15 unforgettable things to do in Istria (Croatia)

Discover the best things to do in Istria Croatia for an unforgettable trip! In this curated Istria itinerary, you’ll get crystal clear beaches, hilltop towns, historic sites and delicious food. 

Plan your trip to Istria – Quick tips

A few years ago, my little brother visited Istria and told me afterwards that it reminded him of Italy – only it was cheaper and slightly better (no offence Italy, you’re great, too x).

It comes as no surprise that this part of Croatia is similar to Italy since they’re neighbours and all.

But did you know that Istria has an amphitheatre, countless Venetian buildings, that almost everyone speaks Italian, and that the food is very similar to Italian?

Even the wines compare, and we all know that Italian wine is the rock star of the show!

Things to do in Istria

When I went to Istria myself, I quickly found out that my brother was right. Istria is AMAZING… it’s the perfect place to indulge in gourmet food and enjoy gorgeous pebble beaches, ancient history and visit cute stone villages.

The heart-shaped Istria peninsula in the north-west corner of Croatia offers unforgettable experiences like wineries, olive oil tastings, stunning Istria hilltop towns, history and activities such as paragliding, rock climbing and diving.

In this Istria travel guide, I’ll introduce you to all the best things to do in Istria.

Istria itinerary

Istria has two main areas that are both worth visiting: The coast (blue Istria) and the hilltop towns (green Istria). Do make sure to visit both areas to get the full experience of Istria. 

When I visit Istria, I always pick a base and drive out from there. Rovinj is my favourite town in Istria, so I stay there and do day trips. It’s a great way to see the peninsula because distances are so short.

How much time to spend in Istria?

Preferably a week, although you can easily spend two weeks here. The absolute minimum is 3-4 days.

How to get around in Istria

The best way to get around Istria is by car. Busses can take you between the major cities, but you’ll need a car to explore the hilltop towns and beaches.

You’ll most likely fly into Zagreb or Pula, so you should pick up your car at the airport. It’s important that you book the car before your trip to make sure there’s one available.

Map of Istria Croatia

Istria is easy to navigate and the roads are good. You can get around by bus although it isn’t super easy, so I recommend renting a car as it’s much easier and also quite cheap. It takes about 1 hour to drive from Novigrad in the north to Pula in the south.

Experience the best of Istria

1. Novigrad

Eat local food and enjoy the history

Novigrad is a cute little town in the north and one of the highlights of Istria. To me, Novigrad stood out a little posh compared to other Istrian towns. The beach is really nice there, although you should be aware that all beaches in Istria are pebble beaches, not sandy. If you feel like splurging for a day, head down to the marina and have a cocktail and lunch at Navigare Restaurant.

Things to do in Novigrad

• St. Pelagio and St. Maxim’s Parish Church bell tower
• The town walls
• The beach
• Novigrad marina

Where to stay in Novigrad

Pension Emaus is this lovely little hotel, close to the beach and city centre. Click here to see the latest prices.

2. Go above the clouds in Motovun

Explore the countryside and join the Film Festival

Motovun is located on top of a steep hill and a staircase of 1052 steps. This medieval town is surrounded by a walkable wall, and from the top there’s a view over vineyards and forests. If you’re an early bird and like sunrises, get up at 5 or 6 am and enjoy a view like on the photo below.

I really liked Motovun although it is very small (only around 500 inhabitants) and there’s not much to do except relaxing, enjoying food and taking day trips. But I guess that’s what ‘going to the countryside’ is all about, no?

* Note that the hill is quite steep and narrow so some cars have difficulties ascending.

Things to do in Motovun

• Honey tastings in Livade (at the end of the hill)
• Church of St. Stephen
• Loggia Restaurant in Oprtalj
• Walk on the city walls
• Motovun film festival (It usually lasts 5-6 days in late July or early August)

Where to stay in Motovun

Bella Vista Apartments is spacious with an amazing view – perfect location for exploring the old town. Click here to see the latest prices. 

3. Groznjan – the village of artists

Grožnjan-Grisignana is a former 14th century Venetian fortress turned into a little Medieval town with cobble-stone streets and small alleys. Today, it’s the most important arts and music centre in Istria. 

Grožnjan is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves and although it’s a small town, there’s still a lot to admire. I personally think it’s one of the most idyllic places in Croatia. 

Things to do in Grožnjan

• The Renaissance loggia from 1587
• Chapel of Sts Cosmas and Damian
• Baroque parish church from 1770
• Defensive walls

Read next: Grožnjan Croatia: How to visit the town of music and artists

4. Visit the world’s smallest town: Hum

Ah, Hum.

Hum is listed in Guinness Book of Records as the world’s smallest town. It only has two streets and some 20 inhabitants, but there’s still a church and city walls, a quaint shop and a lovely konoba that serves homemade dishes. I highly recommend visiting.

