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.
Activities in Istria
Attractions in Istria
Highlights
Aussichtspunkt Montauro am Goldenen Kap, Rovinj
The only accessible cave in Istria is a popular excursion destination with huge stalactite ...
Theme park with rides, life-size dinosaurs and entertainment programs located between Rovinj and ...
Landscape protected area in the south of Istria, rich in swimming coves, underwater caves and ...
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 ...
Circular walk from the harbor in Rovinj around the Golden Cape, a park-like protected landscape area with old trees and attractive sea bays.
Discover the region
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.
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.
Landscape protected area in the south of Istria, rich in swimming coves, underwater caves and ...
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?
Directly on the coast there are other cities worth visiting, which you should definitely pay a visit and stroll through the historic alleys:
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.


