Itineraries — Istria

Istria is discovered like a miniature country, divided into three complementary territories: the west coast (Pula, Rovinj, Poreč) with its heritage cities and seaside resorts, the agricultural and wine interior ('green Istria') with its hilltop villages and truffle estates, and the more discreet east coast (Labin, Rabac) looking toward the Kvarner Gulf.

For a short trip (3-4 days), base yourself in Rovinj and organise your days around the west coast: visit Rovinj the first morning before the heat, tasting at an interior winery (Coronica or Kabola) in the afternoon, day in Pula the next day (amphitheatre, forum, Verudela beach), and a half-day in Poreč for the Euphrasian Basilica. Be sure to book dinner at a truffled restaurant (Zigante in Livade, San Rocco in Brtonigla) — it is the major gastronomic experience of the region.

With a full week (7 days), extend the itinerary to the interior. Leave Rovinj for 2 nights in an agrotourism between Motovun and Grožnjan — the most immersive formula to live authentic Istria. Book a truffle hunt with a trifulau and his dogs (Karlić Tartufi near Pazin offers the best experiences), visit 2-3 Malvazija and Teran wineries, and walk in the hilltop villages (Hum, Roč, Pazin with its gorges). This formula combines coast, gastronomy and heritage.

With 10 to 14 days, integrate the Brijuni Islands National Park (former summer residence of Marshal Tito, accessible by boat from Fažana), in-depth exploration of the south coast (Premantura, Cape Kamenjak with its wild coves), and an excursion to Opatija and Lovran on the Kvarner riviera — the first seaside resort in central Europe, founded in the nineteenth century. Enthusiasts can also push on to Rijeka and the Lika region (Rijeka carnival, transition to Northern Dalmatia).