Istria the region
A large, triangular peninsular in northwest Croatia, Istria has an identity all of its own. Historically it has close ties with Italy and still today, many towns, especially on the western side, are bilingual. It’s notably ahead of the rest of the country regarding current trends: restaurants serve beautifully presented creative cuisine, farmhouses dish up local specialities and the tourist office has set up a series of cycle routes and wine roads.

Lying on the tip of the peninsular is Pula, with a first-century Roman forum as the main square and an ancient amphitheatre dominating the skyline. Close by are the islands of Brijuni National Park, which once served as the summer residence of the late President Tito.

Croatia’s most popular seaside resorts lie on the Istrian west coast: Porec, home to a splendid sixth-century basilica decorated with stunning golden Byzantine mosaics, and neighbouring Rovinj, made up of ochre-and russet-coloured houses clustered around a pretty fishing harbour, crowned by a hilltop church.

Moving inland to the Scre Istre (Heart of Istria), narrow country roads meander through a gently rolling landscape of woodland and vineyards.

Istria’s rugged pine covered forests, deserted beaches, undiscovered coves and breathtaking fjords offer fabulous aerial vistas for hang-gliding and para-gliding, while Istria’s sailing and water sports, like much of Croatia are a world class opportunity.

Highlights
Pula – home to one of the largest roman amphitheatres in the world

Porec – leading centre of Croatian tourism with a beautiful old town

Rovinj – old Venetian town with tiny streets, squares and hidden stairways

Motovun – ancient hilltop village, now home to a trendy annual film festival

Groznjan - 14th-century Venetian fortress reborn as an arts colony

Limski Kanal - a turquoise fjord, renowned for its superb seafood restaurants

Venice Italy – take the hydrofoil over from Porec

All within 5 – 30 minutes drive of The Casitas !