Korčula | 7 things you shouldn’t miss
December 8, 2025
Top 5 family vacation destinations in Croatia
December 8, 2025Heart-shaped Istria is the first choice for many guests who decide to spend their summer vacation in Croatia. A seductive blend of history, entertainment, gastronomic specialties, untouched nature, and both Mediterranean and continental climate makes Istria unique. This time, we have prepared a seven-day itinerary for your stay in Istria – which cities to visit and how to make the most of your holiday. Book an apartment or room from our selection in Istria and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
1st and 2nd Day – Umag
Begin your Istrian adventure with a visit to Umag – the westernmost town in Croatia and the hub of northwestern Istria. Umag will appeal to history lovers, especially its old town center. The old core still preserves remnants of noble houses from ancient and Renaissance times. Also visit the city walls of Umag and the Umag City Museum, which holds various artifacts from the Roman period that testify to the daily lives of its ancient inhabitants.
9 km from Umag, in the small village of Savudrija, stands a solitary lighthouse. Built in 1818, legend has it that Count Metternich built it in honor of his forbidden love for a local girl. The lighthouse is open to visitors, so you can climb its 36-meter-high tower and snap photos of the sunset. If you've ever wondered what it’s like to live in a lighthouse, you can experience it yourself by booking accommodation at the Savudrija lighthouse.
If you're looking to cool off by the sea in the summer months, drive out of Umag and explore the nearby beaches. We recommend Laguna Stella Maris, which is ideal for families with children thanks to its numerous amenities, and the pebbly Kanegr beach, surrounded by trees that offer plenty of shade.
If you find yourself in Umag in mid-July, you can attend the Croatia Open Umag, the world-renowned tennis tournament that brings together the best Croatian and international tennis players.
Travel Tip
The area surrounding Umag is crisscrossed with cycling trails, and numerous cycling events are held throughout the year. So, if you're in Umag with your bike, be sure to explore them.
Day 3 – Rovinj, Poreč and Novigrad
Rovinj, Poreč and Novigrad are small romantic towns that will delight you with their Mediterranean charm. Narrow stone streets, a relaxed way of life and local seafood specialties are just some of the reasons why guests fall in love with these picturesque towns.
Rovinj, once a fishing village and today a popular tourist destination, enchants with its colorful houses which, together with the Church of St. Euphemia, create a perfect postcard picture. Take a leisurely walk through the old town, climb the bell tower of the Church of St. Euphemia and soak in the magnificence of the view before you. During breaks from sightseeing, sit in a seaside café or refresh yourself in one of the restaurants, taverns or pizzerias scattered throughout Rovinj.
If you wish to stay longer in Rovinj, check out our selection of apartments and rooms. Explore cycling routes of various lengths around Rovinj or visit the Valdaliso Diving Center in Valdaliso Camp, where you can attend diving courses in several languages.
Poreč is one of the most visited towns in Istria. At the peak of the season, the population rises to as many as 100,000. Therefore, anyone looking for plenty of entertainment during their holiday will not be disappointed in Poreč. Party lovers will be thrilled with the summer music festivals Rise Up Poreč Music Festival and Club MTV Europe Summerblast, which bring the biggest world stars of pop and electronic music. Throughout the summer, from June to September, the Poreč Open Air – Festival of Life takes place, a street festival featuring performances, circus acts, open-air cinema, and tribute band concerts.
But Poreč is not only about partying. The town also boasts a rich cultural heritage. Visit the Euphrasian Basilica, built in the 6th century and known for its Byzantine features. The value of the Euphrasian Basilica was recognized by UNESCO in 1997 when it was declared a World Heritage Site. In addition to the basilica, while strolling through the town center, you can see fragments of Neptune’s and the Great Temple, Marafor – the Roman forum, and the medieval walls that surround the town.
If you would like to stay in Poreč, check out our accommodation offer in the town.
Unlike Poreč, Novigrad has managed to preserve its peaceful Mediterranean atmosphere, making it ideal for those who want to relax during their summer trip.
Still, being a quiet town does not mean it lacks events, especially in the summer. At the end of June or the beginning of July, Parkfest, a music festival held in several of Novigrad’s parks, takes place. For a taste of local life, visit Novigrad in mid-August during the three-day town celebration, the Feast of St. Pelagius, the patron saint of the town. Enjoy open-air concerts, take part in local games, and savor local fish specialties.
Other interesting and unusual events include the Evening of Street Wizards, where street performers showcase their skills to passersby in the main square, and the Astro Party Lunasa, held on August 1st, when the Celts once celebrated Lunasa – the first day of summer. That evening, the streetlights are turned off, images of celestial bodies are projected onto the town’s bell tower, you can buy an astrological souvenir, or observe the sky through a telescope.
Day 4 – Pula
This 3,000-year-old city is the largest in Istria and best known for its arena. The most well-preserved example of ancient architecture, the Pula Arena, or amphitheater, is still used today for major summer concerts featuring both Croatian and international stars. In addition to this impressive structure, a walk through the city center will reveal other Roman monuments such as the Hercules Gate, the Double Gate, the Temple of Augustus, and the Arch of the Sergii, all of which give Pula its unique ancient charm.
