international one, which goes as far as to Italy. Curious to check them out?
Vela Draga
Perfect destination for climbing as well as for hiking. Only 10 min away from Boljun, free parking 10 minutes walk from parking to the main view point. For more advanced climbing down to the canyon can be a great attraction.
Kotli
Final station of the seven waterfalls trail, which starts in Buzet. Many small waterfall-basins, where you can cool yourself, leading to picturesque waterfall with an old mill on a side.
Brseč Beach
A small but beautiful beach below the cliff, on which the old town of Brseč is located. Well-known place, which tends to be very crowded in high season. In Brseč there is also a Driving Range, where you can practice golf.
Pijana Pruga
A destroyed part of the old railway, which due to its current shape reminds more a roller coaster than a railway. Great pictures guaranteed! Careful on snakes, which likes to sunbath on a stones next to the railway, but they are usually more scared than you and slide away.
Učka
National Park Učka with its tallest summit Vojak (reaching 1400m above the sea level) offers amazing and unforgettable views over entire Istria up to Pula and neighboring islands: Krk, Cres and Lošinj. Be prepared, there is easily 10°C colder than on the lowland!
Zarečki Krov
A 7m high waterfall with a lake beneath it. Great place for those ones who need some adrenaline and like to jump into the water from height. Lake is also reachable by foot. If you dare to swim behind the waterfall you'll discover a cave where the water is shallow or even disappeared.
Plomin
A very old Venetian town, as known as settlement of pirates. It's located on a slope of the cliff with beautiful sea-views. The beach is reachable in 15min walk or a lot faster by car. Beach below Plomin in Plomin Luka is very easily accessible with many and easy parking possibilities.
Buzet
One of the most popular typical Istrian castle-settlements located on the top of the hill. It's also called the town of truffles. Among must-eat dishes are pasta with fresh truffles, steak with truffle sauce and warm truffle cake with honey. The brewery located in this town produces even the truffle beer. Cheers!
Hum
It's called the smallest town of the world. Within its walls it used to have all necessary institutions to create a town. Due to this fact it's a very popular tourist destination. Enjoy liquor tasting in the local distillery Aura, which has its shop and museum there.
Pula
The capital of Istria with well known Roman Colosseum. You can reach it in 55min vie toll highway or 1h 10min via toll-free coast way. We recommend to visit it in low-mid season April-May or September-October.
Motovun
In our opinion, Motovun is the most popular Istrian castle-town located on the top of the hill. Magnificent views over Mirna river's valley can be enjoyed while eating fresh truffles, which are the specialty of the region. Reachable within 45min drive.
Brijuni
Beautiful nature reserve fully protected by the state. It is characterized by rich wildlife both in the sea and on islands complemented by a ZOO. It used to be a holiday destination for many country rulers and nowadays it still is for many celebrities.