Things to Do in Istria: The Most Beautiful Places and Hidden Gems

Istria is the largest peninsula in the Adriatic – and surprisingly varied. On the coast you will find Venetian harbour towns and Roman monuments, while in the green interior medieval towns sit atop hills above vineyards and truffle forests. In between lie caves, fjords and ruined towns that many holidaymakers have never heard of. Here we introduce the most important things to do in Istria – and a few genuine hidden gems.

The Coastal Classics

Pula

Istria’s largest city is famous for its Roman amphitheatre, one of the best preserved in the world. There is also the Forum with the Temple of Augustus, the Arch of the Sergii, the castle and the aquarium in Fort Verudela. You will find all the highlights in our guide to things to do in Pula.

Rovinj

For many, Rovinj is the most beautiful town in Istria: colourful houses on a small peninsula, narrow lanes and, above them, the church of St Euphemia with its bell tower modelled on the Campanile in Venice. Tips for your visit in our guide to a Rovinj day trip.

Poreč and the Euphrasian Basilica

Poreč is home to the Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its glittering gold Byzantine mosaics from the 6th century. The old town lies on a small peninsula and is easy to explore on foot.

Brijuni National Park

The group of islands off Fažana was once Tito’s summer residence. Today you can expect a safari park, Roman ruins and dinosaur footprints. More in our guide to Brijuni National Park.

Cape Kamenjak

The undeveloped southern tip of Istria near Premantura is a nature reserve with countless coves and turquoise water. Everything about admission and the most beautiful coves in our guide to Cape Kamenjak.

Lim Channel

Between Vrsar and Rovinj, the Lim Channel cuts deep inland – a narrow, fjord-like inlet with wooded slopes. It is best experienced on a boat trip or from one of the viewpoints along the road. Oysters and mussels are farmed in the channel, and you can try them in the local restaurants.

Hill Towns in the Interior

Motovun

Motovun sits on a hill above the Mirna valley, surrounded by a town wall you can walk along. Down in the valley are the forests where truffles are hunted. Everything about Motovun and truffle tours in our guide to truffles and Motovun.

Grožnjan

According to Valamar, this small artists’ town lies about 17 km from Motovun, above the Mirna valley. Its lanes are full of galleries, studios and small cafés. In summer, music courses and concerts are held here – a very special atmosphere.

Hum

Hum is known as the “smallest town in the world”. According to Wikipedia, only around 50 people live here – within a medieval town wall. According to kroati.de, Hum lies about 14 km south-east of Buzet. Try the biska here, a mistletoe herbal brandy associated with the town.

Labin

Labin sits on a hill on the east coast, with a well-preserved old town and sea views. Down on the coast lies the resort of Rabac. If you are staying near Pula, this is where you will see a completely different, quieter Istria.

Istria’s Hidden Gems

Dvigrad

Deep in the forest near Kanfanar lie the ruins of Dvigrad, a medieval town abandoned in the 17th century. The walls, towers and remains of a church are freely accessible. Especially in the early morning or late afternoon, the place feels almost mystical.

Pazin: Castle and Cave

Pazin lies in the heart of Istria. Its castle stands on the edge of a deep gorge where the Pazinčica river disappears into a cave. According to the official website, the Pazin cave is a protected natural site that has not been developed for tourism. Visits are offered as guided caving adventures with the local speleological society. There is also a zip line across the gorge.

Baredine Cave

Baredine cave lies near Poreč. According to kroati.de, it has been open to visitors since 1995. According to the Funtana Tourist Board, the guided tour takes about 40 minutes, along a 300 m path through five chambers full of stalactites and stalagmites down to an underground lake. With constantly cool temperatures, the cave is a good plan for hot days – and for rainy days.

Učka Nature Park

The Učka mountains separate Istria from the Kvarner Gulf. On a clear day, the highest peak, Vojak, offers sweeping views over Istria and the islands. Ideal for hiking when it gets too hot on the coast.

Svetvinčenat and Bale

Svetvinčenat is known for its main square with the Morosini-Grimani castle. Bale is a small stone town between Pula and Rovinj with winding lanes – easy to combine with a trip to Rovinj.

Fažana

This fishing town north of Pula is the starting point for Brijuni – and worth a visit in its own right, with its harbour promenade and grilled sardines. A lovely stop if you are heading to Brijuni anyway.

Vižula Peninsula near Medulin

Very close to Pomer: Roman ruins, pines and rocky coves on a small peninsula. More in our guide to Medulin: things to do and hidden gems.

Tips for Your Istria Day Trips

• Getting around by car: The hill towns and caves are best reached in your own car or a hire car.
• Start early: In Rovinj, Motovun and Poreč, car parks fill up from late morning in summer.
• Combine: Motovun, Grožnjan and Hum are close together and fit nicely into one day. The same goes for Rovinj and the Lim Channel.
• Weather: A cloudy day is ideal for trips inland. You can check the forecast on our Pomer weather page.
• Food and drink: Truffles, olive oil, Malvazija wine and pršut are part of every trip inland.

Suggestion: A Week in Istria from Pomer

This is what a varied week could look like without spending hours in the car every day:

1. Day 1: Arrive, beach in Pomer and dinner in Medulin.
2. Day 2: Cape Kamenjak – swimming and snorkelling in the coves.
3. Day 3: Pula with the Arena, old town and market, then swimming at Verudela in the afternoon.
4. Day 4: The Brijuni Islands from Fažana.
5. Day 5: Beach day on Bijeca sandy beach – tips in our guide to Bijeca Beach in Medulin.
6. Day 6: Rovinj, the Lim Channel and Bale.
7. Day 7: The interior with Motovun, Grožnjan and Hum, or Dvigrad and Pazin.

If you are staying longer, add Poreč with Baredine cave, or Labin and Učka Nature Park. And in summer, even a day trip to Venice on the fast ferry is worthwhile.

From Little Dream

Little Dream is in Pomer, at the southern tip of Istria. Pula is a short drive away (about 8.8 km to the Arena), and Fažana and Bale are on the way towards Rovinj. For the interior with Motovun, Grožnjan and Hum, head north on the Istrian Y motorway – allow a whole day for this. In the evening you return to the tranquillity of Pomer: the garden, the lounge terrace and, in autumn, a fire in the wood-burning oven. You can see all the destinations on our map.

Explore Istria, come home to Pomer in the evening? Send an enquiry for Little Dream and plan your day trips.

Frequently asked questions

What should you see in Istria?

The classics include the Pula Arena, the old town of Rovinj, the Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Brijuni National Park and the hill towns of Motovun and Grožnjan. Add to that Cape Kamenjak at the southern tip.

What is the most beautiful town in Istria?

Many people say Rovinj, with its old town on a peninsula and the church of St Euphemia. Inland, Motovun and Grožnjan are considered especially picturesque. In the end it is a matter of taste – ideally, see both.

What are the hidden gems in Istria?

Less crowded spots include the ruined town of Dvigrad, the cave and castle of Pazin, the little town of Hum, Baredine cave, the hilltop town of Labin and Učka Nature Park. In the south, the Vižula peninsula near Medulin is well worth a visit.

Which old town in Istria is especially beautiful?

On the coast, Rovinj and Poreč; inland, Motovun, Grožnjan and Labin. Pula has a less picturesque but historically fascinating old town with many Roman buildings.