Istria is a much-loved destination for Italians, especially the Venetians and Friulians, “facing” across the same sea. Framed by the Julian and Dinaric Alps, and overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Trieste and Kvarner, the Istrian peninsula is geographically a natural appendage of the Italian peninsula. The historical-architectural legacy also bears witness to the past, a heritage dating back to the splendor of the Venetian Republic, so does the intangible one of the Venetian dialect, still spoken in the territory today. And then the ancient ruins, cameos of a shared antiquity such as the magnificent Roman amphitheater in the town of Pula, a veritable Coliseum in miniature.
Istria is a borderland, a center of endless wonders: Byzantine basilicas, Venetian architecture, medieval hamlets and jewel-like towns such as Poreč which holds the enchanting Euphrasian Basilica, featuring splendid gem-studded Byzantine mosaics, or the quaint old town of Rovinj where you’ll find Casa Batana, the country’s historic fishing museum. Small and large towns that cherish the past but also the most authentic traditions, such as those of Umag, where seafood cuisine is a ritual, performed daily in homes and in the many small restaurants overlooking the blue Adriatic.
Istrian dishes are a perfect blend of sea and land. The interior of the peninsula is characterized by wilderness in which small villages sprout up, famous for their gastronomy, excellent wine, and other local delicacies including the delicate Istrian olive oil to be enjoyed with wild asparagus, and the renowned white truffles of Buzet, north of the peninsula.
Istria then is nature to discover and experience, the ideal destination where you can enjoy many outdoor activities. The region is mainly famous for its beautiful beaches, hemmed in by thick, fragrant pine forests. The Istrian coasts are completely different from the Italian side of the same Adriatic: the sea here is crystal clear. The shorelines also have a different morphology, mostly pebbles and rocks, except for a few fine sandy tongues between high cliffs, as in the peninsula of Verudela. Here one finds Havajsko, called the “Hawaii beach,” a simile that hints at its beauty. Another beach Eden south of the peninsula are the islands of Brijuni, reachable by ferry on a day trip. A true paradise with an emerald sea and land dotted with sea poppies, this is an ideal outing even out of season to enjoy the pristine beauty of the archipelago. Also in the southern part of Istria, stretches Cape Kamenjak, south of Pula, a nature reserve cloaked in heather, shrubs and wildflowers where enchanting secluded coves are revealed.
Istria in camping
Croatia is recognized as one of the best camping destinations in Europe, thanks to its long tradition of camping and ecotourism. Istria is a true dive into nature, making it a perfect destination for an open-air vacation.
There is no shortage of camping facilities: along the coast, from Umag in the northwest to Pula in the far south and Rabac (Porto Albona) in the east, it is possible to find campsites of the major tourist groups, large facilities where you can find all kinds of services. But there is no shortage of more intimate, small, family-run campsites.
As described by the Croatian tourism portal: “What all the open-air facilities in this beautiful land have in common is their investment in the quality of their offerings and equipment, thanks to which they have been on the receiving end of numerous prestigious awards. Regardless of whether you want to try something new in camping, so-called glamping, or whether you are first and foremost fond of a pleasant stay in camping villages that offer numerous contents, or whether you want to spend your vacation in solitude and in contact with nature, which can only be offered to you by such a campsite, in Istria you will be completely satisfied “.
Istria is an invitation to a vacation of quality but also responsibility: free camping in this region, as in the whole country, is not allowed. Whether in a tent, camper, caravan or any other kind of solution, the advice is to take advantage of the beautiful facilities you will find in the resorts. The Croatia.hr portal provides the list of facilities of the region and the whole country.
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