Things to see in Hum:

• The town church
• City walls
• The frescos from the 12th century in St. Jerolim chapel
• The Grappa festival, which is a brandy competition held every year in October
• The Glagolitic Script at the entrance to the town

Read next: 10 amazing things to do in Hum Croatia

5. Vrsar – the town of Casanova

One of the other highlights of Istria is Vrsar; a cute little fishermen’s village located between Pula and Rovinj. The town has more than 2,000 years of historical heritage and is home to several biking and hiking trails. In the 18th century, the famous Italian adventurer and seducer Giacomo Casanova visited Vrsar twice – in 1743 and 1744 – and he wrote about those visits in his memoirs.

Once a year, the city celebrates Casanovafest, a festival of love and erotica. 

Things to do in Vrsar

• Old Romanesque gate
• Casanovafest (in late June)
• The romantic view points in the old town of Vrsar
• Basilica of St. Mary of the Sea

Where to stay in Vrsar

Hotel Vista has perfect location and a helpful staff. The view is so beautiful from the (very spacious) terrace. Click here to see the latest prices.

6. See mummies in Vodnjan

Great olive oil tasting and ancient mummies

In the past, Vodnjan was an important urban center, making it an interesting destination for those interested in architecture and history. In the old part of town, there are many buildings from different periods: Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, and you can find mummies of saints in the churches.

Vodnjan is also the perfect place for olive oil tastings and for seeing traditional stone cottages (kažun), which used to be built by farmers to provide shelter from extreme weather situations.

Things to do in Vodnjan

• Relics and mummified saints in the churches
• Olive oil tasting (I recommend Brist)
• Traditional stone cottages
• The Eko muzej

Where to stay in Vodnjan

Madonina Apartment has a very convenient location – close to beach and city center. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace. Click here to see the latest prices.

7. Explore Rovinj – the best town in Istria

Beautiful coastal town

Rovinj’s old town is the most impressive and charming part of town. Aside from the smooth, shiny marble cobblestone streets and pastel-coloured houses, this part of Rovinj is renowned for its beautiful Venetian architecture.

Rovinj is just as beautiful as I had hoped, and with its romantic marble streets, charming medieval houses and tasty cuisine, it might just be my top highlights in Istria.

Things to do in Rovinj

• Rovinj Old Town
• The church
• Climb the church tower
• Stay at Lone Hotel

Where to stay in Rovinj

This is the place to splurge a little and stay at the marvellous Lone Hotel! This design hotel is absolutely amazing – great location, restaurant(s) – yes, plural, and a humongous pool. I absolutely loved staying here! Click here to see the latest prices.

Tours in Rovinj

The sunsets in Rovinj are magical. They’re really pretty from the marina, but you can also enjoy the scenery from the sea, while you sip complimentary drinks and look for dolphins.

You’ll get that and more on this 3-hour tour from Rovinj. And bring your swimsuit/trunks. You’ll want to jump in that crystal clear water.

Book here: Rovinj: Sunset Cruise and Swim
You might also love: Rovinj walking tour

8. Explore mines and art in Labin

Labin is also one of the best places in Istria. I simply love the artistic vibe. The town is located on the East side of Istria and overlooks Rabač and the sea. It’s known for its numerous ateliers and galleries, so why not visit one of the local painters? Go see Vinko Šhaina. His gallery is a former church now bedecked with paintings of skulls.

In the past, Labin was the largest mining centre of Croatia, and at the city museum you can visit a recreation of a coal mine site. You get a helmet before you enter the tunnels.

Things to do in Labin

• Church of Blessed Virgin Mary’s Birth
• City Museum (+ mine). The other museum in town is called Labin National Museum.
• The view-point from fortress Fortica
• Battiala-Lazzarini Palace
• Eat at Velo Kafé

Where to stay in Labin

Hotel Peteani is a little paradise; a charming hotel with a lounge area and terrasse. Click here to see the latest prices.

9. Hit the beach in Rabač

Only 3 km from Labin, you’ll find Rabač – a true paradise on the Istrian peninsula with LOVELY pebbly beaches and crystal clear waters.

It’s a must-visit if you’re in Labin and the perfect place for snorkeling, swimming and diving. You can see all kinds of fish and enormous jelly fish.

Things to do in Rabač

• The beach
• Take the tourist train
• Go snorkeling or diving

Where to stay in Rabač

Located just 2 minutes walk from the beach, Palma Rabac is an excellent little oasis with air-con and a terrace. Click here to see the latest prices.

10. Discover a UNESCO site in Poreč

A UNESCO site and party hub

Visiting the ancient Roman town of Poreč is one of the best things to do in Istria. Poreč has a lot to offer in terms of history, and together with the Byzantine mosaics at Euphrasian Basilica and the tower of Poreč, sites like Pentagonal and the Round tower are not to be missed.

In the summer, it’s the party hub of the Istrian peninsula and therefore not the place for a quiet getaway. 

