These are the best sights of Istria to see and experience on your upcoming vacation to this stunning region! We have highlighted the best things to do in Istria that capture the best that this region has to offer. From sightseeing in the city to unrivaled nature to family-friendly parks, Istria is an all-around destination that will win over your heart. Get ready to be charmed every step of the way as you visit the places listed in this Istria travel guide!
Pula Old Town
Pula is the biggest city in the region and offers some of the best sights of Istria. The city has a long and fascinating history linking back to the Roman Empire, the Venetian Republic, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Pula Old Town offers a glimpse into the city’s history through attractions such as the Pula Arena, Zerostrasse, and the Temple of Augustus. There are also visible artifacts across the Old Town encompassing ‘The Punishment of Dirce’ mosaic and Venetian lion heads on the older apartments. Pula makes it to the top rank when it comes to the best things to do in Istria because the historical value of this region strongly shapes the modern Istria that we know today.
Rovinj
A visit to Rovinj is one of the best things to do in Istria because this all-too-perfect city is a must in any Istria travel guide thanks to its splendid beauty! This picturesque coastal city is a favorite among locals and tourists alike for good reasons: It showcases the idyllic sights of Istria. Rovinj is often pictured in many of the images and videos representing Istria in which the bell tower of the Church of St. Euphemia overlooks the entire city. Its natural beauty is an easy choice when it comes to the best sights of Istria. Rich in its respective historical element, you can also walk past colorful houses and beautifully adorned alleys in the Old Town. The Golden Cape Park Forest is located across Old Town Rovinj, where you can walk or bike for a few hours. Rovinj is always a good choice and in our opinion, it is a mandatory choice to visit during your vacation to Istria.
Brijuni islands & Fažana
Fažana might be a village, but it showcases some of the best sights of Istria that you can witness while on vacation. During the summer, Fažana is buzzing with numerous events like the lively Rock’n’Grill Festival and the Street Food Festival. It is also home to a coastline that stretches far and wide and also becomes rather packed during the summer months. There are plenty of food and drinks vendors available for when you need some refreshments, and if you want to spoil yourself, you can also get a massage beachside. Offering many fun things to do in Istria, there is another exciting reason why Fažana makes it on our Istria travel guide.
Book a ferry trip from Fažana where you can reach the Brijuni Islands to undertake one of the best things to do in Istria. You will also be spoiled as you witness one of the best sights of Istria and its splendid nature. Visitors have the option to go on a guided tour, complete with a train ride, or opt for a trip on foot, by bike, or golf cart. At Brijuni Islands, visitors have the chance to see wild animals and the remains of historical Roman villas and spas and even go for a swim at Saluga Beach. There is also a zoo and various types of gardens including the Mediterranean Garden to keep you occupied during a day trip to this famous destination. Brijuni Islands not only offer some of the best things to do in Istria but there are also plenty of activities to engage in, too!
Aquapark Aquacolors, Poreč
The Aquapark Aquacolors is situated in Poreč, a historic Roman town on the coast of Istria that thrives on summer tourism. The destination makes it on our Istria travel guide because it offers one of the more novel and best sights of Istria. The place is full of adrenaline with enough water attractions catering to the young and older crowds. Spend a half-day to a full day at Aquacolors to live out one of the best things to do in Istria on a hot summer day. There are plenty of activities you can do, such as lounging poolside or floating on the lazy river, that will help put you in a relaxed mood.
Cave Feštinsko Kraljevstvo
Also known as the Kingdom of Feštin, this cave provides not only one of the best sights of Istria and the region’s mysterious charm, it also offers a truly unique experience. For visitors interested in activities to avoid the summer heat, one of the best things to do in Istria is to look for shade, and cave exploration offers exactly that. The cave is situated close to Žminj and inside you will find limestone formations and a subterranean lake. There is also a huge playground area featuring wooden carvings of animals as well as a small petting zoo that young children will love. If you’re lucky, you will also find bats hanging or flying around the cave, making it a distinctive family-friendly adventure to remember!
Istria is home to a multitude of different landscapes that make it a perfect getaway for everyone. Spending time with your loved ones in the region is easy to plan, no matter if you want to be by the beach, in the historical quarter, or among nature. There are plenty of beautiful sights of Istria to see while you’re on vacation and it comes down to choosing which one you will choose. One of the best things to do in Istria is to engage in as many of the available activities as possible to get a better understanding of why the region continues to be a leading Mediterranean destination for tourists.