Gladiatorial past freshened by Istria Blue
The focal point of blue tourism, Poreč,
will delight you with the brilliance of a third century mosaic in the
Euphrasian Basilica, a piece of cultural heritage which put Istria on
the UNESCO list. Let your thoughts wander free amongst the nineteen
small islands of the Rovinj archipelago, seemingly
within hand's reach from the bell tower of Saint Euphemia. A former
battle-ground for gladiators, the excellently-preserved Arena, awaits in
Pula. Under the open skies of this Croatian Coliseum,
you will have a chance to see the latest movies during the Pula Film
Festival. The Croatia Open beckons back north, to the ancient Romans'
holiday spot. Be a part of the ATP tennis tournament which has, since
1990, made Umag the sporting capital of the peninsula.
Truffle-flavored movie magic of Green Istria
The trails of Green Istria take you back to the ancient times which hold the world's smallest town, Hum. Taste the Celtic magic of biska, a traditional brandy made from mistletoe. A medieval hilltop town, Motovun,
will greet you with the international Motovun Film Festival, in
Istria's best-preserved castle. Lovers of nature will get a chance to
prospect for Istria's hidden gold – truffles hidden in the Motovun
forest. Regardless of your success, you should pay a visit to Buzet, city of truffles, and taste this pinnacle of Istrian gastronomy during the Truffle Days.
From the subterranean kingdom to Istria's safari adventure
If you are attracted to such activities
as climbing, mountain biking or free flying, Istria has adventures in
store for you on its tallest mountain in the Učka
outdoor program. Of particular interest is cave exploration besides the
Baredina cavern, home of Istria's endemic subterranean amphibian, the
olm. An escape from the intense summer heat can be found in the cave
complex known as the Kingdom of Feština, amidst underground sculptures
and a soothing sound of dripping water. The Bay of Lim is also well
worth a visit, as it is sure to delight the visitor with the freshness
and flavor of its famous shellfish, seabass and gilt-head breams.
Brijuni, the archipelago known as the paradise of Istria, is the place
to go for a genuine safari of exotic and diverse flora and fauna. In the
Brijuni national park, one can literally walk in the footsteps of the dinosaurs.
Istria gifts you with a musical summer on her stage
Let Istrie immerse you in the
melancholy sounds of the world's musicians performing at the Novigrad
blues festival. The big names of jazz can be found at the Valamar Jazz
Festival, which is held in Poreč. A spirit of ancient fishermen comes to
life at the Rovinj Night, the biggest summer fiesta on the Adriatic. On
the east coast, the creative Istria, as part of the Labin Art Republic,
combines a nocturnal sight-seeing tour with artistic performances in
the streets of Labin.
