Great Things to Do Near Adriana
The tallest lighthouse on the Adriatic
Pay a visit to Savudrija on the far north west coast of Istria. Here you will see the tallest lighthouse on the Adriatic. Built in 1818, it has been beautifully preserved and is still operating. The locals also maintain an old tradition of keeping their fishing boats hung on wooden constructions on the beach.
Hum - The Smallest Town In The World...?
Head east towards the Učka Mountains to the town of Hum, a fine example of a small medieval town situated on a ridge dominating the surrounding landscape. It has town walls and gate, a loggia and a parish church. Legend suggests that some building materials were left over after a project of town building in the Mirna Valley, enough to create a miniature town, hence Hum was born.
Spot the beehive-shaped Kažun
Driving around Istria, look for the kažun, a round beehive-shaped field hut built using the dry-stone technique, without any mortar or concrete. The material for this was usually collected by cleaning fields of excess pieces of stone. Farmers and peasants used them for shelter and for guarding vineyards or olive groves as well as for storage of agricultural implements. The kažun has become emblematic of traditional Istria and can be found all over the region these days, however they were traditionally prevalent in the south and west.
Get Your Kicks... On Route 66!
For a beautiful scenic drive, take the road no. 66 north east which hugs the coastline of the Kvarner Riviera. Start from Barban, passing through Raša, Labin, Plomin, Mošcenicka Draga, Lovran, Opatija and round to Rijeka. Any of these places would make a good stop for a drink or a meal. Return to your house taking the inland route via the Ucka Tunnel (toll payable). You will need to allow at least half a day for this.
Go Diving!
Crystal clear waters, underwater plant life, rock formations and sea life are all irresistible reasons to explore the ocean. Off the coast of Rovinj, explore the sunken shipwreck Baron Gautsch, said to be one of the 50 most beautiful diving sites in the world!
Take a Trip to the Brijuni Islands
Once Tito’s holiday home and the meeting place for the international jet set it is now the only national park in Istria. Principal of the 14 islands, Veliki Brijuni, is the one to visit because of the diversity of its interests: see wildlife including deer and peacocks roam wild in beautiful natural parkland; Roman ruins; a safari park; beaches and traces of dinosaur footprints! You need to allow at least half a day for this excursion which involves taking a ferry from Fažana. Take a picnic with you or enjoy a meal in one of the island’s cafes.
Go To Hell!
More politely, visit Pazin Castle, a 16th century structure standing on the remains of its 10th century predecessor. It overhangs a gorge into which the river Pazincica disappears, supposedly the inspiration for Dante’s description of the Gateway to Hell in his Inferno as well as a major scene from Jules Verne’s 1885 novel Mathias Sandorf.
The Batanas of Rovinj
The spacious quaysides in Rovinj are the perfect venue to sit and unwind at one of the many terraced ice cream parlours or cafeterias. Sip a cappuccino and do some people-watching! Often street artists such as choirs, bands, jugglers etc can be seen here, usually performing close to the fountain. Whilst in Rovinj, look for the batanas, traditional flat-bottomed, square-sterned, brightly painted wooden boats which have been used for centuries by the local fishermen.
Night Skies and Stargazing
Visit the Višnjan Observatory. The original observatory can be found in the town itself, whilst the new observatory is just three kilometers north of Višnjan, on Tičan hill. More than 100 minor planets, two comets and over 1700 asteroids have been discovered here. During the summer months (July, August, September) the public can take part in Astro Nights (English speaking), two hours of observations, children's workshops and a tour of the new observatory.
Views and Frescoes in Grimalda and Draguc
Head up into the hills and visit the hamlets of Grimalda and Draguc. Here you will be rewarded with magnificent views to the west over Lake Butoniga, to the north towards Buzet and the foothills beyond of Slovenia's Julian Alps or to the east over the Ucka Mountains.
Whilst in Draguc, visit the church of St Roch. Here, in addition to its view, wonder at its beautiful frescoes which cover nearly the entire interior, created by one master Anthony of Padova. Not to be mistaken with the well known Italian town, Padova is in fact the old name for the little town of Kascerga, near Motovun.
Istria’s largest and best-preserved frescoes, dating from the fifteenth century, are found in the church of sv Marije (St Mary) at Škrijinah, near Beram, just to the north west of Pazin. This is a breathtaking display which covers both ceiling and walls!
