We did a road trip through the beautiful Istrian peninsula on the Adriatic coast. There is no better way to experience the charm of this Croatian region! With the many picturesque towns such as Pula, Rovinj, Porec and Umag, the sun-drenched beaches and the delicious Istrian cuisine, these were seven unforgettable days.

Our highlights

Umag sets the Istrian standard

Our adventure begins in the charming town of Umag, known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere, where we quickly got used to the relaxed rhythm of Istria.

We first decided to spend a day sunbathing on the pristine shores of Umag's beaches and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Overall, a great start of our road-trip, we really enjoyed the beach life.

Baredine Jama-Grotta

Our next stop was the historic town of Poreč. On the way we made a stop at Baredine Jama-Grotta, a karst cave, where we sank to a depth of 60 m and could see beautiful formations. Just beautiful. 

The historic town of Porec

We had dinner at a local restaurant, where we were treated to a feast of truffle-infused delicacies.

A little fairy tale in Rovinj

We continued to the enchanting seaside town of Rovinj. With its pastel-colored buildings, narrow alleys and bustling harbour, Rovinj exudes a fairytale charm that captivated us from the moment we arrived. 

We spent the day wandering the labyrinthine streets of the old town, admiring the panoramic views from the Church of St. Euphemia, and enjoying a fresh fish dish at a waterfront restaurant.

Ancient Pula

On to the ancient city of Pula, where the imposing Roman amphitheater is a testament to the city's rich history. We explored the cobbled streets full of charming cafes and boutiques. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly our visit to the Pula Arena, where we marveled at the grandeur of one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world.

Istrian cuisine: Djuvec, Punjena, Cevapcici & Savijaca

No trip to Istria would be complete without enjoying the region's delectable cuisine. From truffle-flavored pasta to freshly caught fish and world-famous olive oil, Istria's culinary offering is a feast for the senses. Today we went to a local market in Pula, we tasted some traditional dishes in a tavern that have been family owned for centuries and we tried to unravel the secrets of Istrian cuisine.

Our favorite dishes are 'Djuvec', a traditional stew of meat, vegetables and rice, 'Punjena', stuffed peppers with a hearty filling of rice, onions and lots of meat (with a special taste due to the pepper used), 'Ćevapčići', small mutton meat rolls, which get their typical flavor on the charcoal grill and the 'Savijača' or Štrudl, a sweet specialty filled with apple or cherries.

Local winery tour

It's a wrap

We really enjoyed this pearl on the Adriatic coast; from the ancient ruins of Pula to the charming streets of Rovinj, the idyllic beaches of Umag to the vine-covered hills of the countryside, not to mention the delicious cuisine, Istria has it all.