Croatia peninsula istria. Istrian beaches

Istria is the largest peninsula of Croatia, located in the western part of the country, near the borders of Italy. Thanks to your rich history, a huge number architectural monuments, including ancient ones, the clearest sea And picturesque nature is the most popular region of the Adriatic. Proximity to countries Western Europe, allows tourists from Austria, Germany and Italy to come to Istria by car and bus. international Airport there is one in Istria and is located 6 kilometers from the capital of the peninsula - the city of Pula. You can get to any resort within 1-2 hours by bus or taxi.

Many tourists are captivated by the fact that while vacationing in this part of Croatia you can visit visa-free excursions to Venice and Trieste, as well as visit the Alps (a Slovenian visa is required for this) and one of the national parks countries - Brion Islands.

A healthy lifestyle and sports are encouraged in Istria. A large number of walking and cycling excursion routes have been created for tourists.

Weather

The climate and weather throughout the peninsula are very comfortable - there is no high humidity or sweltering heat, and thanks to a large number coniferous forests, olive groves and park areas, the air in the region is considered very clean and especially useful for diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Many parents bring their children here to get rid of lingering bronchitis and chronic tonsillitis. The most optimal air and water temperatures for recreation usually occur in July and August. By mid-summer, the thermometer rises to +26…+27⁰C, and the sea warms up to a comfortable +25⁰C.

Beaches

There are many beach resorts on the peninsula, but almost the entire coastline is indented with rocks and mostly the beaches of Istria are rocky with natural or artificial concrete platforms equipped with small stairs for descending into the water. Small pebble beaches are available in the resorts of Rabac, Rovinj, Medulin. In addition, in many family hotels There are children's pools with sea water and small shallow bays have been cleared for swimming children. More than 40 beaches on the peninsula have the Blue Flag for cleanliness, amenities and safety. All are equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas or shade canopies, showers, changing cabins and lifeguard services. There is a large selection here water activities, you can rent sports equipment, and in the immediate vicinity of the beach areas there are sports grounds for volleyball and basketball.

Resorts and Attractions

Istria is, first of all, magnificent nature and a huge museum of architecture from different times, located under open air. When you come here on vacation, you should definitely visit the main natural attraction of the region and the only national park peninsula - Brion Islands. To get in protected area You can take a tourist boat departing from Pula. The Brijuni group has only 14 islands. 12 of them are small, almost completely overgrown with forest and have a special microclimate that promotes the growth and development of a wide variety of flora and fauna. The larger archipelagos - Veliki and Mali Brijuni - are excellent resorts with a large number of luxury hotels and excellent infrastructure. The cuisine of the Brion Islands is famous for its various delicacies made from the freshest seafood, which can be tasted in any restaurant. On the island of Veliki Brijuni there are the villas of Marshal Tito and the medieval temple of St. Germain. Tourists can also visit the ruins of a Roman villa dating back to the 1st century AD and a unique safari park.

Arriving in Istria, you can’t help but visit its capital – the port city of Pula, which is famous for its huge number of ancient architectural monuments. The most recognizable and well-preserved ancient Roman masterpiece is the Amphitheater, where film festivals, gala concerts and sports competitions are held today. 10 kilometers from Pula is the Medulin district, famous for its picturesque landscapes, beautiful beaches with small pebbles and a smooth entry into the water. This is a favorite region for families vacationing with small children.

There is a place on the calm coast of Istria where fun and music never cease day or night - youth resort Porec is famous for its large number of bars, restaurants and discos. However, many tourists are attracted here not by the stormy night life, and a huge number of medieval buildings - perfectly preserved houses, fortress walls, temples and towers. Almost every tourist photo from Porec is decorated with the famous Basilica of St. Euphrasius, which is an example of Byzantine art of the 5th-6th centuries. Particularly noteworthy is the interior decoration made of mosaics from the same period. The temple is on the UNESCO list of protected sites.

