
Rolling hills topped with old-world villages, Roman ruins and rows of cypress trees - Istria is Croatia's
answer to Tuscany. In fact, Istria is so Italian in nature and history that signs are still printed in both
Croatian and Italian. This heart-shaped peninsula is suspended between Croatia and Italy in the Adriatic Sea,
and it has witnessed the power and influence of more than one of Europe's great empires. Controlled by the
Roman, Venetian and Austro-Hungarian Empires, the peninsula is the compact version of Croatian history.
The city of Pula, resting on the Southern tip of the peninsula, is home to one of the best preserved Roman
amphitheatres in the world. Hilltop towns like Motovun floating above the fog offer a glimpse into medieval
Istria. For a taste of Venice, travel to the Western side of the peninsula to visit Rovinj with its faded
stone buildings, baroque church and Campanile.
The peninsula is also home to one of Croatia's best national parks, Brijuni. This series of islands was
once the State Summer Residence of Marshal Tito. Today, the islands are a protected national park
celebrating their history and natural beauty. The islands are also the site of the Brijuni Safari Park,
home to the many exotic animals given to Tito during his reign in Yugoslavia.
Istria is often considered the culinary heartland of Croatia. The cuisine is heavily influence by the
peninsula's Italian heritage. Sit by the sea and enjoy a meal including some of the region's rare white truffles.
Whether you are stepping back in time at Pula's Roman Amphitheatre or getting in touch with nature at
Brijuni National Park, Istria will surely work its magic on your heart.
Our favorite experience:
Visiting one of the many farms in central Istria is so picture-perfect it's like being on a movie set.
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