Locations in Istria

Rabac • Motovun • Rovinj

You have many reasons to visit Istria any time of the year! Istria is a treasure trove of diversity, rich in natural beauty and picturesque coastline with numerous bays and clean beaches in the coastal area, and extra- temporal towns on hilltops in the countryside.

With its beautiful beaches, deep blue sea, fresh clean sea air, green areas and wooded hills, Rabac has become a major tourist resort on the eastern coast of Istria. With its fabulous white beaches, crystal- clear blue water and accessibility, it is particularly suitable for family vacation.

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Labin

Old town

The old town of Labin abounds in historic sites. It features a range of galleries, romantic cafès, restaurants and numerous narrow streets. The Town Museum with its archaeological and ethnology collections and a model of the coal mine of Labin is unique in this part of Europe. The small streets lead to the very top of the old town (the Fortress), wherefrom one can enjoy a breath-taking view of Rabac, the island of Cres and surroundings of Labin.

Pula

Concerts and films in the Amphitheatre

In summer months you can go to concerts of world famous and local musicians, and international music and film festivals in Arena, one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. Watch film premieres from around the world in the cinema under the stars.

Motovun

Most famous Istrian town

It certainly pays to plan a visit to the best preserved medieval town in central Istria, with its ring- shaped town walls. Motovun is located in the valley of the Mirna river, wherefrom you can admire a breath-taking view across vineyards, hills and woods at the foot of Motovun where a widely famous delicacy, a fragrant Istrian white truffle grows. In summer, this little town brings together fans and directors of independent films under the stars at the Motovun film festival.

Kotli

Fairy-tale mills

The River Mirna springs in the village of Kotli, forming shoals and waterfalls. This was once economically, the strongest village in this area, with well-known millers and tailors, whereas today it is a village of abandoned mills and a protected rural area. Take a half-day trip, enjoy the nature, dig into the local legend about giants and taste traditional food at a local restaurant.

Učka

Highest point of Istria

The highest mountain in the peninsula of Istria, Učka, is a protected park of nature. In a small area the park features a biodiversity of flora and fauna, on one hand, and geology and a distinctive cultural heritage on the other. Učka is criss-crossed with eight cycling and five educational and very interesting routes. Visitors can spend a day hiking and exploring the area by bike or enjoy mountain delicacies in the well-known restaurant Dopo Lavoro.

Labin

A real-life mine shaft

In the town museum in Labin there is an accurate reconstruction of a real coal mine. One can easily walk through the first section of the mine, but as you proceed the ceiling is getting lower and the passage narrower, so that the dimensions accurately depict the full weight of the mining work. The coal mine replica consists of coal wagons, a locomotive for the coal transport and railroad tracks running through the mine, vent pipes, tools, a conveyor belt and methane pump. Experience the magnificence of the underground world of mining as it was a hundred years ago!

Grožnjan

Town of Artists and Freethinkers

This tiny Istrian town made of stones and surrounded by hills, has a great cultural importance at an international level. Every spring Grožnjan’s streets and squares are transformed into the centre of art events. The peak of artistic expression Grožnjan experiences in summer when summer music academies for the young open their doors, and art, dance and drama workshops in different languages are organised and led by renowned experts.

Opatija

Queen of tourism

Opatija has the longest tradition of tourism in Croatia. It was built at the turn of the 19th century, and it abounds in ancient villas, beaches, fountains and well- kept parks. You can visit Opatija any time of the year. Due to the influence of the sea and mountain air, the climate provides benefits to health, while a number of spa hotels, casinos, discos and open-air theatres will ensure you have a great time. Enjoy traditional cuisine, especially delicious cakes and take a stroll down the main street with shops selling best clothing brands.

Poreč

Euphrasian Basilica

Visit one of the finest intact examples of the early Byzantine art in the Mediterranean. The 6th- century Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč contains a display of mosaics and frescoes and features unique architecture, and is protected by UNESCO. The old town of Poreč is also on a must-see list whilst here. This cultural monument with its street layout of Roman roads is well- preserved. The festival of classical music Concerts in Euphrasian Basilica is held in summer.

Hum

The smallest town in the world

Once a Glagolitic centre, the town of Hum with its well preserved town institutions, counts only thirty inhabitants. It is located in the central part of Istria, near Buzet, and according to a legend, it was built by giants from the debris left after they had built other small towns in the Mirna valley. The inhabitants have preserved the custom of choosing a headman (mayor) for a year. Hum is known for the Glagolitic Alley, which begins at the town door encircled with twelve medallions depicting months. Take a stroll down the Alley, visit the letter stone sculptures and pay a visit to the Hum tavern.

Lim channel

The bay on the western coast of Istria located between Rovinj and Vrsar is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Istria, with stalactites and stalagmites in caves along the coast of the channel. At the end of the gulf, the sea and fresh groundwater blend, thus creating brackish water suitable for shellfish farming. Taste fresh mussels and buy local products on the road above Lim channel sold by local brandy and cheese producers.