Explore Rijeka
In Rijeka, take a stroll down Korzo, the main pedestrian street. Wonder at the grand secessionist and art nouveau architecture which betrays the Austro-Hungarian heyday of the port, Croatia's third largest city.
Workaday Rijeka is at its no-nonsense best beside the port: maybe a little scruffy but full of character. Stock up for a picnic in the art nouveau market and purchase cheeses, unusual pastries and a great variety of breads or go for a bargain-priced snack in one of the workers' bars amongst the tangle of streets behind.
Cycling and walking along the Parenzana
The Parenzana is a narrow gauge railway which ran from Trieste to Porec. Opened in 1902, its track covered a distance of 123km. Daily, the small train would follow the route carrying passengers and a cargo of, variously, salt from the salt pans of today’s Slovenian coast, olive oil from Motovun, Buje and the surrounding area, Istrian stone and other items such as wine, fruit and vegetables. It sadly closed in 1935 but remained affectionately in the hearts of the Istrian people. So much so that parts of it have reopened as a cycling and hiking track and a small motorised passenger train now runs along its route, a great way to see parts of northern Istria’s spectacular landscapes.
Have a beach day
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches. The Istrian coastline boasts a huge range of beaches from the top, close to the Slovenia border to the bottom near Pula and then all round the coast from Pula to Rijeka. Many have Blue Flag status, most are rocky and pebbly, a few are sandy. There are a lot to choose from around Rovinj and Porec – head for Zlatni Rat Beach, Lone Bay Beach, Materada Beach.
The Leaning Tower of Zavrsje
You'll have noticed all the Italian influences in the place names, the architecture and the food, well make a visit to nearby Zavrasje which has its own leaning tower! The belfry here, 22 metres high, has an inclination of 40 centimetres. Take your camera, it's the most beautiful little village!
Hop-on-Hop-off
A great way to orientate yourself in Pula is to take the Hop-0n-Hop-Off Pula City Tour. The large open top double decker buses make up to 9 departures a day, starting from outside the Roman amphitheatre taking you along the waterfront, passing the Uljanik shipyard, around some of Pula’s coastal suburbs and back through the town.
Wild Asparagus (sparuge)
grows wild throughout Istria and is ready for picking in the spring. You will see stalls at the roadside offering bundles of freshly collected examples, selling for just a few euros. The locals braise the tops in olive oil until tender and then add eggs, salt and pepper. The result? Delicious scrambled eggs (fritaja).
Music and Art in Groznjan
Head north to the medieval hilltop town of Groznjan. Since 1969 the town has been the International Cultural Centre of Musical Youth. Strolling around Groznjan at any time of year, you're certain to hear the echo of music being practiced or performed whilst from the beginning of June through to the end of September there are many evening jazz and classical concerts.
It affords wonderful views out to sea or inland towards the Ucka Mountains, or north to the Julian Alps. The village was abandoned after World War II but 20 years later, it was re-established by a number of artists and craftsmen who exhibit their work in their studios and shops. Pictures, drawings, pottery, ceramics, hand made jewellery and other crafts are displayed in abundance.
Aquacolors - the largest waterpark in Croatia
Spend the day at a waterpark: Aquacolors is situated just south of Porec, on the road towards Funtana and Vrsar. Expect the usual selection of slides and pools as well as certain other sporting activities and fast(ish) food catering. A half day ticket is available for arrivals in the afternoon. The other waterpark, by the way, is Istralandia, just south of Novigrad.
Spend a day or two abroad
Istria's northern border is with Slovenia. From Buje in northern Istria, either take the road into Slovenia via the border point at Kastell or cross the border at Plovanija-Secovlje. From here you might like to explore some of Slovenia's pretty coastal towns such as Koper, Izola, Piran or Portoroz, all within 30 minutes of the border.
Or spend the day in Venice - take the hydrofoil service from Rovinj, Porec or Pula to this unique city.
You'll need your passports and if you picked your hire car up in Croatia, you'll need to check with your supplier that you can cross the border into Slovenia with it.
Music in Pula's Amphitheatre
Try and catch a performance at Pula's Amphitheatre known locally as the Arena. World famous performers have staged concerts here and it is the venue for the annual Pula Film Festival usually held in late July. What better setting?