Children and adults alike will enjoy the Pula Aquarium, located 3 kilometers from the city center, in the Austro-Hungarian fortress Verudela, in the cove of the same name. Here you can see over 200 species of marine animals (ranging from those inhabiting the Adriatic to tropical species) and learn more about them. Be sure to also visit the Marine Turtle Rescue Center, which is part of the Aquarium and where staff care for these highly endangered creatures. If you want to deepen your knowledge of the sea and marine life, you can join the many workshops organized by the Center.
After spending time with marine animals, it’s time to refresh yourself at the Hawaiian Beach, located not far from the Center. Thanks to its shallow waters, the beach is ideal for families with small children. Nearby is also Histria Beach, awarded the Blue Flag. It is also suitable for families with children thanks to its large shaded areas and a variety of amenities.
Book an apartment or room in Pula and explore the city’s rich ancient heritage.
Day 5 – Brijuni National Park
Just 8 kilometers from Pula lie the magnificent Brijuni, a group of 14 islands and islets that were declared a national park in 1983. Board a boat in Fažana and in just 15 minutes you’ll arrive at Brijuni. Brijuni National Park offers a wealth of attractions for visitors of all kinds. The islands are home to a Safari Park where, alongside exotic llamas, zebras, and ostriches, you can also see an Indian elephant, a gift from Indian stateswoman Indira Gandhi to Yugoslav leader Tito.
Brijuni are crisscrossed with cycling and walking trails that, with expert guidance, can be explored from October to May. Those who prefer independent exploration can walk or cycle along the Trail of Positive Vibrations, accompanied by the sounds of guitar and piano. Archaeology enthusiasts in good shape can join a four-hour tour of the historical landmarks. From the Byzantine castrum to the 15th-century Church of St. Germanus, you will discover the rich history of these islands.
Travel Tip
You can go for a swim in Verige Bay, where a Roman villa once stood, the remains of which can still be seen and visited.
Days 6 and 7 – Central Istria: Pazin, Motovun and Hum
Tired of summer crowds and heat? Istria invites you to its interior, which amazes visitors with green hills crowned with old fortresses, small towns (Hum – the smallest town in the world – is located here), and charming vineyards. In addition, Central Istria is a true paradise for gourmets – it is home to the Momjan Muscat wine, while its forests hide truffles of world renown.
For sports enthusiasts and adventurers, we recommend Pazin and its surroundings. Beneath the 10th-century Pazin Castle lies the Pazin Cave, which offers no less than three zip lines. You can also descend to the bottom of the cave on a guided tour. Bring long sleeves, as the cave’s temperature is much lower than outside (around 15°C), as well as sports footwear. The Pazin Cave is open to visitors from May 1 to September 30.
Another cave worth visiting is the Baredine Cave, 6 kilometers from Poreč. If you wish to explore its interior, be prepared for more than 200 steps, so proper footwear is required. The tour itself lasts about 40 minutes. Before or after the visit, explore the small museum with various archaeological finds and fascinating facts about the history of speleology.
After so much sightseeing, it’s time for a break. Around the cave there is a restaurant, picnic area, and even a farm with animals where you can see donkeys, ponies, turkeys, geese, and ducks, much to the delight of the youngest visitors (and those young at heart).
Just 200 meters from the cave you’ll also find an interesting exhibition of about twenty old tractors and agricultural machines (Tractor Story). It was created to highlight the importance of these machines at the beginning of the 20th century for this area, whose inhabitants were primarily engaged in agriculture. The exhibition is sure to be interesting for children as well.
Further inland lie the towns of Motovun and Hum.
The picturesque Motovun became world-famous thanks to the Motovun Film Festival, held every summer and showcasing a selection of the best in world cinema. This little town of only about 500 inhabitants sits atop a hill, so be prepared for plenty of walking. If traveling by car, you can park at the free parking lot below the town (about a 1 km uphill walk to the center) or at the paid parking lot at the town entrance.
Although small, Motovun offers much more than the film festival, especially for adventure seekers. A unique experience awaits those who decide to try paragliding on the slopes of Motovun, while those who prefer activities on the ground can explore two hiking trails (Motovun – Zamask and Zamask – Motovun) and three cycling routes (Fruit Path, Old Railway, Veli Jože) around the town. A stay in Motovun wouldn’t be complete without climbing the town walls and witnessing one of the most beautiful sunsets in Croatia.
Set aside part of a day for a trip to Hum, the smallest town in the world with only 21 inhabitants, two small streets, and a handful of houses. A visit to Hum will completely transport you back to the Croatian Middle Ages, when this tiny town was a center of Glagolitic culture. Monuments inscribed in Glagolitic can still be found in the Church of the Assumption of Mary and in the town museum.
In addition to being the smallest town in the world, Hum also takes pride in its traditional spirit – Hum Biska, made from mistletoe, grape brandy, and four types of herbs.
Travel Tip
Near Hum lies the town of Buzet, also known as the town of truffles. If you are a fan of this delicious delicacy or simply wish to finally taste it, visit Buzet in September when the Truffle Days take place. In addition to truffles, Buzet is also interesting for its medieval fortifications.
