ISTRIA  is the most developed Croatian tourist region, closest and most easily accessible from Western Europe, whose landscape can be compared to that of Tuscany or Provence. The first know inhabitants of Istria were the Histri, from whom Istria received its name. Numerous peoples and cultures, from Roman times to today, have left evidence of their cultures in the architecture, wall painting and in the rich church architecture. Vineyards and picturesque little towns are scattered all over the interior of the peninsula.

The lovely town of Brtonigla near Umag and Novigrad

Umag - a town and a port in the north-west coast of Istria, is a kind of exit and entrance of Croatia to Europe. This famous business and tourist center is at only 40 km from Trieste, 150 from Ljubljana, and 50 NM from Venice. Development of Umag is best evidenced by the world famous ATP tour, a tennis tournament taking place right here every year. In terms of tourism, the hinterland of Umag is very attractive although it is a still undiscovered location between two Istrian rivers, namely the Dragonja and the Mirna surrounded by the rivieras of Savudria and Umag, and that of Novigrad. Sunbathed beaches and luxurious hotels are only part of the offer. Alternative programs offer a variety of activities to make your stay rich in attractions. Enjoy mountain climbing, spelunking, cycling, or a simple walk. Get to know the secrets of the sea, go sailing, swimming and diving. Ride a horse and feel the spirit of adventure If you are intereted in top-level tennis, don't miss the ATP Croatia open - the famouse tennis tournament that is held in July.

Novigrad - a town with 3.000 inhabitants, is situated on the northwestern coast of the Istrian peninsula, in the territory of the ancient of Emonia (later Neapolis, after Civitas novum). The town represents today one of the most visited touristy towns on the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea with the cleanest sea and the coast with more than a thousand islands. The Novigrad Riviera stretches from the village Dajla in the north to the mouth of the river Mirna in the south pine forest, rocky and shingle beaches and the clear blue sea represent the ideal Mediterranean combination and the reason for the unforgettable holidays. The wide offer of different catering, accommodation and other touristy facilities appears as a result of longtime development of Novigrad from the small port and fishermans town into the prestigious tourist center. Here you can find several arranged paths that extend over the picturesque medieval settlements in the inland.

Porec - is probably the most visited resort in Istria, known for its hotel settlements, the Blue and the Green Lagoons, and the islet of St. Nicolas in the vicinity. A Roman colony since the 2nd century BC, Porec is a town with a preserved Roman urban pattern and numerous unique Ancient Roman, early and late medieval buildings, the most outstanding being Euphrasius' Basilica built in the 6th century on the site of an earlier basilica from the 4th century and of the even earlier Mauro's oratorium, of which floor mosaics have been preserved.

Porec Panorama

Vrsar - is a town and small harbor on the western coast of Istria, 3 km north of the Limski Kanal Fjord. The economy is based on farming, viniculture, fishing and tourism. Vrsar has a small airport for aerial sports (two-seater planes). A regional road connects Vrsar with Porec and the main road Buje - Pula (M2, E751). Vrsar is a well-known tourist resort with great opportunities for visitors. In front of Vrsar is one of the most beautiful archipelagos with 18 unpopulated islets covered with Mediterranean plants. Hotels are located close to the sea, along nice beaches, and Vrsar campsites are world-famous. This applies particularly to the Koversada nudist camp, which is the largest nudist resort in Europe. Its capacity is 18.500 guests per day. Vrsar offers a great number of catering establishments (restaurants, inns, buffets, pizzerias and night clubs) and many sports and recreational facilities (tennis courts, various playgrounds, boccia grounds, miniature golf, airport for aerial sports "Crljenika"; renting of sports and sailing boats, surfboards, bicycles), as well as entertainment programs.

Rovinj - is also a famous resort, with many historical sacral buildings and Renaissance and Baroque palaces. The old nucleus is situated on a peninsula, previously an island connected to the shore in 1763. Jules Verne, the father of science fiction, in search of unique places for his novels, chose Rovinj as a setting for some chapters of his novel 'Mathias Sandorf'. Just as he was, many a writer has through centuries equallv been enchanted by Rovinj and its beauties. As a matter of fact, many records written in the past centuries could be read as little guide books. This ancient settlement (3rd centuny) was first mentioned by, Anonymous of Ravenna at the beginning of 8th century. Just like in the past, a traveller gets always attracted by its exuberant beauty which made a Roman chronicler, almost two thousand years ago, note down - In Istria Roman patricians feel like Gods...

