📷 Vlado Sestan / Unsplash (Unsplash License)
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.
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The route begins in Poreč, a town whose historic core rests on a Roman street grid. At its heart stands the Euphrasian Basilica from the 6th century, whose golden mosaics shimmer…
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A drive down the coast to Rovinj, one of the most picturesque towns in Istria. Houses in shades of ochre and terracotta descend all the way to the water's edge, and above them…
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Arriving in Pula, a city that preserves one of the best-kept Roman amphitheatres in the world. The Arena, with its outer ring nearly untouched for two thousand years, still hosts…
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A day at the very southern tip of the peninsula, where the gentle town of Medulin opens up toward the wildest stretch of the Istrian coast. Rt Kamenjak is a protected belt of low…
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Crossing to the eastern coast, to Labin, an old mining town that has transformed into an artists' colony. Its hilltop core is made up of colorful facades, galleries and studios…
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The road climbs into the green heart of Istria, toward Motovun, a medieval hilltop town encircled by walls. From the walkway along the ramparts, the view stretches over the…
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The final stop on the route in the hills of northwestern Istria. Grožnjan, once nearly abandoned, is today a city of galleries, studios, and music, with stone alleyways from…
Everything you need for Istria in 7 Days — Coastline, Medieval Towns and Wine Routes in one place