Rovinj is the center of tourism in Croatia, attracting huge numbers of tourists with its fine pebble beaches and plenty of medieval architecture. A huge number of green squares, marble pavements and the 17th century City Hall transport you back to past centuries and enchant all travelers. The main religious attraction of the city is the Cathedral of St. Euphemia, founded in 1651, which houses the relics of the saint. The Franciscan monastery, founded at the beginning of the 18th century, is also popular. Today the holy monastery has been converted into a museum with a wide variety of ancient exhibits. In summer the resort becomes lively and hosts many various events: International Regatta, International Youth Festival of Pop Music and International Festival photographers.

The highlight of the peninsula is considered to be the smallest in the world city ​​- Khum. Its population is 17 people. IN locality There are only about 20 buildings, including two churches, a post office, a cemetery, a wine shop, a workshop with handmade souvenirs and a city museum. This city is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records.

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The Istrian Peninsula in Croatia is an ancient land of farmers, winemakers and fishermen, attracting connoisseurs of pristine nature and ancient history, ecotourists, rock climbers and cyclists, artists and gourmets from all continents. People come here to soak up the beaches in picturesque bays, enjoy fresh oysters and aromatic local malvasia or Casanova’s favorite wine - ruby ​​teran, visit the smallest city on the planet, take unforgettable photographs against the backdrop of the facades of ancient fortresses, Venetian villas or pastoral villages, and take a walk along the 12-kilometer embankment of the Opatija Riviera. Friendliness and aphoristic language also add to the attractiveness of the region. local residents, full of wise sayings, convenient modern urban infrastructure and good ecology.

Business card

Istria, the largest peninsula of the Adriatic, is washed from the north-west by the waters of the Gulf of Trieste, and from the east by the Kvarner Gulf. The water temperature at the beginning of spring is about +10° C, at the beginning of autumn +23° C, the water salinity is about 37%. The climate is warm and quite dry, with cold winds in the northeastern part. It is relatively easy to move around the peninsula, which allows you to combine beach holiday with study tours to historical cities and villages, and walks in the mountains.

What to see, where to visit

The region is unusually rich in historical and natural wonders. Lovran and Opatija in the north-eastern part of Istria, on the banks of the Kvarner, have retained their appearance from the times when Venetian doges and rich merchants built their villas here; the charming ancient towns of Buje and Grožnjan; in Bale there is an interesting neo-Gothic palace of the 15th century, in Vodnjan the baroque church of St. Blazh, and Divigrad in the Lima Bay area are the ruins of a fortress abandoned by people many centuries ago. Important attractions of Istria can be considered one of the best national reserves in Croatia, Brijuni, which is an archipelago and several islands, the most Small town with a population of about 20 people - Hum, Baredinskaya Cave, Glagolitic Alley, oyster farms on the Lima Canal. Amazing panoramic views open from the highlands near the towns of Vrh and Vojak. You can visit the Plitvice Lakes, as well as go on day trips to Slovenia and Italy.

Beaches

Istria is among the popular Adriatic beach regions: rugged picturesque shores create many cozy bays and bays, protected from the wind by rocks. There are few sandy shores, the beaches are mostly pebble, in some places the shores are concreted, and the emphasis is on good infrastructure, an abundance of restaurants and entertainment, but there are also many lovers of traditional beach and camping tourism on the peninsula. paradises. In Vrsar there is a nudist complex, the largest in Europe.

Entertainment and active recreation

Croatia is rich in all kinds of holidays and festivals, and the Istrian peninsula is no exception; almost every month all kinds of festivities take place here: the fishermen's festival, when fish are fried along the entire coast, they drink wonderful local wine and dance; the Lovran holiday, the cheerful Marunad in honor of the chestnut harvest, culinary competitions, the festival of young wine, all kinds of regattas, bicycle races. On the peninsula there are courts with excellent coverage - the world's tennis elite come here for training and training sessions, there are golf courses, yacht clubs, equestrian sections, rental of bicycles and electric cars, and a lot of marine entertainment. Nightclubs and discos operate in all major cities.