Things to do in Poreč

• The Euphrasian Basilica (UNESCO world heritage site)
• Temple of Neptune
• Marafor, an ancient roman square
• Decumanus and Cardo Maximus streets
• Cave Baredine
• Sunset sea kayaking tour

Where to stay in Poreč

Hotel Delfin Plava Laguna is only 1 minute walk from the beach. It comes with a large pool and great view from the rooms. As a bonus, breakfast and dinner is included in the price. Click here to see the latest prices.

11. Try the sardines in Fažana

Fažana is a picturesque little town close to Pula. It has a beautiful waterfront with many restaurants and cafés. Sure it’s a bit crowded in the summer, but it has that charming fisherman town look and vibe so it’s definitely one of the best Istria attractions.

I’ve mentioned earlier that I’ve got a new-found love for sardines, and I have Fažana to thank for that (thank you, Fažana). The town is known for its sardines, so make sure to try some while you’re there!

Things to do in Fažana

• Parish Church of SS
• The harbour and beach
• Brijuni Islands
• Romanesque Chapel

Where to stay in Fažana

Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Hotel Marina has a spectacular view and is just by the beach and city centre. Staff goes the extra mile with a smile and you get a welcome drink on arrival. Click here to see the latest prices.

12. The amphitheatre in Pula

Enjoy the history

Pula was founded 3,000 years ago (can you believe that!) and is known for its Arena; one of the best-preserved amphitheaters in the world. Pula seems to accommodate everyone’s needs: beautiful beaches, colourful reefs and diving spots, culture, great food and history.

A stroll through the city takes you past ancient Roman architecture like the Temple of Augustus, the Triumphal Arch of the Sergi, Hercules’ Gate and Twin Gates, Arena and Small Roman Theatre. Pula is the largest city in Istria.

Things to do in Pula

• Pula arena
• Temple of Augustus
• Triumphal Arch of Sergius 
• Cathedral of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin
• Diving at Pješčana Uvala, and the islets Fraškerić and Veruda
• Pula walking tour
• Kayak adventure

Where to stay in Pula

Located right next to Pula Arena, Hotel Amfiteatar is perfectly located (just 5 minutes walk from the city center). Breakfast is included and there’s an amazing restaurant in the hotel – even if you don’t stay here, you should have dinner here. Click here to see the latest prices.

13. Premantura and Kamenjak National Park

Get back to nature

At the most southern tip of Istria, you’ll find Kamenjak National Park, which is perfect for seclusion and enjoying idyllic beaches and untouched nature. In the park, you can visit the Dinosaur Path (600m long) and discover dinosaur footprints.

About 20 minutes sail from the mainland, you’ll find the Lighthouse Porer; an islet so small that it only takes a minute to walk around it. It’s possible to spend the night there although the accommodation is very basic.

Entrance to the national park will be charged for vehicles, while the entrance for cyclists and pedestrians is free.

Read next: 9 best beaches in Premantura you should visit

Things to do in Premantura and Kamenjak

• Go camping
• The lighthouse Porer
• The pebbly beaches
• Bike tours and the dinosaur path

Where to stay 

Apartments Villa Fernetich is 50 metres from the Kamenjak park and 12 minutes from the beach. You’ll get a spacious room with balcony. Click here to see the latest prices.

14. Brijuni Islands

Brijuni Islands is a group of 14 small islands. It was the summer residence of the former Yugoslavian leader Tito, and there’s a museum dedicated to him on the main island.

I liked Brijuni and felt it was a fun destination for half a day. You can rent a golf car and drive around the main island.

One of the main attractions is the open zoo with animals like elephant, llama, zebras and ostriches. Also, there’s a dinosaur footprint, which is worth checking out if you’re interested in that.

15. Eat oysters at Lim Fjord

One of the other great places in Istria is Lim Fjord, which is located between Rovinj and Vrsar. The fjord is a great place for biking, climbing and hiking, plus it has a beautiful mountainous view.

This is kind of funny, but we also have a place in Denmark called Lim Fjord. It’s not as beautiful as the one they have in Croatia, which has a really good viewpoint from the top. By the waterside, there’s an oyster farm where we had oysters – they were really good and super fresh.

How to get there

• By car
• By cruise, but I’ve heard it isn’t all that good (drunk tourist)
• Bike trip from Vrsar

More posts from Istria you might like:

• Croatia guide: The Ultimate Croatia Travel Guide for First-Timers
• Cute towns: 6 insanely cute towns in Istria you should visit
• Hilltop towns: 5 Istria hilltop towns you have to visit
• Istrian food: Gourmet Food in Istria you just have to eat
• Rovinj: 12 amazing things to do in Rovinj
• Pula and Porec: A tale of two ancient cities: Pula and Porec
• Plitvice: How to visit the frozen Plitvice Lakes in winter
• Beaches: 9 best beaches in Premantura you should visit
• More beaches: 12 best beaches in Istria you should visit (+ map)
• How to visit secret Roč, Croatia

Many thanks to Visit Istria for hosting me on this press trip in Croatia. As always, all opinions and thoughts are my own, regardless of who is footing the bill.

Ask me anything about things to do in Istria!