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  • Azure water on the beach of Premantura in Istria
    Azure water on the beach of Premantura in Istria Photo: naturenow, CC BY, Adobe Stock

Istria

Beaches with crystal clear water, winding towns with a long history, and the hilly hinterland characterized by wine growing and truffles - you can expect all this in Istria, the largest peninsula of the Adriatic coast. The Mediterranean climate combined with excellent water quality and many family-friendly campsites near the coast makes the Croatian peninsula the perfect destination for your next family vacation.

3.8  (169 Ratings and reviews)

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Attractions in Istria


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Maps and trails
Historical Site · Istria
HUM- Die kleinste Stadt der Welt
Istria
No ratings (yet)

from Eduard Gruber,   alpenvereinaktiv.com
Waterfall · Istria
Pazinski krov
Istria
No ratings (yet)

from Albert Rinn,   Outdooractive Editors
Viewpoint · Istria
Aussichtspunkt Montauro
Istria
No ratings (yet)

Aussichtspunkt Montauro am Goldenen Kap, Rovinj

from Herbert Raab,   alpenvereinaktiv.com
Istria
No ratings (yet)

The only accessible cave in Istria is a popular excursion destination with huge stalactite ...

from Marvin Renius,   Outdooractive Editors
Leisure Park · Istria
Funtana Dinopark
Istria
No ratings (yet)

Theme park with rides, life-size dinosaurs and entertainment programs located between Rovinj and ...

from Marvin Renius,   Outdooractive Editors
Nature reserve · Istria
Cape Kamenjak
Istria
No ratings (yet)

Landscape protected area in the south of Istria, rich in swimming coves, underwater caves and ...

from Marvin Renius,   Outdooractive Editors
Urban Walk · Istria
Pula
recommended route Difficulty easy
Distance 3.1 km
Duration 2:30 h
Ascent 58 m
Descent 205 m

Immersing yourself in the history of Pula starts with the gladiators in the arena and ends with the conquerors of modern times, tourists from all ...

No ratings (yet)
from Wolfgang Brendel,   Traumwanderungen.de
recommended route Difficulty T1 easy
Distance 7.2 km
Duration 2:00 h
Ascent 25 m
Descent 25 m

Circular walk from the harbor in Rovinj around the Golden Cape, a park-like protected landscape area with old trees and attractive sea bays.

No ratings (yet)
from Herbert Raab,   alpenvereinaktiv.com
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Family vacation to suit your taste

Camping, glamping, vacation rentals or family hotels - Istria thrives on tourism and has a very wide range of accommodation options to suit your preferences. Many of the hotels are specially designed for family vacationers and offer an attractive social program with water parks and entertainment centers for children.

The accessibility of the peninsula also makes for a relaxing vacation with the family: Due to its location in the north of Croatia, Istria is one of the quickest destinations to reach on the Mediterranean. Either by car via the A9 or via the airports in Pula and Rijeka.

Family trip to the Roman amphitheater of Pula
Photo: nataliaderiabina, CC BY, Adobe Stock

There are several worthwhile destinations for excursions with children in Istria: At Dinopark Funtana, children can admire life-size replicas of dinosaurs and visit various rides. The theme park is located between Rovinj and Poreč. Impressive stalactite formations await you in the underground world of the Baredine Cave. The natural monument consists of several complex cave passages and an underground lake. On a guided visit you will learn more about the history of the formation of the only accessible cave in Istria and the rare cave olm, which has its home here. 


Crystal clear sea in the shade of pine trees

Of course, you can also just take advantage of the proximity to the sea and relax in the picturesque bays. Although there are no sandy beaches in Istria, as in all of Croatia, the water quality of the crystal clear sea is outstanding. As many as 16 beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag due to the high standards of environmental protection, water quality and infrastructure. If you need a break from soaking up the sun, head for the shade of the nearby pine trees. Idyllic beaches can be found, for example, Cape Kamenjak, a nature reserve in the south of Istria.

Nature reserve · Istria
Cape Kamenjak
Istria
No ratings (yet)

Landscape protected area in the south of Istria, rich in swimming coves, underwater caves and ...

from Marvin Renius,   Outdooractive Editors

In the footsteps of the Romans in Pula

The Roman heritage of Istria is especially noticeable in Pula, the most famous city on the southern tip of the peninsula. The city's landmark, the ancient amphitheater, is the sixth-largest amphitheater of antiquity and one of the best preserved of its kind in the world. Used in earlier times by the Romans as a venue for gladiator fights, it is now a popular tourist destination and is used for concerts, operas and even sports competitions such as tennis matches. Other legacies of the Romans in the cityscape can be found at the Porta Gemini, the old city gate of Pula, the Roman Forum and the mosaic of the Roman Villa.


What other towns worth seeing are located in Istria?

Umag

The northernmost town in Istria is often called the gateway to Croatia. In addition to its charming old town, Umag also offers beautiful beaches and bays. At Cape Savudrija not far from the center is the oldest active lighthouse on the Adriatic coast. 

Rovinj

Rovinj was built on an island and connected to the mainland only in the 18th century. The exposed position in the Mediterranean Sea and the romantic streets make the town an attraction for tourists and artists from all over the world. Visible from afar is the Church of St. Euphemia in the heart of the old town. 

