ISTRAIA

Situated on the north Adriatic, the Istrian peninsula is the Mediterranean destination closest to Central European countries. Istria has a population of around 200,000, Pazin is the administrative center, and Pula is the economic center and the biggest city. The Istrian peninsula was inhabited as early as the ancient times, which is attested by the remains of settlements with castles, and one of them - Monkodonja - is near Rovinj. Many years before that dinosaurs had lived here, and their traces were found in Bale area.

The first strong mark was left by the ancient Romans, and their era provided the most significant historical monuments: the Amphitheater of Vespasian and the Tempe of Augustus in Pula, temples in Pore. Numerous Roman country villas can be found throughout the peninsula, and the one on the island of Veli Brijun is the most interesting.

The Byzantine era left us the Euphrasius Basilica complex in Pore, which has been included in UNESCO's list of world heritage. Istria is situated at a point where Slavic, Roman and German ethnicities meet, which is visible in its towns and villages, and the local culture and customs.

Medieval towns throughout Istria used to rule and watch over the surrounding estates in strategic places, and now they are partly deserted or they have been revived. Namely, Gro~njan has become an international center of music youth, while Hum, the smallest town in the world, still preserves the customs from the feudal times. The period of Ventian rule left marks in coastal towns: Pula, Rovinj and Pore.

The Austro-Hungarian Monarchy strongly incited economic development of Istria, when Pula became the main war harbor of the Empire, and Brijuni became the summer resort for the European elite.

The period after World War 2 was marked by strong development of tourism. Today, Istrian hotels, apartments, camps and private accommodation units have the capacity to accommodate 200,000 guests a day.

Istria is the most developed of the Croatian regions in terms of tourism due to its vicinity to Western Europe. The peninsular is large and triangular, pointing into the Adriatic. Although the coast is less developed and built in the south of Croatia like in Dalmatia, it is an attractive region for holidays as it offers good facilities on the coast and has an interesting inland, which is largely unspoilt and gives an insight into Croatian culture. As a border region with Italy and Slovenia, it has a rich cultural life, marked by the cultures that have lived it during many centuries. There is still a large Italian community there, and most Croats will know some words of Italian.

The region is famous for its varied cuisine. Seafood dishes are on offer, such as heavier inland cuisine and Italian dishes. Main towns to see in Croatia include Pula, Rovinj, Novigrad, Pore, Motovun, Gro}njan, Oprtalj and Hum, which are presented in details in the town sections.

Istria is connected to Zagreb with bus lines and it is easy to reach Istria from Rijeka, there is a train from Ljubljana to Pula, and there are ferries connecting Pula with LoŠinj and Zadar. If you want to travel on other routes as the ones indicated here, you are advised best to take a car.

Istria is indeed a feast for the eyes. Its streams flow to the sea through deep valleys and gullies which bring to mind the ancient local myths about giants. Rolling hills overlook the fields and valleys with little towns perched on the peaks, recalling some old paintings. The view is splendid: white-topped mountains, lush wheat fields, plateau, valleys, vineyards and olive groves on hillsides, and, finally the sea.

As you get to know Istria you will notice more and more enchanting details: church facades and portals, tiny village alleyways with their specific architectural touches, the babble of a stream, the blossoming cherries. Everything is warm–hearted and friendly here: nature, towns and people.