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Croatia

Croatia is a Mediterranean gem renowned for its stunning Adriatic coastline, storied cities, and natural wonders stretching from the shoreline to its magnificent national parks. Dubrovnik, Split, and a constellation of islands captivate visitors with a perfect blend of history, crystal-clear waters, and the effortless ease of Mediterranean living. Whether you're seeking a sun-soaked summer escape, a city break, or an immersive journey through the region's nature and culture, Croatia delivers it all.

Popular routes

Istria in 7 Days — Coastline, Medieval Towns and Wine Routes

📷 Vlado Sestan / Unsplash (Unsplash License)

Istria in 7 Days — Coastline, Medieval Towns and Wine Routes

📅 7 days 🏛 7 cities Classic

Seven days through Istria, by car, following a natural flow from the western coast to the green hinterland. It begins in Poreč beneath the mosaics of the Euphrasian Basilica, follows the coast to Rovinj with the bell tower of Saint Euphemia rising above its colorful houses, then on to Pula where the Roman Arena still stands over the sea. The southern tip of the peninsula opens up the wild coves of Cape Kamenjak, the eastern coast leads to the artistic town of Labin and the beaches of Rabac, and then the route climbs inland — to Motovun above the Mirna valley, a kingdom of truffles and wine, and on to Grožnjan and Brtonigle, towns of galleries, olive groves and konobas. A blend of the western coast, the eastern coast and the green heart of Istria, with enough time to truly feel each town without rushing. Most beautiful in late spring and early autumn, when the light is soft and the towns are quieter.

Before your trip
Good to know before your trip — Croatia
29 practical tips · 6 categories
Colour-Coded Parking Zones and Paying by SMS · Reaching the Islands Without the Wait · Pebble and Rocky Beaches: Bring Water Shoes
View all tips →
While you're there
Events & Holidays — Croatia
27 relevant dates · 7 with a typical period
Festivals, events and holidays that may be important for your stay.
View calendar →

Destinations

Regions
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Bale

📷 Žiga / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Bale

3 landmarks • 1 trip

Bale is a small Istrian town on a limestone plateau, at 142 meters above sea level, about 13 kilometers southeast of Rovinj; the nearest beach is eight kilomet…

Brtonigla

📷 Sl-Ziga / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Brtonigla

6 landmarks • 1 trip

Brtonigla is a small town in northwestern Istria, situated on a hill about 140 meters above sea level and four kilometers from the sea, on the road between Buj…

Buzet

📷 Alessandro Sgambati / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Buzet

5 landmarks • 3 trips

Buzet, perched atop a hilltop in the heart of the Istrian peninsula, conceals a history rich with centuries of heritage dating back to Roman times. This enchan…

Fažana

📷 Berthold Werner / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Fažana

3 landmarks • 1 beach • 1 trip

Fažana is a small Istrian fishing town with a long tradition dating back to Roman times, situated along the Adriatic coast opposite the Brijuni archipelago. It…

Grožnjan

📷 Regös Környei / Unsplash (Unsplash License)

Grožnjan

5 landmarks • 3 trips

Grožnjan is a picturesque Istrian hilltop town whose history stretches back to Roman times, while its present-day appearance was largely shaped during centurie…

Labin

📷 Elmie / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Labin

6 landmarks • 2 trips

Labin is a medieval Istrian hilltop town above Rabac, recognizable for its stone streets, Venetian heritage, and strong mining tradition. The old town center b…

Medulin

📷 Igor Zirojevic / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Medulin

3 landmarks • 3 beaches • 1 trip

Medulin is a fishing town in the south of Istria, set in a shallow bay facing a series of small islands. Three things set it apart: Bijeca, a sandy beach about…

Motovun

📷 Elimende Inagella / Unsplash (Unsplash License)

Motovun

3 landmarks • 2 trips

Motovun is a small medieval town perched on a hilltop amid the Istrian forests, whose walls and narrow cobblestone streets bear witness to a rich history spann…

Novigrad

📷 Wolfgang Holzem / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Novigrad

5 landmarks • 2 beaches • 2 trips

Novigrad is a small coastal town on the western shore of Istria, built on what was once an island later connected to the mainland. Its old core consists of nar…

Poreč

📷 Leonhard Niederwimmer / Unsplash (Unsplash License)

Poreč

10 landmarks • 5 beaches • 3 trips

Poreč is a coastal town on the western shore of Istria with a history stretching back to Roman times, when it was an important administrative center. Today it …

Pula

📷 Simon Hermans / Unsplash (Unsplash License)

Pula

10 landmarks • 4 beaches • 2 trips

Pula is the largest city in Istria and one of the most significant historical destinations on the Croatian coast. It is best known for its Roman amphitheater, …

Rabac

📷 Finox / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Rabac

3 landmarks • 2 beaches • 2 trips

Rabac is a small gem on the Istrian coast, once a modest fishing village that transformed during the 20th century into one of the most beloved seaside resorts …

Rovinj

📷 Emin Huric / Unsplash (Unsplash License)

Rovinj

9 landmarks • 4 beaches • 3 trips

Located on the western coast of Istria, Rovinj blends Venetian architecture, colorful streets, and a relaxed way of life by the sea. Its historic center, built…

Umag

📷 Marek Ślusarczyk (Tupungato) Photo portfolio / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Umag

5 landmarks • 3 beaches • 2 trips

Umag is a coastal town in the northwest of Istria, situated right on the border with Slovenia. Its history dates back to Roman times, and the old town still pr…

Vodnjan

📷 Miroslav.vajdic / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Vodnjan

4 landmarks

Vodnjan is a quiet Istrian town steeped in the spirit of the past, known for preserving mummified sacred relics from the 15th century in its Baroque Church of …