Istrian Riviera Holidays 2024/2025
Relatively new to tourism, the Istrian Riviera is situated on the enticing north coast of Croatia. It offers an authentic holiday experience with national parks, rustic villages and a dazzling 150-mile coastline providing a worthy backdrop for your travel adventures.
Istria is fast becoming a gourmet destination, too, with delicious dishes to try with a distinct Italian influence. If you’re after a refreshingly different holiday experience, the Istrian Riviera is definitely worth considering.
Istrian Riviera Holiday Deals
Beaches galore
Istrian Riviera holidays provide plenty to keep beach lovers happy, with Umag and Porec among Croatia’s most popular holiday resorts. Aside from its sandy beaches, Umag has an historic old quarter with cobbled walkways, tiled roofs and quaint old churches to explore.
The waterfront offers a good selection of restaurants and cafes serving a variety of local dishes, including spanking-fresh local seafood. Porec provides little rocky coves and pleasant bathing spots with Porec Town Beach serving up a lively atmosphere with its plentiful cafes, bars and a children’s playground. Active types in search of water sports can head to Delfin Beach in Zelena for jet-skiing and parasailing – it’s just a 30-minute drive away.
Resorts
Historic towns
As well as offering an attractive seafront, towns such as Pula are also packed with historic sites for those interested in immersing themselves in Croatia’s colourful past. Pula Arena is an impressive Roman amphitheatre and the only one to have four side towers still intact.
There’s also the well-preserved Temple of Augustus and Arch of the Sergii to check out, making Pula a hit with sightseers. Rovinj and its immaculate old quarter is also day-trip material, packed with old-world charm – a labyrinth of lanes leads to the baroque Church of St Euphemia. Built in 1736, its interior is surprisingly cavernous with the old bell tower providing expansive views of Rovinj, and even the Alps on clear days.
Truffles and more
Many are surprised to learn that the Istrian Riviera has become synonymous with excellent cuisine. It is fast becoming a foodie’s destination of choice, with many dishes flavoured by the rare and aromatic black and white truffles which are found in the oak woods of the Mirna Valley.
Humble pasta and steak dishes are transported to a whole new level with a sprinkling of this gastronomic luxury – truffles with fuzi, a handmade Istrian pasta, is one to try. Black risotto is another speciality to look out for – this delicious dish made from cuttlefish, onion, garlic, red wine, cuttlefish ink and rice is packed with flavour.
Family attractions
Aside from providing plenty of beaches for sandcastle-building fun, holidays to Croatia offer a selection of family-friendly options for days out. Istralandia Aquapark is a perennial favourite and is packed with splash parks, exhilarating slides and pools offering plenty of water-based fun for children of all ages. For young children, the Medieval Theme Park in Rapanji provides plenty of entertainment, with a wooden fortress, sword fighting and plenty of other activities. Budding astronomers may wish to check out the fascinating Pula Observatory for an intriguing and educational few hours.
Natural beauty
There is so much to see in Istria, with the landscape dotted with cascading waterfalls, dense forests and rolling hills. Nature Park Ucka features a network of walking trails which reveal breathtaking vistas where you may, if you’re lucky, spot a rare Golden eagle or see a Tommasini bellflower in all its glory.
There are also several intriguing underground cave systems in Croatia, with Cave Baredine in Porec a popular day trip. With a network of caverns packed with eerily beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations and underground lakes, a trip here will live long in the memory. And an Istrian Riviera holiday is not complete with some time spent exploring the glassy lakes and mountains of Plitvice National Park.
Island hopping
The Istrian Riviera is the perfect springboard from which to explore Croatia’s beautiful islands. From Rijek,a travellers can catch a ferry to Krk, Cres and Rab. Krk is one of the largest islands and boasts a 5th-century Cathedral, attractive old town and the impressive Frankopan Castle. Cres also offers an array of historic sights such as Arsan Palace and a Venetian tower. It’s also a hit with hikers, with trails running through the Tramuntana Forest.
If you’ve never considered Croatia, it could be time to add the Istrian Riviera to your holiday wish list. Offering an enticing mix of gastronomy, beach life and natural beauty, this great all-rounder will provide plenty of scope for both active and leisurely pursuits.