Things to do — Istria

Istria offers the most balanced range of experiences in Croatia between heritage, gastronomy, nature and beach life.

In Pula, the unmissable is the amphitheatre — visit at opening (8am in summer) for the best light and relative calm, or in the evening for the concerts. 200 m away, the Roman forum preserves the Temple of Augustus (first century BC), perfectly preserved. Then walk to the Arch of the Sergii (first century BC), the Hercules Gate and the medieval centre with the cathedral and the Kaštel fortress. Beaches: Verudela and Stoja for convenience, Cape Kamenjak (20 min drive south) for the wild and preserved coves — one of the most beautiful coastal sectors in Croatia.

In Rovinj, exploration is on foot in the fortified peninsula: climb Saint Euphemia (63 m bell tower, panorama over the coast and the Rosso and Sant'Andrea islands), walk through the cobbled alleys of Grisia (artisans and art galleries), descent to the port and the historic Adriatic Hotel. Stay for sunset on the jetty — one of the most beautiful in Istria. Boat excursion to the Brijuni Islands (national park) from Fažana, or to the neighbouring islands (Sveti Andrija, Sveta Katarina) for swimming. Be sure to book a gastronomic dinner: Monte (Michelin star), Maestral or Pomalo for revisited traditional cuisine.

In Poreč, the Euphrasian Basilica is the absolute unmissable — UNESCO early Christian ensemble from the sixth century, with gold-background Byzantine mosaics depicting Christ between the apostles, Saint Euphrasian and Bishop Euphrasius. Visit: 1h, plan the episcopal courtyard and the baptistery. The medieval old town (Saint Mark Church, Liberty Square) completes the visit in 2h. Family beaches nearby (Plava Laguna, Lanterna).

In Motovun and the surrounding forest, organise a truffle hunt with a trifulau (Karlić Tartufi near Pazin, Prodan Tartufi in Buzet, Zigante in Livade — booking essential, 2-3h, €60-80 with final tasting). Lunch at Zigante restaurant in Livade (Michelin star, exceptional truffle menu) or more modestly at Konoba Mondo in Motovun. Walk in the village of Motovun (path around the walls, panorama over the forest), then push on to Grožnjan (artists' village, more than 30 galleries) and Hum (officially the smallest town in the world).

Winery tour: organise a wine-tourism day with 3 complementary wineries: Coronica in Umag (reference Malvazija and Teran), Kabola in Momjan (organic, amphora wines), Kozlović in Vižinada (modern architecture, panoramic tasting). Allow 90 min per winery with tasting.