From Cres to Pula - Beach Holidays in Croatia

Istria

Istria (Croatian: Istra) is the north-westernmost region of Croatia. In a triangular shape, it is enclosed in the north by Slovenia, east by the Kvarner region of Croatia and on the south and west by the Adriatic Sea.

History:

previously part of the Venetian realm this region has seen many empires such as Byzantine, Roman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslavian (Communist). The cultural inheritance of Istria is thus very rich and diverse.

After conquering the Illyrian Histri people the Romans settled in the peninsula and left a large inheritance making Pula into an significant administrative centre and constructing villas, amphiteatres and temples. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the inner land remained a feudal area occupied by Slavs, Frankish, Byzantines and finally Austrian Habsburgs, while the coast fell under jurisdiction of the Republic of Venice in the 13th century.

Since 1797, the Croatian residents of Istria worked really hard for sovereignty and were severely repressed both by Austrians and Fascist Italy (after World War I), in the end ending with vengeance from Yugoslav partisans after the World War II. A small ethnic Italian population still lives in the coastal towns. fairly spared from the Yugoslav Wars, Istria is now a affluent region. Recent years have seen a growing regional sentiment and a reconciliation with its previously conflictive Italian character.

Nature:

The centre is unspoiled and mountainous with ancient walled cities on hills with surrounding rich fields, whilst the coast has several beachesand dazzling panorama of rocky walls dropping into the sea. The Istrian coast is arguably the most developed tourist destination in Croatia. Hordes of Italian, German tourists enjoy package tourism in the crowded high season.

Although Pula is the main municipality according to inhabitants and culture, relatively rural Pazin is the administrative hub of the peninsula. The Southern end of Istria is possibly the best area for biking. Ask for a bike map in Pula Tourist Office, showing well-marked routes around the coast and in the Cape Kamenjak.

Language

Croatian is the official and most common language, but in these formerly Venetian lands Italian is nearly universally spoken. There is still an Italian ethnic community in a lot of coastal towns. Most restaurants in the main town also have an English speaker or two on staff.

How to travel to Istria

Pula is the major transportation centre for Istria so most people will get there there if they are not driving. Some boat lines arrive to Poreč, too. Buses run from Trieste in Italy, Zagreb and other major cities to Pazin in the centre of Istria, and most to Pula in the South. Ryanair provides a connection London (Stansted) to Pula three days a week. Scandjet connects Pula to Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm once a week (on Saturdays) during the summer. Germanwings also serves Pula. Trains run daily between Ljubljana in Slovenia and Pula, and from Rijeka to Ljubljana. sadly due to past disaster the two train lines do not meet up in spite of some works have commenced on a rail tunnel to link the two distances. Venezia Lines is a high speed ship operator that operated its first trip in May 2003. Operating in the North Adriatic, Venezia Lines links the North Adriatic's coasts of Italy and Croatia. From May 2003 to October 2009, Venezia Lines has carried more than 450.000 customers between Venice and the Northern Coast of Croatia. In the North Adriatic Venezia Lines is at present utilising 2 vessels, San Frangisk and her sister vessel San Pawl, both with a capacity of 310 passenger. They are currently deployed on routes between Venice, Italy and the Croatian ports of Mali Losinj, Porec, Pula, Rabac and Rovinj.

Tourist attractions in Istria

Roman structures in Pula, including the Arena and Forum. Brijuni (Brioni) Islands - personal recreational area of Tito including an international zoo, dinosaur footprints and Roman and Byzantine ruins. Hill-top villages of Groznjan and Motovun, populated by artistSs. Magnificent

Visit Lovran, Istria, near Opatija, for the Days of Cherries celebration in June. Join the Truffle Days fiesta in the Motovun/Buzet area in late September. Motovun Film event Motovun, Istria (On the main road between Buzet and Buje). Internationally-renowned film festival in the hilltop Northern town of Motovun. Visit Groznjan and its jazz Festival.

Istrian Cuisine

Pasta, gnocchi, risotto and polenta, as well as its vegetables (which can be found, at a cheap price, in any of the various open-air markets present in almost every Istrian town), go with main dishes, as an Italian heritage. Especially, Istrian peppers have international recognition. With diversity at the heart of Istria, you’ll delight in new culinary experiences and reconnect with traditional flavors.

Scampi is the favourite, together with squid and sole. In the inland, air-cured ham (Prsut) and sausages are the highlights. But the gastronomic gem is no doubt the truffles. After the opening of the season, in late September, truffles can be found accompanying any dish and sauce. Especially recommended is pasta with truffles. Also, olive oil with truffles is a typical product of the region.

Istria Wines and Drinks

Regional liquor grappa is widely produced in here, with several varieties available.