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Places to Visit and Eat
With
its proximity to Italy, Italian culture and influence is strong. Even the
landscape is similar – Istria is increasingly described as the ‘new
Tuscany’ – a land of unspoilt beauty. Inland Istria is lush and
green, densely covered with pines, macchia trees, extensive vineyards and
olive groves. It is a region of countless trails and tiny hamlets – a
perfect place to escape the stresses of everyday life. You’ll find
fine medieval towns encircled by ramparts, perched high on top of picturesque
hilltops, and you are never far from the deeply indented coastline with its
countless beautiful bays.
With so much to see, and so many places to explore, you will be pleased to learn that getting around is easy. Roads criss-cross the peninsula, enabling you to discover tiny inland towns and villages where you will feel you have taken a step back in time. There are also many elegant and bustling coastal resorts.
The beach resorts of Istria were much favoured by the British before 1990 and are now being eagerly rediscovered – not just by the young and adventurous, but by an older generation, who fell in love with Pula, Rovinj, Porec, Lovran and Opatija many years ago. Whatever your age, you will not be disappointed in what you find – modern, sophisticated tourist centres exist harmoniously with ancient cities steeped in history and culture.
Bale
Steeped in history and occupying a striking hilltop position, Bale is a small, peaceful town with ancient houses built in a defensive circle. Its fine Gothic buildings make the town a visually fascinating place to explore.
Suggested Restaurant: Kamene Price (Stone Stories) Konoba Call
ahead to book outside table for lunch – don’t expect a menu!
Telephone 052 824 235
Motuvun
Vineyards and dense woodland rich with truffles surround the old fortifications of Motovun, probably the most beautiful medieval town in Istria. 270 metres above sealevel and surrounded by striking scenery, there is an attractive renaissance church and a huddle of traditional stone buildings to explore.
Suggested Restaurant: Mcotic Specialities: Truffles, Pasta
and Meat. Kanal 42, Motovun.
Telephone 052 681 758
Rovinj
Sited on a beautiful peninsula surrounded by the deep azure of the Adriatic, the old city of Rovinj is captivating and rich with ancient history. All the Rovinj coast its surrounding twenty-two islands and islets are a protected natural heritage. Tiny squares and narrow stairways entice visitors to explore its magical charm and numerous restaurants, bars and cafés.
Suggested
Restaurant: Al Cason
Specialities: Spaghetti with rocket salad and pine nuts, grilled
meat with vegetables. Polari, Rovinj.
Telephone 052 813 124
Brijuni Island
Veli Brijun and Mali Brijun, two of the islands in the Brijuni archipelago, hold Nature Conservation status. A short ferry ride will take you to an ecological paradise where it seems time stood still, where nature and culture are effortlessly combined.
Suggested Restaurant: Fantasia (In
nearby Pula).
Specialities: Steak flambé with asparagus, prsut (cured ham), fish
in Muscat sauce. Palisina 29, Pula.
Telephone 052 506 306
Pula
The nominal capital of Istria is home to an atmospheric and superbly preserved amphitheatre and the Temple of Rome and Augustus. The city’s old quarter of Medieval and Renaissance buildings, are still surfaced with ancient Roman paving.
Suggested Restaurant: Milan (Restaurant
of the Year 2006).
Specialities: Scallops, scampi risotto, frogfish. Stoja 4, Pula.
Telephone 052 300 200
Lim Bay (Limski Canal)
A wonderful region, densely covered with evergreen and deciduous trees, home to badgers, foxes, deer and wild boar. Hawks, buzzards and owls soar on the Adriatic breezes, and fine fish are harvested to supply the excellent local restaurants.
Suggested Restaurant: Viking
Specialities: Oysters, scampi with noodles and porcini mushrooms,
oven-baked fish with potatoes. Limski Kanak, Sv. Lovres.
Telephone 052 448 223