With expanding flight connections from the UK and across Europe, it’s never been easier to explore Istria, a heart-shaped peninsula in the far north of Croatia. Whether it’s the limestone Riviera, ancient Roman monuments or fondness for fine foods - and weakness for wine - there’s a touch of the regal about Istria – perhaps that’s why it proved such an object of desire for the Romans, Venetians and Austro-Hungarians, who tussled over this beautiful, fertile land for centuries.
Continental Croatia meets the Adriatic in Istria; the rural interior of rolling hills and lush valleys attract food-lovers and culture-vultures to Istria’s hilltop villages, country hotels and rustic restaurants, while the rugged coastline is popular with the sun-and-sea set. Despite its desirable Mediterranean temperatures and Blue Flag beaches, Istria is still the lesser-discovered part of Croatia, and coastal towns seldom feel crowded. Gourmands will revel in fresh-from-the-ocean seafood, prime white truffles, wild asparagus and world-class olive oils, while families take a boat trip around the coastline, bathe on award-winning beaches, or head into the woods with a resident truffle hunter and his sharp-nosed hounds.
A destination for luxury travelers, the peninsula has no shortage of five-star hotels; stay at the new Grand Park Hotel, a design-led property with panoramic views over the Venetian-inspired town of Rovinj, or head inland and explore recently-opened Roxanich Wine & Heritage Hotel set in the shadow of Motovun, a hilltop town in the truffle-rich Mirna Valley.
For more information, visit istra.hr/en