Local cuisine and wines

Croatia is a true paradise for lovers of natural products and gourmet tours, and Istria represents the country well. Freshly caught fish, crayfish, oysters from local farms, truffles and asparagus, kajmaki and homemade cheeses, pasta, ravioli, all kinds of prosciutto, famous far beyond the region, and dishes from boshkarina, snow-white bulls with huge horns. And, of course, any establishment, from a pretentious club to a small tavern on the shore, will offer local wines that have earned Istria fame throughout the world.

The Istrian Peninsula in Croatia is an ancient land of farmers, winemakers and fishermen, attracting connoisseurs of pristine nature and ancient history, ecotourists, rock climbers and cyclists, artists and gourmets from all continents. People come here to soak up the beaches in picturesque bays, enjoy fresh oysters and aromatic local malvasia or Casanova’s favorite wine - ruby ​​teran, visit the smallest city on the planet, take unforgettable photographs against the backdrop of the facades of ancient fortresses, Venetian villas or pastoral villages, and take a walk along the 12-kilometer embankment of the Opatija Riviera. The attractiveness of the region is also added by the friendliness and aphoristic language of the local residents, full of wise sayings, convenient modern urban infrastructure and good ecology.

Business card

Istria, the largest peninsula of the Adriatic, is washed from the north-west by the waters of the Gulf of Trieste, and from the east by the Kvarner Gulf. The water temperature at the beginning of spring is about +10° C, at the beginning of autumn +23° C, the water salinity is about 37%. The climate is warm and quite dry, with cold winds in the northeastern part. It is relatively easy to move around the peninsula, which allows you to combine a beach holiday with sightseeing trips to historical cities and villages, and walks in the mountains.

What to see, where to visit

The region is unusually rich in historical and natural wonders. Lovran and Opatija in the north-eastern part of Istria, on the banks of the Kvarner, have retained their appearance from the times when Venetian doges and rich merchants built their villas here; the charming ancient towns of Buje and Grožnjan; in Bale there is an interesting neo-Gothic palace of the 15th century, in Vodnjan the baroque church of St. Blazh, and Divigrad in the Lima Bay area are the ruins of a fortress abandoned by people many centuries ago. Important attractions of Istria can be considered one of the best national reserves in Croatia, Brijuni, which is an archipelago and several islands, the smallest town with a population of about 20 people - Hum, Baredin Cave, Glagolitic Alley, oyster farms on the Lima Canal. Amazing panoramic views open from the highlands near the towns of Vrh and Vojak. You can visit the Plitvice Lakes, as well as go on day trips to Slovenia and Italy.

Beaches

Istria is one of the popular beach regions of the Adriatic: rugged picturesque shores create many cozy coves and bays, protected from the wind by rocks. There are few sandy shores, the beaches are mostly pebble, in some places the shores are concreted, and the emphasis is on good infrastructure, an abundance of restaurants and entertainment, but there are also many paradises on the peninsula for lovers of traditional beach and camping tourism. In Vrsar there is a nudist complex, the largest in Europe.

Entertainment and active recreation

Croatia is rich in all kinds of holidays and festivals, and the Istrian peninsula is no exception; almost every month all kinds of festivities take place here: the fishermen's festival, when fish are fried along the entire coast, they drink wonderful local wine and dance; the Lovran holiday, the cheerful Marunad in honor of the chestnut harvest, culinary competitions, the festival of young wine, all kinds of regattas, bicycle races. On the peninsula there are courts with excellent coverage - the world's tennis elite come here for training and training sessions, there are golf courses, yacht clubs, equestrian sections, rental of bicycles and electric cars, and a lot of marine entertainment. Nightclubs and discos operate in all major cities.

Local cuisine and wines

Croatia is a true paradise for lovers of natural products and gourmet tours, and Istria represents the country well. Freshly caught fish, crayfish, oysters from local farms, truffles and asparagus, kajmaki and homemade cheeses, pasta, ravioli, all kinds of prosciutto, famous far beyond the region, and dishes from boshkarina, snow-white bulls with huge horns. And, of course, any establishment, from a pretentious club to a small tavern on the shore, will offer local wines that have earned Istria fame throughout the world.

