9 Secret Cities You Need To See In Istria, Croatia

From Roman relics and cobbled streets to turquoise waters, Istria, Croatia, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. 

This Adriatic region has a rich Austro-Hungarian history and lots of Italian influences. So, whether you’re looking for divine food or to wander through quaint stone villages, it can satisfy your travel desires. 

The best part? It isn’t overrun with tourists and still provides an authentic glimpse into Croatian life without tour groups photobombing your pictures.  

Scroll down to see the 9 must-see places in Istria. You’ll be an expert in minutes. 

Istria at a glance

Istria is a region that’s had multiple rulers and borders over the years. Many of the most famous empires have influenced this little peninsula, from the Romans and the Venetians to the Austro-Hungarians. 

As you stroll through the quaint towns, you can see Venetian architecture and smell fresh Italian food (get ready for fresh pasta aplenty!). But you’ll also hear Croatian and an Istrian dialect that combines Croatian and Italian. Since Mount Ucka separates it from mainland Croatia, Istrians have always considered themselves culturally different from other Croats.

The main areas you should visit are the coastal towns, sandy bays (Portic and Delebljak), and the many medieval hilltop towns. But save time for a winery or two on the way. Istria is famous for its tranquil vineyards!

Ready to start your journey? See the top 9 spots below.

Pula

Best for Istrian city life and Roman relics.

Pula is the best-known city in Istria and one you can’t miss. 

Founded 3,000 years ago, this beautiful hub is best known for its well-preserved Roman amphitheater (Pula Arena). But this isn’t the only thing to see here. 

Other must-visit Pula attractions include:

• Temple of Augustus
• Cathedral of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin
• Triumphal Arch of Sergius
• The Pula beaches

The best way to see Pula’s sights is via a walking tour. So, slip your walking shoes on and make sure your camera has enough battery. 

Other top pastimes here include sea kayaking and diving in the Adriatic. 

Don’t miss Pula’s traditional dishes. Top eats in this coastal location include sea bass, Lvarner scampi, fish stews, and frogfish. Not a seafood fan? You can also try pljukanci (a handmade Istrian pasta) and fuzi (a folded pasta paired with chicken goulash). Wash these down with teranino, a Croatian liquor made from botanicals.

Rovinj

Best for cobblestone streets and Venetian architecture.

We keep mentioning Istria’s beautiful Venetian architecture, and if this appeals to you, Rovinij should be your number one stop. Picture pastel-colored buildings, marble cobblestone streets, and romantic medieval buildings. It’s like stepping into a fairytale. 

Highlights in Rovinj:

• The old town
• Climbing the St. Euphemic Church tower
• Punta Corrente Forest Park (15 minutes from the old town)
• Batana boat rides
• Scuba diving to the Baron Gautsch (shipwreck) site
• La Grisia street
• Rovinj beaches

Rovinj also has lots for foodies. Since this is a coastal town, expect fresh seafood, Italian-style bread, and Malvazija (a local Venetian wine). Yum. 

Pro tip: Locals say Rovinij has the best gelato in Istria.

Pssst. You can travel from Pula to Rovinj in 40 minutes via bus. Why not see both?

Poreč

Best for historians and party-goers.

Poreč is the place to be. 

This ancient Roman town offers Byzantine mosaics, Roman remnants, and the biggest parties in Istria. So, if you want to see historical sites in the am and enjoy a few glasses of wine in the pm, add this location to your list.

Poreč offers the following:

• The Euphrasian Basilica (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Marafor (Roman town square)
• Temple of Neptune
• Sunset kayaking
• Aqua Colors waterpark
• Visit local wineries
• Dive at Brulo Beach

Poreč is also close to the Baradine Cave, a tourist attraction where you can go 60 m/196 ft underground. Tours here include the chance to see stalactites, stalagmites, European cave salamanders, and underground chambers. You’ll want sturdy shoes for this excursion.

Staying in the capital? You can travel from Zagreb to Poreč in 4 hours via bus. 

Pazin

Best for natural sights and few crowds.

Pazin (AKA the heart of Istria) is in the middle of the peninsula. It’s the administrative capital of Istria, but don’t let that put you off. This ancient town offers much more than paperwork. 

Pazin is known for the Pazin Chasm, a natural pit with a 100 m/328 ft drop into an underground lake. This giant pit is also the setting for Jules Verne’s story of Mathias Sandorf, so it’s a must-visit if you’re into adventure fiction.

Other places to see in Pazin include:

• Pazin castle
• Pazin City Museum
• Ethnographic Museum of Istria
• Hike around the local forest (north of Pazin) 
• Admire the sprawling city views

Pazin is a quieter town. So, if you’re taking a long trip, use this stop to rest and recharge. 

And afterward? Take on Italy. Pazin to Trieste only takes 2 hours and 40 minutes via bus. Take your passport. 

Hum

Best for visiting the world’s smallest town.

Unlike the other places on our list, you’ll only need a day to see Hum. Why? Because it’s the smallest town in the world — as awarded by the Guinness Book of Records.

That’s right. This tiny town has two streets and around 20 inhabitants. But you’ll still need a few hours to sightsee and enjoy hearty homemade food from the konobas (local taverns).

Top sites in Hum:

• Hum church
• City walls (Yes, the smallest town has city walls!)
• 12th-century frescos in St. Jerolim chapel
• Glagolitic Script town entrance

Pro tip: Visit Hum in October to participate in the town’s annual Grappa Festival and to celebrate the grape-based brandy from Italy. Don’t drink them all at once!

