Holiday to Croatia: sun-drenched Istria
Sun, sea, bliss. Istria, Croatia's heart-shaped peninsula, is popular with Dutch tourists. Not surprising, with romantic pebble beaches, an enchanting inland and coastal towns like the dreamy Rovinj.
It was once an island, but since 1763 it has been connected to the coast: Rovinj, the most photographed town in Istria. A hill actually, completely built with picturesque houses with red roof tiles that reflect their silhouette in the calm sea. Behind their facades hide beautiful small alleys, paved with large natural stone tiles, no two of which are alike. Actually, everything here is beautiful. During the day it is teeming with tourists - not early in the morning. Then you wander alone through the narrow streets.
Parenzana cycling route
The beautiful coastline and pebble beaches are the main tourist attractions, but for those who also like to be active, the Parenzana is a must: a beautiful cycling route - for mountain bikes - on a former railway line from Trieste (Italy) to Porec in Croatia. The railway line dates from 1902 but was demolished in 1935 by order of Mussolini because he wanted to melt down the steel rails into weapons for the war in Africa.
The Parenzana also passes through the town of Livade, known for its truffles: a fungus that grows underground, usually in oak forests. Farmers use dogs to find them.
Groznjan and the Brijuni Islands
Another nice village in the interior is Groznjan, high up in the mountains. The crooked houses now house one artist's studio after another - nice to browse through. Another nice excursion is to the Brijuni Islands, once the summer residence of Yugoslav President Tito, who received many other heads of state, dignitaries and famous actors there. Special are his own drive-in cinema - with space for only one car -, Tito's private zoo and the Roman ruins, where you can still clearly see how olives were pressed.
Camping in Istria
You can camp at super luxury holiday parks such as Lanterna and the completely renovated Istra Camp Premium Resort, a five-star campsite on its own mini-peninsula with beautiful pitches, two great restaurants and a sanitary building that is unsurpassed anywhere in Europe. Both campsites are part of Valamar, which has many more campsites in Croatia (www.camping-adriatic.com).
Other tips in Istria
Must do
Mountain biking on the Parenzana cycle route. Preferably downhill, from Groznan to Livade – the most beautiful part! Also suitable for children from 8 years old.
With the kids
To the Brijuni Islands, by ferry from Fazana. There you can also visit the private zoo of former Yugoslavia president Tito.
Must try
Truffles! Around Livade, there are as many as 60 truffle hunters active and restaurant Zigante in Livade even has an extensive truffle menu, from starter to dessert.
Large selection of campers and caravans
Looking for a camper or caravan to explore Istria? Our website offers a large and up-to-date selection of campers and caravans. View the offer here. Even more interesting camping areas view here.