Shining silver, it looks like a mirror that reflects the history of the inhabitants east coast: Illyrians, Romans, Slavs... On the banks of these amazing waters The largest peninsula of the Adriatic is Istria (its map will be given below). On its territory there are small villages adjacent to the mountain slopes; amazing beautiful hills covered with vineyards, olive groves, and pastures. As well as fabulous beaches that annually attract tourists from all over the world. If you want to spend your holiday in a country like Croatia, Istria is an excellent holiday option. Next we will talk about the most famous places Istria.

Rovinj

Once upon a time it was a small fishing village, where in addition to fishermen lived famous navigators and even pirates. The tangled narrow alleys going up and down make up Old city, where you will see ancient streets and houses stretching along the Monte Rossa hill. Above them, as if on a throne, rises one of the largest churches in Istria - the Monastery of St. Euphemia. Its 60-meter bell tower is crowned with a statue of the saint, after whom the monastery is named. On central square city, you can also admire the Town Hall, and then visit the city museum, located in the Califfi Palace. Along the cobblestone streets of the old town you can walk to the pier, where you will see a noisy and colorful spectacle of fishing boats, yachts and motor boats, which you can watch until the evening. There you will also have the opportunity to purchase many different souvenirs, leaving yourself with a memory of this amazing corner of which Croatia is so proud. Istria also has other attractions, which we will discuss later.

Lima fjord

There are many cruise boats departing from Rovinj, one of which can take you to the Lima Fjord, one of the most picturesque places in Istria. Be sure to visit the pirate caves, where sea robbers once hid. Today travelers come here on excursions. Adventure films are also filmed here. The fjord is located between Rovinj and Vrsar, representing a beautiful bay with a superb greenish tint of water.

Vrsar

Nowadays Vrsar is a romantic sunny town on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. From the pier, steep medieval streets lead up into the old part of the city. From here you have a beautiful view of endless islands of various sizes, among which there are both bare rocky and completely covered with greenery, but for vacationers they are equally magnificent. The "crown" of the Old Town can be called a Venetian-style church - the Basilica Holy Virgin Mary, behind which is the rest house of the bishops of Porec from the 12th-13th centuries.

Porec

Porec is a soulful town with many monuments, architectural monuments, interesting story and endless streams of tourists. In the evenings, vacationers are entertained by street musicians and puppeteers, and at other times everyone strives to visit the sights of the city: the magistrate's building, preserved from Venetian times, the ancient Marafor square, the Euphrasian Basilica, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, the city fortifications and others interesting places. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the restaurants and cafes of the city, where seafood food is especially popular. Decumanus Street is considered the heart of the town, which awakens only in the evening, when local cafes, shops and discos are filled with crowds of vacationers. About 1 million tourists pass along the street every year, which is as much as 100 times more than the population of the town itself. All in all, Porec should be on your must-see list if you decide to spend your holidays in Croatia. Istria, as you can see, is full of fascinating places. But let's not stop, let's move on.

Pula

The city of Pula stands on the edge of the Istrian peninsula. It is considered economic, industrial and shopping center region. On 8 hills the Romans founded a city called Pola. During the heyday of the Roman Empire, a remarkable amphitheater was built in Pula, the size of which is simply amazing. Tens of thousands of tourists visit Pula every year to see it with their own eyes. On the hill, above the amphitheater, rises a Franciscan church, and on the site of the old forum stands the Temple of Augustus with a Corinthian colonnade, where you can see an exhibition of ancient statues. The road to the archaeological museum and theater, which still gives performances, leads through Sergius, which is also called the Golden Gate. Be sure to visit this city-museum, which has over 2000 years of history, if you are on vacation in Croatia.

