Istria, Croatia

From our first visit, we have been captivated. This mysterious region is full of history, culture and exceptional cuisine. Istria is the heart-shaped northern peninsula of the Croatian coast and borders Italy and Slovenia. Its generous Mediterranean climate and fertile red soil, crvenica (“sir-vin-ee-tsa”), yield some of the most delicious wonders: olives, figs, grapes and truffles. The hilly region is surrounded by the pristine Adriatic sea. All this beauty and bounty results in wonderful cuisine full of fish, scallops, scampi, squid, red wine Teran, white wine Malvazija, mushkat rose, and the finest olive oil in the world.

Istria, formerly Histria (Latin), is the largest Croatian peninsula in the Adriatic Sea.

The perfect way to vacation in Istria is simple: rent a boat to a remote beach where you can sunbathe and swim, savor long lunch at a small restaurant overlooking the sea, smell the pines on your walk home and enjoy the people, music and art during your evening stroll in the marina. Visit the vineyards and taste young wine with the producers, explore grottos, forgotten chapels, national parks and hidden beaches.

Then, wake up and repeat again and again….the stress simply melts away!

Istria is a naturally luxurious park: fertile valleys, fields, mountains, brooks, view of Rovinj waterfalls, and rocks nestled in this scenic region. Churches have multi-colored frescoes, wooden statues of saints and the Glagolitic script that adds to the local character and history of the region.

Istria’s history can be experienced through early Christian churches, Byzantine mosaics, and Romanesque basilicas, , medieval towns on nearly every hilltop, Renaissance frescoes, towers and town walls, magnificent architectural decorations, Gothic cathedrals, Baroque palaces, Austro-Hungarian fortifications. Euphrasius' Basilica in Porec, built in 553, is part of UNESCO's universal cultural heritage, while Pula's classical monuments and medieval frescoes in small churches that are the works of local masters are waiting to be listed.

The country roads are reminiscent of Istria’s past. It is common to find a plain inn or tavern serving the gift of gods…wine, fish with olive oil along with another miracle…a truffle, a mushroom regarded as a divine gastronomic and aphrodisiac experience.

If your timing is right, you will be able to enjoy a village party, church or lay celebration: the ancient "balun" dance on the square with traditional instruments.

At anytime of year, Istria beckons you….come visit!