Istria, a heart-shaped peninsula in Croatia, draws comparisons to Italy and garners praise for its beaches, sun, and wide array of activities. It’s often hailed as a hidden gem, away from Croatia’s bustling tourist hubs like Split and Dubrovnik. i-Escape featured Istria in its list of “secret” European destinations, noting its diverse range of attractions for tourists.
They stated: “The Dalmatian Coast’s rising popularity has led to soaring prices and an influx of yachts, so consider heading north to Istria, Croatia’s heart-shaped peninsula nestled in the top corner of the country”.
The region exudes a distinct Italian ambience, with its hills adorned with olive groves, truffle forests, and vineyards, while its azure coastline glistens in the sunlight. Istria’s greatest asset lies in its diversity.
“Indulge in Merlot amid the picturesque Winelands, uncover the ancient Roman ruins in Pula, meander through the charming streets of coastal towns like Opatija and Lovran, or scale the majestic peaks of the Velebit or Gorski Kotar ranges,” it further said.
Regarding Istria’s beaches, Njive stands out as a favourite, with Places of Juma dubbing it a “true paradise beach.” They elaborated: “It’s arguably one of the most stunning bays in all of Croatia.
“This exquisite cove lies within the renowned Cape Kamenjak Nature Park, a protected area renowned for housing some of Istria’s finest beaches.”
Visitors are enchanted by the mesmerising turquoise hues of the sea and the striking natural rock formations, which harbour even more secluded swimming spots.
Other sought-after beaches include Hawaii Beach and Zambratija, each providing tranquil and serene settings to soak up the sun and sand.
Beyond the coastal delights and vineyards, Istria boasts captivating glimpses of history. Pula’s Roman amphitheatre, ranked as the sixth largest globally, further accentuates the parallels between Istria and Italy. Additionally, visitors can explore landmarks like the Triumphal Arch, the Door of Hercules, the Temple of the Emperor Augustus, and a second smaller Roman theatre scattered throughout the city. Nevertheless, it’s the colossal amphitheatre that draws crowds of visitors, hosting gladiator reenactments during the summer months.
A TripAdvisor reviewer remarked: “Much like the Colosseum in Rome, the amphitheatre commands the scenery. It’s an essential stop on any itinerary.” Additionally, Istria boasts Croatia’s largest waterpark, Aquapark Porec Aquacolors.
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