Resembling Tuscany in both looks and spirit, the heart-shaped peninsula of Istria juts into the Adriatic just south of Trieste in Italy, boasting ancient, walled hill towns, a dramatic coastline and a verdant interior of rolling vineyards, olive groves and truffle farms.
Istria’s heart-shaped peninsula carries a strong Venetian imprint, most visible in its towns and coastal architecture.
Pula’s 1st-century Roman amphitheatre still hosts summer concerts and performances in a strikingly well-preserved setting
Rovinj and Poreč are worth visiting for their hilltop views, cobbled streets and seafood restaurants tucked into historic lanes.
Istria is known for its truffles and wine, but its olive oils—produced by around 100 local growers—are equally well regarded.
Hire a yacht to explore Istria’s quiet coves and pebble beaches—the coastline is best seen from the water.
The Romans colonised Istria in the 2nd century BC and the amphitheatre at Pula is one of the largest and best preserved in Europe, and is still used today for concerts and film festivals. Further north, on the coast, the medieval town of Rovinj is a tangle of steep, narrow streets and centuries-old stone houses, crowned by the 18th-century Church of St Euphemia. Older still is the magnificent 6th-century St Euphrasius Basilica in Poreč, whose intricate mosaics are exquisite examples of Byzantine art.
Be sure also to head into the interior, known for its hilltop towns and acclaimed gastronomy, starring truffles, wild asparagus, excellent olive oil and award-winning wines.
This adults-only, ultra-luxury hotel enjoys a fabulous waterside location, set into a hillside on the Istrian coast, just a 15-minute walk from Rovinj’s picturesque old town. Warm, earthy tones dominate the guestrooms, all of which have balconies with sea views and Croatian artworks specially commissioned for the hotel. The views from the higher Executive and Deluxe Rooms are particularly impressive.
Among the select few Relais & Chateaux properties in Croatia, this elegant country retreat is the embodiment of rustic charm and modern luxury. Inside its historic walls, guests are met by understated glamour, residential-style rooms and innovative cuisine, while outside is a vision of vineyards and olive groves.
As featured on the BBC’s Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby, Grand Park Hotel Rovinj sees elegant contemporary architecture set against centuries-old woodland in a blissful coastal location. It offers fabulous views across the bay to Rovinj’s old town, perhaps best enjoyed from the rooftop pool, or when looking through Europe’s biggest single glass window.