Great Things to Do Near Scarlett
Get your Kicks... on Route 66!!!
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.
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.
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?
Istralandia Aquapark
Located close to the A9 Ypsilon motorway, between Brtonigla and Novigrad, Istralandia was the first waterpark to open in Istria. Built on an 80,000 square metre site overlooking the sea, it offers a number of different water slides, different pools, various sports activities and a number of eating outlets. A great day out for all the family.
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.
Go to Hell!
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.
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.
Purchase a necktie!
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.
Go Diving!
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!
Spend a day in Venice
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!
Spice Up Your Life!
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.
The tallest lighthouse on the Adriatic.
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
The Kazun
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.
Hum - The Smallest Town in the World
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 for the Beach at Dajla,
on the coast between Novigrad and Umag. Originally a little fishing harbour, it has a sheltered rocky beach.
Oprtalj
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!
Spend a day in Slovenia
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.
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).
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!