Rabac

Rabac is a bustling tourist area, accessible through the town of Labin, built on a mountain. New hotels and villas are being built here at an alarming rate, and the bay is home to sailors, surfers, lovers of active sea activities and ordinary tourists who come to take a break from the drab everyday life. From the walking paths or restaurant terraces you can enjoy watching white ships glide across the emerald water. This is where thousands of tourists enjoy solar heat and the caressing waves of the Adriatic, because in Rabac there are best beaches Istria. Croatia is not rich in gold sandy beaches, and therefore Rabac can only boast of large pebble coasts. IN clean water you can see hundreds of sea animals, so take with you (or buy at the nearest shop) a diving mask. Those wishing to dive to greater depths can take part in diving training. There are also nudist beaches in Rabac.

Pazin

Pazin today is the most important economic center of Istria. Business card the city is magnificent medieval castle, built on a high cliff. A gate in the courtyard leads to the ethnographic museum, which contains many exhibits telling about the daily life of the inhabitants of the region over the centuries. Among other things, the collection of Istrian bells is surprising. The castle stands above a 120-meter abyss in which the Pazinčica River disappears (it then flows underground). In addition to the castle, in Pazin you should visit the Church of St. Nicholas, built in the Gothic style.

Umag

One of the most picturesque, located in the north-west of Istria, attracts more than a million tourists annually. Of course, the Old Town deserves special mention, where buildings from the Middle Ages and even Antiquity are perfectly preserved. The main attraction of this locality is rightfully considered the Church of St. Roc, built in the 16th century. Other architectural monuments also include the Church of St. Peregrine, historical Museum, lighthouse in Savudrija and other equally interesting places. However, what Umag really attracts is its colorful beaches off the coast of the Adriatic, where travelers from all over Europe and the world relax with great pleasure. Umag can offer vacationers many comfortable hotels, cafes, nightclubs and restaurants, which makes it a first-class resort that Croatia can boast of. Istria is rich in such towns, but listing them all would take quite a long time, because this region has a very long and rich history, and its geographical position makes the peninsula a tasty morsel for any traveler.

• The Istrian Peninsula (Croatia) is the largest peninsula of the Adriatic, with an area of ​​18,000 km2.
• The annual number of tourists is about 5 million, increasing every season.
• On the territory of Istria there is the smallest town in the world - Hum, with only 17 inhabitants.
• Like all of Croatia, Istria is densely covered with forests. Oak, elm and pine are the basis of these massifs. This combination of deciduous and coniferous trees will have a beneficial effect on the health of people with problems with the respiratory system.
• The population of Istria is about 600 thousand people (together with the Slovenian part of the peninsula).

Finally

Istrian resorts can offer everything that the average tourist needs. Croatia has long been attractive tourist center Europe, where Istria is the most popular region. A pleasant fact should be noted: the cost of a good rest at the resorts of the peninsula will cost you many times cheaper than in Italy or, for example, France. Typically, tour prices range from $800 to $1,200 per person. As we wrote earlier, Istria is the most popular tourist region of the country, because here it is as if nature itself has created all the conditions for have a great holiday, and the centuries-old history of cities only complements the overall picture. Believe me, Istria, the reviews of tourists about which are more eloquent than the most flattering praises, will not leave you indifferent and will definitely attract you more than once.

Istria is the largest peninsula of Croatia, located in the western part of the country, near the borders of Italy. Thanks to its rich history, a huge number of architectural monuments, including ancient ones, the clearest sea and picturesque nature, this is the most popular region of the Adriatic. Proximity to Western European countries allows tourists from Austria, Germany and Italy to come to Istria by car and bus. There is only one international airport in Istria and is located 6 kilometers from the capital of the peninsula - the city of Pula. You can get to any resort within 1-2 hours by bus or taxi.

Many tourists are captivated by the fact that while vacationing in this part of Croatia they can take visa-free excursions to Venice and Trieste, as well as visit the Alps (a Slovenian visa is required for this) and one of the country’s national parks – the Brion Islands.

