Winter is out of the door, and we are happy to welcome Spring.
You can start planning your spring break vacation. If you don’t like crowds, spring is the best time to visit Croatia.
The weather is warm and sunny, everything you need after a cold winter.
In Istria, there are a lot of places you can visit. Here I am going to write about some of them. On the coast, you may want to visit Pula, Rovinj, Poreč or the inland Motovun, Grožnjan and many more.
If you are interested in history, all these places have fantastic history stories. If you are a food and wine lover, you are in the right region. The Istrian gourmet scene offers quality and good traditional food and fine cuisine.
Pula
Pula is famous for the Roman amphitheatre and many more Roman monuments to visit. The Roman amphitheatre Arena is one of six preserved amphitheatres in the world. During summer, great concerts are organized in the Arena. The Triumphal Arch of the Sergi is one of Pula’s most valued and beautiful monuments from the Roman Empire. The Arch is also known as the Golden Gate. As in all Roman cities, the town’s main square and principal gathering place was Forum Romanum. The Old City of Pula (Republic Square) was once the site of the Forum and has been Pula’s most crucial public meeting place for 2,000 years. It is situated in the central part of the lower town near the sea.
Fish dishes are best to taste in all coastal towns, although meat lovers will also find delicious food like Istrian pršut or prosciutto, a traditional cured and dried ham.
Brijuni
If you are in south Istria, on Brijuni, besides the beauty of the national park, you will find a well-known golf course that was one of the largest in Europe at the beginning of the 19th century.
There is a nine-hole golf course where international tournaments are regularly hosted. Shortly, all eighteen holes that were once available will be reconstructed. The rich flora and fauna of the Brijuni National Park allow visitors to return to nature and its principles. You can visit the island by yourself or go for a guided tour.
Brijuni National Park is the ideal location for relaxation and provides the service of restaurants and cafes.
Rovinj
Next on our list, Rovinj offers excellent historical monuments to visit. Rovinj is located on the western side of the Istrian peninsula. Guests who come to Rovinj once can’t forget it. The charm of Rovinj constantly seduces many generations of visitors, leaving them with a great impression.
Visit the old city of Rovinj and explore the labyrinth of narrow streets, which offer many restaurants, galleries, shops, and cafes.
Rovinj is characterized by the Venetian-style church of St. Euphemia, which stands at the top of the old city. St. Euphemia is the town’s patron saint.
Rovinj is surrounded by small islands. The most popular are St. Andrew (Red Island) and St. Catherine. You can visit both islands and make a nice trip, as you will find places to have a nice lunch or dinner or maybe just have a drink on a hot summer day.
Poreč
Poreč is famous for the Euphrasian basilica because of its exceptional value. It has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997. It was built on the remains of an earlier tri-naval basilica, in the first half of the 6th century, during Bishop Euphrasius, whose name it carries. The city is partially surrounded by old town walls, and ancient towers are also still preserved. A few of them are still functional, like the Pentagonal Tower and the Round Tower. Take a tour of Poreč and discover all the history of the town. After a day filled with history, you have a vast choice of restaurants, bars and cafes to take a break from.
Motovun
Motovun is a charming little village in central Istria. It is situated on a hill and is well known for its film festival, which has been held every summer for 24 years.
If you visit Motovun in the spring, you will have the opportunity to hunt truffles. It is a unique experience that you can practice from April to December every year.
The guides usually wait for you in the village of Vrh and take you to a truffle hunter’s house. Many local hunters have long experience in truffle hunting and lovely dogs that will help you find these elusive yet tasty treats. They will guide you to the forest to experience the thrill of this adventure for yourself.
Villa Cadum Porec 