Groznjan

Best for arts, music, and wine. 

Get ready for small-town Istrian life with a twist. Groznjan is another picturesque medieval town with tiny alleys and cobblestone streets. However, this dwelling is known for its arts and music scene. Though it’s small, this village attracts lots of independent artists. If you enjoy browsing art shops, you’ll be in heaven.

Fun Fact: Groznjan is a former 14th-century Venetian fortress.

Popular attractions in Groznjan include:

• Chapel of St Cosmas and Damian
• Village walls
• Olive grove tours
• Walking through the old town

Lush vineyards surround Groznjan. You can try local wines in many of the village’s restaurants, but visit the Vina Zigante vineyard for the real deal.

Motovun

Best for sprawling countryside views.

Motovun is a perfect example of the hilltop villages Istria is known for. 

The town sits atop a steep hill, and you’ll need to climb 1052 steps to reach the top. Once in town, you can look down at the emerald countryside and rolling hills. Here, you really are the king of the castle.

Things to do in Motovun:

• Livade honey tastings
• Walk the city walls
• Sample regional foods
• Enjoy local wines
• Church of St. Stephen

Pro tip: Set your alarm early (5 to 6 am) and see the sunrise from the city walls. 

Unsurprisingly, Motovun isn’t full of hustle and bustle. But that’s the beauty of this central Istrian village. While you’re here, you can take it slow and log out of modern life. 

Want to see the village in full swing? Visit during the Motovun film festival (late July to early August). It’s not the largest film festival in the world, but it’s set in one of the most beautiful places!

Novigrad

Best for marina views and fresh seafood.

Novigrad is a small, coastal town in the north of Istria, under an hour from Porec. Compared to other towns, this spot is more expensive. However, the marina views, pebble beaches, and sophisticated restaurants are worth it. Treat yourself to a cocktail by the dock and take in the views.

Other sights to see in Novigrad:

• St. Pelagio and St. Maxim’s Parish Church
• Novigrad town walls
• Marina 
• Beach Maestral
• Pineta Beach

Novigrad is very close to Slovenia and Italy. Consider a day trip to Koper, Slovenia, as the journey from Novigrad to Koper is only 28 km/18 miles. 

Alternatively, Trieste, Italy, is also within reach. Novigrad to Trieste takes 2 hours via bus. Remember, you need your passport for border crossings.

Brijuni Islands

Best island hopping and sea views.

The Brijuni Islands are located northwest of Pula in the turquoise Adriatic Sea. There are 14 individual islands that make up the Brijuni National Park. You can stay overnight, but they also make a great day trip.

While on the islands, you should:

• Kayak 
• Dive at the Verige archaeological site
• Visit the zoo
• Rent a golf cart
• See dinosaur footprints at the Veliki Brijun harbor
• Relax at Verige Bay
• Stroll in the Mediterranean Gardens

Fun Fact: The Brijuni Islands were the summer residence of Tito, the former Yugoslavian leader.

The main islands are Veli and Mali Brijun — the two largest. Technically, the other 12 are islets. You can reach the islands by sea from Fazana. Ferries cross the 3 km/1.8-mile channel 11 times a day in the summer season.

Map of Istria, Croatia

Let’s put a face to the name. Check out the Istrian hotspots on the map below. 

Weather in Istria, Croatia

Before you visit the Istrian peninsula, note the typical weather patterns. You don’t want to get caught short!

Istria’s coastline has a Mediterranean climate, but you’ll find a mild continental climate as you travel further inland. This is because of its proximity to the Alps and the colder mountain air. 

Generally, you can expect summers with 30°C/86°F. The warmest months are July and August. Book during this period if you want to soak up the rays (with SPF!)

The temperature drops in the winter but never below 0°C/32°F. January is the coldest month, with averages of 6°C/42°F. This region sees temperatures over 10°C/50°F for 260 days per year. 

Fun fact: Istria is one of the sunniest parts of the country. It receives 2,400 hours of sunshine per year.

Packing list for Istria, Croatia

Know before you go. Make sure you have these Istria essentials. 

• Swimsuit
• UV protective sunglasses
• Adapters & Converters (Plug types C&F)
• Sunscreen
• Lightweight clothing 
• Beach shoes
• Microfiber towel
• Packing cubes (life-changing!)

How to get to Istria, Croatia

To get to Istria, most tourists fly into Zagreb or Pula.

If you fly into Zagreb, you’ll need to get to the Istrian peninsula. The best way to do this is via Zagreb to Pula. This journey takes four hours via bus, and you’ll see some gorgeous sights along the way.

Alternatively, you can also get there from the Dalmatian coast. Zadar to Pula takes a mere 30 minutes via flight. But you can also make the journey via a 10.5-hour bus. 

If you’re in Dubrovnik, it’s best to travel from Dubrovnik to Zagreb (55-minute flight) and then proceed from Zagreb to Porec, Pula, or Novigrad.

The bottom line

Istria, Croatia, is a paradise in the Adriatic. From fine local wines to ancient city walls, there’s something for everyone in this Mediterranean peninsula. Hopefully, we’ve inspired you to explore this hidden Croatian gem. Load up on SPF, and we’ll see you there!

Book transport tickets in Croatia as you go. Bookaway provides online routes 24/7, allowing you to get the tickets straight to your phone. No more ticket office queues here!

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