Istria

Istria is Croatia's most Italian-feeling corner: pastel harbours, olive groves and hill towns wrapped in medieval walls, plus some of the world's finest truffles hidden in its inland oak forests. The coast is a string of Venetian ports — Poreč, Rovinj, Piran-facing Umag — while the interior hides Motovun, Grožnjan and countless empty valleys.

Country

Croatia

Landmarks

42

Cities

29

Suggested stay

3–5 days

• 01

  Coastal ferries book out in July–August; reserve Jadrolinija tickets weeks ahead.

• 02

  The kuna is gone — Croatia joined the euro in 2023.

• 03

  ZET trams in Zagreb and city buses use contactless card payment.

• 04

  Wild camping is illegal; use one of the country's many licensed campsites.

• 05

  Wear reef shoes on pebble beaches — sea urchins are common.

• 06

  Konoba means a family-run tavern; that's where the peka lives.