Blue Istria

Crystal clear Adriatic Sea along 430 km of coastline where resort and urban beaches are pebble and rocky surrounded by trees and grassy sunbathing area.
44 of its beaches and 3 of its marinas have been awarded the Blue Flag high-quality mark, which recognises efforts made to preserve the integrity of the sea, coast and environment.
There is plenty of nature, art and culture available – highlights include a first-century amphitheatre in Pula, the sixth-century Basilica in Porec as an UNESCO World Heritage site and the National park Archipelago Brijuni.

Green Istria

Small places of great history to explore in central Istria, with amazing panorama from the hilltops. Whether it is Labin, Pazin, Buzet, Motovun, Groznjan, Buje or the smallest town in the world, Hum, a walk through its stony streets will quickly become a magical journey through history. Feel the atmosphere of good old country households, wholesome dishes of the traditional cuisine, scented wine cellars, discover the charms of country tourism, small family run rural hotels and homesteads.

Gastronomic delights

Top-quality restaurants, traditional taverns and other eateries showcase local specialities from manestra (thick soup) and fuzi, the Istrian pasta, to seafood delicacies, such as spider crab and oysters. The king of Istrian gastronomy is undoubtedly the truffle, digged up by trained dogs in the forest near Motovun. For those wanting a deeper knowledge about the best extra virginolive oil and local wines, there are more than 100 wine cellars and olive mills to visit across the region.

Choose your game

There is almost no sport activity which you could wish to do that Istria does not offer. Sailing, exploring the underwater beauty with reefs, caves and shipwrecks, hiking, riding, para¬gliding, play beach volley, tennis or golf.... And that‘s not all.... Istria also has an excellent reputation for cyclists, with its quiet roads during Spring and Autumn and amazing views, enchanting bays and scented pine forests. After an active day, enjoy a treatment or just relax in one of the hotel spa or wellness centres.

The events

Art and sculpture exhibitions, music, film, truffle and wine festivals, photography shows, a donkey festival, bicycle marathons, sailing regattas, traditional fairs, dance nights, antiques auctions, nine experiences of Istrainspirit... just some of the great and varied events that are on offer in Istria.

• What to see and do in Blue and Green Istria