Holiday rentals and lettings in Istria

The coastal region of Dalmatia draw many tourists all year round but if you are looking to visit Croatia and get away from the crowds, the northwestern peninsula of Istria is the best option to enjoy the beautiful towns of Rovinj, Porec and Pula. Can’t you decide where to stay? Pula and Rovinj are the most popular ones to find holiday rentals. The Roman ruins are still nearby and the Adriatic waters lapping the shores of its beaches are the ideal activity for a sunny day. Pula is the largest city of the region with a fascinating history. Rovinj, with a pedestrian-only old town and a rocky old town, is one of the most beautiful places to stay.

Istria captivates every traveller with the traditional architecture, the Roman legacy, the fantastic views and the delicious food. You can find ideal holiday rentals for a romantic stay, a long weekend with friends or a well-deserved trip with the family in a picturesque town with narrow cobbled streets and stone facades. The properties offer room for 6 to 10 people, depending on the area. The town centre, cosy lounges and fully furnished lettings await you and in the outskirts, you can rent a fabulous property with a garden and a private swimming pool.

Istria is the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea and it is shared by Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. Distances can be covered by public transport but to make the most of the area it is better to drive your own car. Explore Blue Istria along the coast, plenty of quaint fishing villages, rocky beaches and beautiful islands. Green Istria is the central part of the peninsula with picturesque villages, wineries, medieval towns perched on rocky cliffs, olive groves and truffle-filled forests.

Discover the great qualities of Croatia including its gastronomy and beautiful sites. Go explore Hum, Grožnjan and Motovun and have the opportunity of trying some of the best top-notch wines combined with exquisite Mediterranean flavours that are just out of this world. Visit the port city of Rijeka and enjoy a traditional Croatian meal. Try some pršut (ham), a delicious fritaja, some Boškarin and the wonderful vegetable soup called maneštra. Finish your tour with some sweet fritule and try some supa, the traditional warm red wine mulled with olive oil, sugar and black pepper.

Istria is a place of contrasts. The turquoise waters of the Adriatic lapping the coastline along Blue Istria are a wonderful sight but the lush vegetation of inland villages in Green Istria will get your attention too. Visit the historic town of Motovun, perched on a cliff overlooking the vineyards and the olive groves. Not far from here, a little village on the hill is a true hidden gem. Oprtalj has a natural quaint beauty with a small historic centre and breathtaking views from the red-coloured Venetian Loggia. Another beautiful village you must see is Grožnjan, with stunning views, unique shops and lovely houses. Explore its winding alleys and meet Croatian artists who live here or discover unique displays along the streets. Find the most amazing souvenirs including jewellery and any other incomparable knick-knacks you can imagine. Have a tasty bite at Mama Maria Café enjoying a great view.

Try a wine tasting or a truffle hunting. From May to November harvest festivals, open cellars, wine trails and old-fashioned grape picking happen around wine regions. Croatia produced great wines, still unknown for many, that are an important part of the Istrian gastronomy. The three different types of soil produce unique red grapes and acidic white grapes which will give the wine distinctive notes. Enjoy a one day tour sampling fresh and aged wines paired with olives, cheese and Istrian oil. Some wine tours include a gourmet treat! Indulge yourself with a sumptuous four course meal in a restaurant specialised in truffles as you sip a Roxanich, a Franc Arman, a Pilato or a Dobravac amongst others.

You will love the historic centre of the Old Town of Poreč. Get lost in its cobbled allies, stroll along the beautiful squares and admire the Romanesque and Gothic architecture of the palaces and other historical buildings. Make sure you visit the famous Euphrasian Basilica, a well-known UNESCO site for its intricate decorations, the architecture and the beautiful mosaics of the interior. Whether you are an art lover or not, you are going to love it!

The historic centre of the city is quite a sight with its impressive Roman amphitheatre standing on top of the little hill. But Pula has lots to offer! Go and explore the historic quarter and discover impressive monuments including the forum, the Temple of Augustus, the Golden Gate and the Arch of Sergii. Get your camera ready as you will not be able to stop taking snaps!

The Old Town of Rovinj was an island a long time ago and now it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Croatia. Wander around the old streets and admire ancient buildings, independent boutiques and colourful houses lining up the cobble streets. Take some Istrian olive oil, cheese or truffles! Enjoy a nice meal gazing at the sea and take in the views from many of the viewpoints of the area.

You heard right! You are about to discover a natural gem in Croatia. It is Lim Fjord. This bay is not really a fjord but a long estuary with lush vegetation. North of Rovinj, you can get to Lim Fjord by car and then, to really appreciate the magnificent views, hop on a boat to enjoy this gem as you sail along the bay. Visit the beach, have some oysters at the little oyster shack or a nice Istrian meal at any of the restaurants in the area. This is going to be your favourite spot in Croatia.

Another spot you cannot miss along Blue Istria is Duga Uvala. This is a beautiful cove in Vinjole Bay. Just a short drive from Pula, you will reach this little paradise by the Adriatic with crystal clear waters, stunning coves and a wonderful atmosphere. Simply enjoy the scenery, stroll along the rocky paths and have a laid back day at a little private beach. Nature, beauty, quietness and the magic of the Adriatic. What else do you need?