Poreč

A popular seaside resort with stretches of coastline dotted with campsites, marinas and beaches is Poreč. In the city center, it is worth visiting the Basilica of Euphrasius. It is famous for its beautiful mosaics decorated with precious stones and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Destinations in Istria


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Getting there

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Reviews

  • September 26, 2026
    Iris Lange
    September 22, 2026
    Abwechslungsreiche und ausichtsreiche Wanderung, unbedingt bei der Piratenbar vorbei schauen, die ist mega. Milchshakes sind super und eine wunderschöne Aussicht. Es geht auch viel durch den Wald, deshalb auch gut bei Sonne zu gehen.
    ...Show more
    Photo: Iris Lange, Community
    Photo: Iris Lange, Community
    Photo: Iris Lange, Community
    Photo: Iris Lange, Community
    Photo: Iris Lange, Community
    Photo: Iris Lange, Community
    Photo: Iris Lange, Community
    Written September 26, 2026
  • September 20, 2026
    Joachim Rieger
    Ganz nette Tour, aber es ist Kondition erforderlich, immerhin 300 Höhenmeter auf kurzer Strecke und der Weg ist sehr felsig. Wenn es geregnet hat, ist es teilweise rutschig. Die unten beschriebenen 7 Holzbrücken gibt es nicht, nur 2 unspektakuläre. An der Kreuzung übrigens links abbiegen, nicht dem Schild folgen, wenn man auf dem Rückweg den klassischen Weg mit anfangs schöner Aussicht gehen will. Labin muss man nicht dringend besichtigen. Man hat von der Stadt wenig Aussicht und so richtig besonders ist sie nicht, wenn man schon andere alte Städte besichtigt hat. Aber die Wasserfälle und die kleine verfallene Kapelle mit Aussicht sind schon hübsch.
    ...Show more
    Written September 20, 2026
  • September 16, 2026
    Manuel Siebinger
    Der Anfang ist sehr interessant, die Route zurück ist mehr zu Entspannung. Allgemein würde ich die Tour nicht als „schwer“ bezeichnen sondern maximal als anspruchsvoll, wegen dem Anfang. In Kotli ist diese Einkehr Möglichkeit, leider nicht mehr gegeben. Dort stehen Tische und Bänke, aber es sieht verlassen aus. Schade! Als wir dort saßen und eine Pause machten kamen ca. 30-40 Menschen nach uns die genau dort einkehren wollten.
    ...Show more
    Challenging Variety of paths
    Written September 16, 2026
  • September 02, 2026
    Andreas Seeger 
    Nette Runde. Im August/September sind die Wasserfälle wie zu erwarten trocken. Anbei die "Kletterstelle", es mag jeder beurteilen ob der eigene Hund es schafft
    ...Show more
    Photo: Andreas Seeger, Community
    Variety of paths
    Written September 02, 2026
  • June 12, 2026
    Jörg Böhm 
    Super schöne Wanderung. Dankeschön fürs einstellen 😎
    ...Show more
    Written June 12, 2026
  • September 14, 2025
    Wolfgang Böhmer 
    Der mittlere Teil der Tour ist wunderschön
    ...Show more
    Photo: Wolfgang Böhmer, Community
    Photo: Wolfgang Böhmer, Community
    Photo: Wolfgang Böhmer, Community
    Written September 14, 2025
  • September 09, 2025
    J+C Klein 
    August 26, 2025
    mit dem Fahrrad über die Grenze
    ...Show more
    Written September 09, 2025
  • September 04, 2025
    Helmut Fritz 
    Wir sind die Route Anfang September morgens gegangen und hatten Schatten im Aufstieg. Schöner Mischwald mit vielen Alpenveilchen wächst an der gesamten Tour. Die namenlose Höhle ist beeindruckend. Wir sind wegen der fliegenden Fledermäuse nur 5 m tief eingetreten.
    ...Show more
    Written September 04, 2025
  • September 03, 2025
    Thomas Haslbeck 
    Sehr schöne Tour, die Wege waren zum Teil ausgeschwemmt vom vielen Regen in den letzten Tagen.
    ...Show more
    Written September 03, 2025
    Gravel Bike
    Groznjan Gravel
  • September 01, 2025
    Isabel Mühlmann
    Schöne abwechslungsreiche Tour, im August aber teils stark befahren auf den Straßen. Bei Novigrad ab der Küste ist mittlerweile ein Premium-Campingplatz entstanden. 8km sind mit dem Rad nicht mehr befahrbar und man muss anders fahren und diesen Abschnitt umfahren.
    ...Show more
    Photo: Isabel Mühlmann, Community
    Written September 01, 2025
  • August 01, 2025
    Daniela Wilhelm
    July 31, 2025
    Die Tour ist wunderschön, wobei die angegebene Zeit die reine Laufzeit ist. Mit Badeunterbrechung und kurze Rast in den Beachbars haben wir erheblich mehr Zeit gebraucht.
    ...Show more
    Photo: Daniela Wilhelm, Community
    Photo: Daniela Wilhelm, Community
    Photo: Daniela Wilhelm, Community
    Photo: Daniela Wilhelm, Community
    Photo: Daniela Wilhelm, Community
    Photo: Daniela Wilhelm, Community
    Written August 01, 2025
  • July 14, 2025
    Aysel Katharina
    Richtig schöne und vor allem schattige Wanderung. Auch bei 27 Grad konnte man es gut aushalten. Der Ausblick am Ende belohnt.
    ...Show more
    Written July 14, 2025
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