Sightseeing in Istria - what to see. Complete travel guide

Istria is the westernmost province of Croatia, most of its territory is covered with rich pine forests. Its picturesque nature along with its mild climate has made this place irresistible in the eyes of tourists. Travelers come to admire the local beauty, enjoy the hot sun on beaches and visit the most unusual destinations of the region.

Most of the attractions of Istria are of natural origin. During an excursion to the Brijuni archipelago, you can see fabulous uninhabited islands with pristine beaches and groves of exotic plants. The archipelago consists of 14 small islands, each of which has its unique landscapes. Limski Zaljev also deserves attention; this narrow bay has formed in the days of the Ice Age. Today its entire south side is occupied by deciduous forests, and the northern side is covered with coniferous forests.

From a historical and architectural point of view the town of Pula will be interesting; its main attraction is an ancient amphitheater. The building is 133 meters long and 105 meters wide. During warmer months, the arena of the amphitheater hosts colorful festivals and performances, which will impress any traveler. Another architectural monument has survived since the times of the Roman Empire. It is Temple of Roma and Augustus dating back to 1 BC. As for younger architectural monuments, the city council building is noteworthy. This medieval building was erected on the site of the ancient temple of the goddess Diana. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Resorts of Istria are the most popular and visited tourist regions in Croatia. In addition to fine hotels, there are many sanatoriums and health centers here. Gourmets will appreciate a variety of restaurants and local dishes including roasted lamb, exotic seafood and special sheep cheese, which is must-try to every connoisseur of fine dining. Every cafe and restaurant offers an extensive wine list; local varieties of table wines are among the best in the world. Istria offers numerous entertainment options too. Outdoor enthusiasts, fans of excursions and those who just want to relax in a calm atmosphere would like these places.

Undoubtedly, the main entertainment of Istria is the exploration of nature and historical attraction. In the region, there are perfect conditions for active holidays. The enchanting city of Ravna Gora attracts fans of mountain climbing, hiking, and cycling. There are excellent cycle paths and a wide choice of sports grounds. It is also interesting to visit the resort in winter. There are wonderful places for skiing, sledding, and other winter entertainments. Those who like skiing at night will be surprised too. They can visit the nearby resort of Shii. There is an excellent ski route with the night lighting.

Nature admirers should definitely take a trip to Plitvice Lakes. They are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are a main attraction of the namesake national park. The complex of lakes is incredibly beautiful. It includes 16 lakes connected by terrace waterfalls. This large water complex is surrounded by pristine forests. The tourists can take here different excursions. In summer, they can take a motorboat trip. There is also an observation railway on the territory of the park and the small train runs it.

Those who prefer sightseeing and exploring historical places should visit Hum. It is a record-breaker of the Guinness World Records and has been officially recognized as the smallest town in the world. It is located in the heart of Istria, so it attracts more travelers. The entire territory of the town is a monument of national significance. It is better to explore it on foot. Here, you can see incredibly beautiful frescoes created in the 12th century and admire historical buildings built in the early Middle Ages. One of the main attractions of the town is St.Jerome Chapel that is a unique building in the Roman style.

In summer, Istria attracts fans of beach recreation. Despite the fact that almost all the beaches in the region are artificial and covered with large concrete blocks. The coast has high environmental indicators. Here, you can relax even with little children safely and comfortably.