A healthy lifestyle and sports are encouraged in Istria. A large number of walking and cycling excursion routes have been created for tourists.

Weather

The climate and weather throughout the peninsula are very comfortable - there is no high humidity or sweltering heat, and thanks to the large number of coniferous forests, olive groves and park areas, the air in the region is considered very clean and especially useful for diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Many parents bring their children here to get rid of lingering bronchitis and chronic tonsillitis. The most optimal air and water temperatures for recreation usually occur in July and August. By mid-summer, the thermometer rises to +26…+27⁰C, and the sea warms up to a comfortable +25⁰C.

Beaches

There are many beach resorts on the peninsula, but almost the entire coastline is indented with rocks and mostly the beaches of Istria are rocky with natural or artificial concrete platforms equipped with small stairs for descending into the water. Small pebble beaches are available in the resorts of Rabac, Rovinj, Medulin. In addition, many family hotels have children's pools with sea water and small shallow bays for children to swim in. More than 40 beaches on the peninsula have the Blue Flag for cleanliness, amenities and safety. All are equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas or shade canopies, showers, changing cabins and lifeguard services. It offers a large selection of water activities, you can rent sports equipment, and in the immediate vicinity of the beach areas there are sports grounds for volleyball and basketball.

Resorts and Attractions

Istria is, first of all, magnificent nature and a huge museum of architecture from different times, located in the open air. When you come here on vacation, you should definitely visit the main natural attraction of the region and the only national park of the peninsula - the Brion Islands. You can get to the protected area by tourist boat departing from Pula. The Brijuni group has only 14 islands. 12 of them are small, almost completely overgrown with forest and have a special microclimate that promotes the growth and development of a wide variety of flora and fauna. The larger archipelagos - Veliki and Mali Brijuni - are excellent resorts with a large number of luxury hotels and excellent infrastructure. The cuisine of the Brion Islands is famous for its various delicacies made from the freshest seafood, which can be tasted in any restaurant. On the island of Veliki Brijuni there are the villas of Marshal Tito and the medieval temple of St. Germain. Tourists can also visit the ruins of a Roman villa dating back to the 1st century AD and a unique safari park.

Arriving in Istria, you can’t help but visit its capital – the port city of Pula, which is famous for its huge number of ancient architectural monuments. The most recognizable and well-preserved ancient Roman masterpiece is the Amphitheater, where film festivals, gala concerts and sports competitions are held today. 10 kilometers from Pula is the Medulin area, famous for its picturesque landscapes, beautiful beaches with small pebbles and smooth entry into the water. This is a favorite region for families vacationing with small children.

There is a place on the calm coast of Istria where fun and music do not subside day or night - the youth resort of Porec is famous for its large number of bars, restaurants and discos. However, many tourists are attracted here not by the vibrant nightlife, but by the huge number of medieval buildings - perfectly preserved houses, fortress walls, temples and towers. Almost every tourist photo from Porec is decorated with the famous Basilica of St. Euphrasius, which is an example of Byzantine art of the 5th-6th centuries. Particularly noteworthy is the interior decoration made of mosaics from the same period. The temple is on the UNESCO list of protected sites.

Rovinj is the center of tourism in Croatia, attracting huge numbers of tourists with its fine pebble beaches and plenty of medieval architecture. A huge number of green squares, marble pavements and the 17th century City Hall transport you back to past centuries and enchant all travelers. The main religious attraction of the city is the Cathedral of St. Euphemia, founded in 1651, which houses the relics of the saint. The Franciscan monastery, founded at the beginning of the 18th century, is also popular. Today the holy monastery has been converted into a museum with a wide variety of ancient exhibits. In summer, the resort comes alive and hosts many different events: the International Regatta, the International Youth Pop Music Festival and the International Photographers Festival.

The highlight of the peninsula is the smallest city in the world, Hum. Its population is 17 people. There are only about 20 buildings in the village, including two churches, a post office, a cemetery, a wine shop, a workshop with handmade souvenirs and a city museum. This city is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records.

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