5 Cities in Istria You Must Visit

Published on 10/09/2025 by Agnieszka

5 Cities in Istria You Must Visit

Istria is a peninsula in the northwest of Croatia, enchanting with its diversity of landscapes and cultures. On one side, it tempts with the turquoise Adriatic Sea and charming coastal towns; on the other, with picturesque hills crowned for centuries by medieval settlements. This is a region where Italian, Austrian, and Croatian influences meet, visible not only in the architecture but also in the cuisine.

As part of our “Top 5” series, we present five exceptional towns in Istria that best capture its character – from colorful harbor old towns to atmospheric villages surrounded by vineyards.

Rovinj – the most beautiful town in Istria

Rovinj is often called the most romantic town in Croatia – and it’s hard to disagree. Its colorful houses reflected in the Adriatic and narrow cobblestone streets create a unique atmosphere. The baroque Church of St. Euphemia towers over the town, offering stunning views of the sea and nearby islands. Rovinj is the perfect place for peaceful walks, romantic sunsets, and discovering art galleries hidden in small alleys.

➡ Practical tips:

How to get there: Rovinj is about 40 km from Pula Airport. The town is also well connected by bus.
Best time to visit: May and September – pleasant weather, fewer crowds.
What to eat: Fresh fish and seafood, especially brodet (fish stew), along with local olives and wines.

Pula – the Roman heart of Istria

Pula is the largest city in Istria and its cultural capital. Its most impressive monument is the monumental Amphitheater, one of the largest and best-preserved Roman arenas in the world. In summer, it hosts concerts and artistic events, giving it a truly unique atmosphere. Pula also charms with its Roman Forum, the Temple of Augustus, and beautiful nearby beaches that make it a great holiday destination.

➡ Practical tips:

How to get there: Pula has an international airport with flights from many European countries.
Best time to visit: Summer is lively, but for fewer crowds, opt for late spring or early autumn.
What to eat: Fuži (pasta) with truffles – a true symbol of Istrian cuisine.

Poreč – the Adriatic gem with a UNESCO basilica

Poreč is one of the oldest towns in Istria and a true jewel of the coast. Its most famous landmark is the Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its magnificent Byzantine mosaics. Beyond the old town, it’s worth strolling along the seafront promenade filled with restaurants and cafés, as well as enjoying the many beaches that make Poreč a popular family resort.

➡ Practical tips:

How to get there: About 60 km from Pula, well connected to the rest of Istria.
Best time to visit: July and August are the busiest – June or September are better choices.
What to eat: Try local wines and maneštra – a traditional Istrian vegetable soup.

Motovun – the kingdom of truffles and vineyards

Motovun is a true gem of central Istria. Perched on a hill and surrounded by defensive walls, a walk through its medieval streets feels like stepping back in time. The town is famous for truffles – both white and black – which grow in the surrounding forests. Every year it also hosts a film festival that attracts cinema lovers from around the world. The view from Motovun over the green hills and vineyards is among the most beautiful on the peninsula.

➡ Practical tips:

How to get there: Located inland, best reached by car.
Best time to visit: Autumn, during truffle season and numerous culinary festivals.
What to eat: Definitely fuži with grated truffles and local wines – especially Malvazija and Teran.

Umag – the capital of tennis and seaside relaxation

Umag is a charming town on the northern coast of Istria, known for its beautiful beaches and the international ATP Croatia Open tennis tournament held here every year. The town combines a modern resort with a historic old town, where you can see remnants of defensive walls and medieval towers. Thanks to its convenient location, Umag is also a great base for exploring northern Istria and nearby Slovenia.

➡ Practical tips:

How to get there: The nearest airports are in Pula and Trieste (Italy). Umag lies on the main road from the Slovenian border.
Best time to visit: July for the tennis tournament, but for the beaches, June or September are ideal.
What to eat: Seafood, especially mussels from Savudrija Bay, and world-renowned local olive oils.

Discover Istria from every angle

Each of these towns has its own unique character – Rovinj enchants with romance, Pula with grandeur, Poreč with history, Motovun with medieval charm, and Umag with a sporty spirit and seaside vibe. Together, they form a mosaic that makes Istria one of the most fascinating regions of Croatia.