Scarlett

Visit nearby Oprtalj, an impressive medieval hilltop town of narrow cobbled streets, small piazzas and buildings in baroque and gothic style, situated across the Mirna Valley from the house. This truly is an atmospheric spot!

Buy some Vegeta. First conceived in 1958, Vegeta is a powdered condiment comprising a mixture of various vegetables and a combination of spices. Add it to soups, potatoes and meats for an extra 'zingy' flavour. In its distinctive blue packaging, you'll find it on the shelves of every mini market and hypermarket in Istria, in a number of different varieties and is established as one of the most recognised brands in Croatia. Now sold in over 30 countries worldwide, you can find it on sale at British retailers such as Tesco and Asda.

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. 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 with it.

For a beautiful scenic drive, take the road no. 66 north east along the Kvarner Riviera. Start from Barban, passing through Rasa, Labin, Plomin, Moscenicka 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.

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.

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!

Around the year 1635 a number of Croatian mercenaries arrived in Paris to support King Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu. The traditional apparel of these Croats, in particular the picturesque scarves tied around their necks, aroused interest amongst the French who were delighted by this new article of clothing, previously unseen in Europe. In contrast to their starched white lace collar piece, this new neck scarf was much more practical and manageable. During Louis XIV's reign, this neckwear was accepted in the French courts, the style known as a la croate. This evolved into the French word cravate. The style soon spread across Europe and to the colonies on the American continent.

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.

More accurately, 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.

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?

Take the Venezia Lines hydrofoil service from Rovinj, Porec or Pula to this unique city. We recommend you book in advance and don't forget your passport! 

It is in Savudrija on the far north west coast of Istria. 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

Driving around Istria, look for the kazun, a conical, beehive-shaped field hut built using the dry-stone technique, without any mortar or concrete. Shepherds used them for shelter as well as for storage of agricultural implements. The kazun has become emblematic of traditional Istria.

Head east towards the Ucka 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.

Head north west 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.

on the coast between Novigrad and Umag. Originally a little fishing harbour, it has a sheltered rocky beach.

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).

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!

offers a mini market and café bar, the Monte Carlo. But stroll down into the old town for stunning views across to Motovun and look inside the Romanesque church of St Barnabus which dates from the 12th century. 15th century frescoes and Glagolitic graffiti are much in evidence and these were restored and cleaned in 2000. Vizinada was the birthplace of renowned ballerina Carlotta Grisi, star of ballet stages in London, Paris, Milan, Vienna and St Petersburg during the mid 19th century. Cultural events occasionally take place in the town commemorating her life.