The Brijuni Archipelago - consists of two large and twelve smaller islands off the west coast of Istria. The archipelago is one of the seven National Parks of Croatia, abounding in rare plant and animal species, including a zoo park with animals from other climate zones. Some extraordinary examples of Roman and Byzantine heritage can be found on the islands.

The Brijuni Archipelago

Fazana - is a coastal town in the south-west of the istrian peninsula, opposite the Brijuni islands. Beautiful beaches, clear sea, Mediterranean climate and lush vegetation have contributed to the development of tourism in Fažana, whose inhabitants have always been known for their hospitality. The guests who prefer camping are invited to spend their holidays in a high-quality campings, situated in the shade of pine trees.

Pula - is an ancient city on the southern tip of Istria, known for its 2.000 year old amphitheatre, one of the world's best preserved buildings of its kind, and other cultural monuments. Pula, the largest city and port in Istria, a communication economic and administrative center, is an attractive place to spend a holiday for many tourists, with some 2,350 hours of sunshine a year. Pula has been in existence since 3 thousand years. It represents a very fine combination of the old and modern city where many famous writers and composers have found inspiration for their masterpieces. Many cultural and historical monuments dominate its panorama and represents today the unique setting of various cultural and artistic events. Tourist facilities are located outside the town in the woods close to the sea. Beautiful beaches stretch along, 100 km of beautiful and indented coast.

Medulin - ancient Mutila, is a town with 1.700 residents and a long, richly indented coastline which is encircled by a ring of small islands. Today Medulin is a renowned tourist centre which, along with hotels and campsites, offers a large number of rooms and apartments in private accommodation. Everything is directed toward tourism. Medulin has a bank, post office, medical clinic for tourists, florist, wine-cellars, hairdresser's, numerous stores, goldsmiths, souvenir shops, marketplace and more. The pillar of tourism in Medulin is sports: tennis, football, mini golf, bowling, boccie, beach volleyball, horse-back riding. There are schools for windsurfing, diving, sailing, horse-back riding and water skiing. There are also rental services for motor boats, canoes, pedaloes, watercraft, bicycles and motorcycles. Young people know Medulin for its popular night clubs, while those who like live music and all dance rhythms gather at the numerous terraces. Medulin is also known for its quality classical music concerts during the summer months, while its approximately forty restaurants are a real challenge to gourmets, whether it's modern, traditional, seafood, meat or vegetarian cuisine.

The Beautiful Medieval Town of Labin

Labin - the medieval town of Labin is situated on the hill above Rabac. Its old name of Albona was first mentioned in 285 AD. The birthplace of Matthias Flacius Illyricus, the reformer and collaborator of Martin Luther, it is a cultural and admi nistrative center today. The rich cultural and architectural heritage of Labin is enlivened by number of art ateliers and by the bustling youth gathering in the coffee bars scattered around the old town. The Sculpture Park in nearby Dubrova features over 70 forma viva stone sculptures. After a walk through the narrow streets of the Old Town, pay a visit to the Town Museum with its archaeological and unique in this part of Europe, a miniature coal mine. Have a loot at the Memorial collection of Matthias Flacius Illyricus, peek into the art ateliers, enjoy the view of Rabac and Cres island from the Fortica or pop into the small, elegant shops and take refreshments on one of the terraces of the local coffee bars. Whether to do business or just to have a chat, these are the places where everyone meets.

Rabac - placed in a beautiful bay close to Labin, is a tourist center and harbor on the south-east coast of Istria. The bay is known for its beautiful pebble beaches and rich vegetation, while the place itself is known for its wide range of tourist services. In Rabac, a small fishing settlement until the 19th century, many beautiful houses have been built, turning Rabac into a world renown tourist center and health resort. Even though this pearl of the Kvarner can accommodate up to 10.000 tourists in hotels, camping sites, apartments and private accommodation, it still retains the spirit and atmosphere of the former fishing village. The promenade along the coast suitable for bike riding, jogging or skating, numerous restaurants offering gastronomic specialties for the entire family and many sporting facilities make Rabac the most attractive destination on this part of the Istrian coast. The string of beaches, tiny coves, small bays and lush Mediterranean vegetation; the numerous restaurants offering tasty local cuisine, fishermen and excursion boats leaving harbor at sunset, hospitable people with their gentle Istrian soul are interwoven with all of modern and cosmopolitan Europe seeking relaxation, sun, blue sea, tranquility and amusements to entertain their fancy. Rabac received the Blue Flag in 2005, the international award for ecological quality and standards, for its entire coastline, making it unique in Croatia.