· HR

Istarska Županija

Istarska Županija, Croatia

Discover the Magic of Istria: Croatia's Captivating Coastal Gem Nestled in the heart of the Adriatic, Istarska Županija, or Istria County, beckons with a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This he…

#Istria#Croatia#Coastal region#Mediterranean#Tourism

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Istarska Županija.

Top Hotels in Istarska Županija

Top Flights to Istarska Županija

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Istarska Županija.

Tours

Explore Pula's Roman Amphitheatre

Visit the well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, the Pula Arena, and experience a walk through history in one of the largest surviving Roman arenas.

Rovinj Old Town Tour

Stroll through the charming streets of Rovinj's Old Town, known for its Venetian architecture and vibrant arts scene.

Poreč Basilica and Old Town Visit

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Euphrasian Basilica, and enjoy a walk through Poreč's ancient old town.

Shopping

Pula Green Market

Visit the vibrant Pula Green Market to explore an array of fresh local produce, Istrian delicacies, and artisan crafts.

Rijeka City Shopping Tour

Indulge in a shopping spree at Korzo, Rijeka's main shopping street, offering international brands and local boutiques.

Outdoor

Hiking on Učka Mountain

Experience the breathtaking views by hiking up Učka Mountain, a part of the Učka Nature Park offering trails of varying difficulty.

Truffle Hunting in Motovun Forest

Join a guided tour to hunt for Istria's famous truffles in the scenic Motovun Forest, followed by a delicious tasting session.

Cycling in Parenzana Trail

Cycle along the Parenzana Trail, a historic route that connects Istria's best landscapes and old railways, passing through tunnels and bridges.

Adventure Park Glavani

Get your adrenaline pumping at Adventure Park Glavani, complete with zip lines, high ropes, and obstacle courses.

Lim Bay Kayaking

Explore the stunning Lim Bay by kayak, a beautiful fjord-like estuary known for its clear waters and untouched nature.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Istarska Županija.

Currency

€ | EUR | Euro

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Istarska Županija, Croatia, is about 0.2 million.

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Istarska Županija.

What people love

Istarska Županija, also known as Istria County, is a popular travel destination in Croatia known for its stunning coastline, picturesque medieval towns, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Istarska Županija:

Beautiful coastal towns: Istria is home to charming coastal towns such as Rovinj, Poreč, and Pula, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore narrow cobblestone streets, visit historic sites like Roman amphitheaters, and enjoy stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
Delicious cuisine: Istria is famous for its gastronomy, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood, truffles, olive oil, and local wines. Visitors can indulge in traditional Istrian dishes such as seafood risotto, truffle pasta, and grilled fish, as well as sample wines from local vineyards.
Natural beauty: Istria boasts diverse landscapes, including crystal-clear waters, lush green hills, and scenic vineyards. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and swimming in the Adriatic Sea, as well as explore nature parks like Brijuni National Park and Učka Nature Park.
Cultural heritage: Istria has a rich history dating back to Roman times, and visitors can explore well-preserved ancient sites such as the Roman amphitheater in Pula and the Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč. The region also hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating music, art, and local traditions.
Hospitality and tourism infrastructure: Istria is known for its warm hospitality and well-developed tourism infrastructure, with a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to family-run guesthouses. The region is also easily accessible by road, making it a convenient destination for travelers.

Overall, traveling to Istarska Županija offers a perfect blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and gastronomy, making it a great choice for those looking to experience the best of Croatia.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Istarska Županija in Croatia could include:

Crowds: During peak tourist seasons, popular destinations in Istarska Županija can become crowded, leading to longer wait times, difficulty finding accommodations, and a less peaceful atmosphere.
High Prices: As a popular tourist destination, prices for accommodations, dining, and activities in Istarska Županija may be higher compared to less-visited areas in Croatia.
Language Barrier: While many locals in Istarska Županija speak English and other languages, there may still be some communication challenges for travelers who do not speak Croatian.
Weather Variability: The weather in Istarska Županija can be unpredictable, with potential for rain or strong winds, especially during certain seasons. This could impact outdoor activities and sightseeing plans.
Transportation Challenges: Depending on where you are staying and the activities you plan to do, transportation options in Istarska Županija may be limited, requiring careful planning and potentially longer travel times.

It's important to note that these cons may vary depending on individual preferences and travel experiences.

Istarska Županija, or Istria County, is a region located in the northwestern part of Croatia. It is a peninsula that extends into the Adriatic Sea and is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful landscapes. Here is a detailed history of the region:

Ancient History

Prehistoric Era: Istria has been inhabited since the prehistoric era. Archaeological findings suggest that the Histri, an ancient Illyrian tribe, were among the earliest known inhabitants.
Roman Era: The region came under Roman control in the 2nd century BC. Pula, the largest city in Istria, became an important Roman colony known for its impressive amphitheater, which is one of the best-preserved Roman structures in the world.

Middle Ages

Byzantine and Frankish Rule: After the fall of the Roman Empire, Istria became part of the Byzantine Empire and later came under the rule of the Frankish Empire in the 8th century.
Venetian Rule: Starting in the early 13th century, the Republic of Venice began to exert control over Istria, which lasted until the late 18th century. This period greatly influenced the region's architecture, language, and culture.

Modern History

Austrian and Napoleonic Rule: After the fall of Venice in 1797, Istria came under Austrian rule as part of the Treaty of Campo Formio. It briefly became part of the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy and later the Illyrian Provinces before being restored to Austrian control.
Italian Rule: Following World War I and the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Istria was ceded to Italy in 1920 under the Treaty of Rapallo.
World War II: During World War II, Istria was occupied by German forces. After the war, the region became part of Yugoslavia, following the Paris Peace Treaties of 1947.

Recent History

Yugoslav Era: Under Yugoslav rule, Istria experienced industrialization and modernization. The region became part of the Socialist Republic of Croatia within Yugoslavia.
Independence of Croatia: After the breakup of Yugoslavia, Istria became part of the independent Republic of Croatia in 1991.

Significant Events and Figures

Josip Broz Tito: The leader of Yugoslavia, who was born in nearby Kumrovec, played a significant role in the post-war history of Istria.
Foibe Massacres: A tragic event during and after World War II where many Italians and anti-communists were killed in the region.

Important Landmarks

Pula Arena: A well-preserved Roman amphitheater in the city of Pula, one of the most significant historical sites in Istria.
Basilica of Euphrasius: Located in Poreč, this 6th-century basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning mosaics.
Motovun: A picturesque medieval hilltop town famous for its Venetian architecture and truffle production.
Rovinj: A coastal town known for its charming old town and the Church of St. Euphemia.

Istria is a region with a complex and multifaceted history, shaped by various empires and cultures over the centuries. Today, it is a popular tourist destination celebrated for its historical sites, culinary delights, and natural beauty.