Picture of the Basilika Crkva Sv. Germana on the Croatian island of Brijuni during daytime in summer

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Istria's West Coast

The west coast is Istria's tourist showcase, with numerous beaches, a trio of fascinating historic towns and Tito's former playground, the gorgeous Brijuni Islands National Park. Tourism infrastructure is well developed here, with plenty of accommodation options and some great restaurants. Just across the water is Italy, and the pervasive Italian influence makes it seem even closer. Italian is a second language in Istria, many Istrians have Italian passports and each town name has an Italian counterpart.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Euphrasian Basilica.

    Euphrasian Basilica

    Poreč

    Top billing in Poreč goes to the 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica, a World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s finest intact examples of Byzantine art. Built…

  • Ancient ruins of arena

    Roman Amphitheatre

    Pula

    Pula’s most famous and imposing sight is this 1st-century oval amphitheatre, overlooking the harbour northeast of the old town. It's a huge and truly…

  • Rovinj, Croatia - May 22, 2018: St. Euphemia's Basilica, Rovinj, Croatia. Аn ancient church with a bell tower.; Shutterstock ID 1138512785; Your name (First / Last): Anna Tyler; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: destination-image-southern-europe

    St Euphemia's Church

    Rovinj

    Built from 1725 to 1736, this imposing structure – the largest baroque church in Istria – dominates Rovinj from its hilltop location in the middle of the…

  • Pula Croatia, Istria Peninsula 17.09.2018..Temple of Augustus..Arch of the Sergii..Pula Communal Palace; Shutterstock ID 1232040358; Your name (First / Last): Anna Tyler; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: destination-image-southern-europe

    Temple of Augustus

    Pula

    Fronted by a high porch supported by six Corinthian columns, this small but perfectly proportioned temple was built sometime between 2 BC and AD 14. It…

  • VODNJAN, CROATIA - MAY 8: Church of St. Blaise and bell tower on May 8, 2014. Vodnjan or Dignano is a old town in Istria County, situated 10 km north of Pula ; Shutterstock ID 193015502; Your name (First / Last): Anna Tyler; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: destination-image-southern-europe

    St Blaise’s Church

    Istria's West Coast

    This handsome neobaroque church was completed in 1800 but commenced 40 years earlier, when Venice was still the style-setter for Istria. With its 63m-high…

  • Group of moon jellyfish glittering in dark blur water, Pula aquarium, Croatia.; Shutterstock ID 673227595; Your name (First / Last): Anna Tyler; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: destination-image-southern-europe

    Pula Aquarium

    Pula

    Not just any fish tank, this extraordinary aquarium occupies an entire 19th-century military fort – one of 55 built to defend the Austro-Hungarian Empire…

  • Partisan Memorial

    Partisan Memorial

    Pula

    Officially known as the 'National Liberation Resistance Fighters & Fascist Terror Victims in Istria Memorial', this monument honours the many thousands of…

  • Istria Historical & Maritime Museum

    Istria Historical & Maritime Museum

    Pula

    Since ancient times the 34m hill at the centre of Pula's old town has been fortified. The current star-shaped fortress was built by the Venetians in the…

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Articles

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Food

Foodie experiences in Istria, Croatia's gastronomic paradise

Apr 15, 2019 • 9 min read

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Go Beyond

Istria's West Coast and beyond

Beyond Istria's West Coast
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