Istria travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises spa and resorts

Far to the western reaches of Istria, the town of Porec, Croatia, lies on a peninsula and, from 1902 to 1935, was linked to Parenzana by a small railway line. First founded by the Romans in 129 BCE as a military camp, it had grown into a “municipium” known as Colonia Julia Parentium by the 1st century CE. The old town still retains the original cruciform street layout from those olden times, with a long central road, the “decumanus”, lying at right angles to another main road, the “cardo maximus”, off which run endless narrow lanes.

Continue reading A small town packed with treasures

The Zigante Restaurant and Truffles Company has a rather unique entry in the Guinness World Records. In 1999, its manager Giancarlo Zigante and his trusty dog Diana were walking in an Istrian wood when they discovered the largest truffle in the history, weighing in at an astounding 1.3 kg. Building on this success, Zigante Truffles expanded its retail section and now has five outlets located throughout Istria. The village of Livade, Croatia was the setting for Giancarlo’ dramatic discovery. Home to the company’ original truffle store, 2002 saw the opening of its highly acclaimed Zigante Restaurant. 

Continue reading An unforgettable Croatian dining experience

The family-owned Valsabbion Hotel and Restaurant stands high above a sheltered bay and is the ideal base from which to explore the Mediterranean shores and the rolling, verdant hills of the beautiful Istran Riviera. The Valsabbion’ art-deco façade stands within sight of the marina and coast enough that the soft beach air breathes through the hotel as naturally as the tide rises on the shores. The historical city of Pula is just minutes away.

Continue reading A small yet stylish boutique hotel with an exclusive atmosphere

Located on one of the most beautiful street at the heart of Rovinj, Croatia, Villa Angelo d’Oro is a 17th-century former bishop’s place that has been lovingly restored in recent times to its original medieval splendor. This cosily intimate and charming venue, furnished in exquisite taste with period furniture and carefully selected oil paintings throughout, has 24 delightful rooms and suites and offers an ideal place to stay on any visit to the town.

Continue reading One of the most unspoilt stretches of coastline in Europe

This former castle overlooking the main square has been recently renovated and is now a family-owned concern offering 28 rooms, all with clear views of the town of Motovun and surrounding landscapes. The Hotel Kastel Motovun boasts a cheerful little café, an art gallery and one of the best restaurants in the region, the newly recovered Blue Dining Room. It serves a la carte meals reflecting the many influences predominant in Croatia, including Slavic, Romanesque, Mediterranean and Germanic culinary traditions. Delicacies unique to the area include wind-dried Istrian ham, a local variation of minestrone and local black and white varieties of the highly prizes truffles.

Continue reading A truly memorable holiday destination

The Hotel Nautica Novigrad on the Istrian Peninsula, Croatia is located on the seafront just outside of the 1400 – year-old town. This new luxury resort has been built around a beautiful marina on a naturally deep and sheltered cove in Novigrad Bay.  With 365 sea and 50 dry berths, as well as room for mega-yachts, the marina provides all the services and facilities that the seagoing traveler could want, including a service center, fuel station, laundry, changing and washing facilities – even a dental surgery!

Continue reading The design that evokes the glorious ocean-going liners of old

At the heart of the small hilltop town of Brtonigla, Croatia is located San Rocco Hotel. This intimate, family-owned and run boutique hotel consists of three lovingly restored farm buildings, all beautifully furnished and decorated. The first of these contains most of the hotel’s 12 bedrooms. Each has been individually and sympathetically styled, with some offering a sea view and others overlooking the town itself.  All rooms come fully equipped with air-conditioning, mini-bars, satellite TVs, safe and Internet connection.

Continue reading One of the finest spot in the region

Trieste is the smallest province in Italy surrounded by the Adriatic Sea and close to Slovenia border. City of Trieste has always been the meeting point of trade and culture. With its many cultural attractions, restaurants, cafes, hotels, quality museums and ancient Roman remains, Trieste is the perfect base for a city vacation. Situated by the sea front, the city holds some gorgeous scenery which can be experienced when visiting the Castle of Miramare.

Continue reading Trieste, Italy

Piran is a small, ancient walled town on the Istrian coast of Slovenia, between the Alps and the Adriatic. The town with its cobble stone streets (not changed in 400 years) is one big attraction. Long tradition and multicultural environment has made this coastal city a special place to visit.

Continue reading Piran, Slovenia

Cres is one of the largest 1,200 islands along the Croatian coast. It is situated in the Gulf of Kvarner to the east of Istria. It is long, narrow and mountainous, stretching 68 km from north to south and 12 km across at its widest point. The incredible sheer of astonishing cliffs are a habitat of the griffon vulture, the largest bird in Europe. Photo  by: Reinhard.Pantke

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