Istria offers a distinct experience from Dalmatian Croatia - Roman ruins, Venetian hill towns, truffle forests, and some of the best local wines in the country. The peninsula is compact enough to cover multiple towns in a 3–5 day stay. All prices in euros (€).
Rovinj
Walk the Old Town peninsula
Rovinj’s most essential activity. The car-free Old Town sits on a low-lying peninsula of colourful Venetian-era buildings, narrow cobbled alleys, and a harbour full of fishing boats. Walk from Balbi’s Arch up through Grisia Street to St. Euphemia’s Basilica for the best of the town in a few hours.
- Cost: Free
Climb St. Euphemia’s bell tower
The campanile modelled after Venice’s St. Mark’s offers panoramic views over the town, harbour, and the surrounding islands. A short but rewarding climb.
- Admission: €5
Golden Cape (Zlatni Rt) forest park
Pine forest and coastal trails on the edge of Rovinj, with pebble coves and clear water. Good for hiking, cycling (bike rental approx. €10–15/day), or simply reaching a quieter beach.
- Admission: Free (beach lounger rental €8–15 extra)
Sunset dolphin cruise
Two-hour cruises around the Rovinj archipelago departing late afternoon, with dolphin watching and a swim stop.
- Price: €35–70 per person
Lim Fjord boat or kayak trip
A fjord-like canal where the Lim River meets the Adriatic, with green walls, oyster beds, and calm water ideal for kayaking.
- Price: €30–70 per person depending on duration
Pula
Pula Arena
One of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world, built in the 1st century AD and still used for concerts and events. The interior museum explains the building’s history.
- Admission: €12–18
Pula Roman forum and Temple of Augustus
The Roman forum at the centre of Pula, dominated by the well-preserved Temple of Augustus dating to the early 1st century AD.
- Admission: €3–5 for the temple interior
Cape Kamenjak
A protected nature reserve at the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula with wild beaches, swimming coves, and walking trails. Particularly good for snorkelling and cliff jumping.
- Entry: Free for pedestrians; small charge by car
Istrian hill towns
Motovun
The most visited hill town, surrounded by truffle forests. The walls offer views over the Mirna River valley. Accessible by road - steep final approach on foot.
Grožnjan
An artists’ colony village with galleries, summer music festivals, and a quieter atmosphere than Motovun.
Oprtalj, Buzet, and Buje
Further hill towns for those driving through the Istrian interior - each has Venetian walls, a central square, and panoramic views.
Brijuni Islands National Park
A national park archipelago accessible by ferry from Fažana (near Pula), with walking trails, Roman ruins, a safari park, and a golf course on the main island. Day trips only for most visitors.
- Ferry and park admission: €18–25
Truffle hunting
Organised truffle hunting tours leave from Motovun and surrounding villages, typically involving a walk through oak forests with trained dogs. Black truffles are available year-round; white truffle season peaks in October–December.
- Price: €40–70 per person
Wine tasting
Malvazija (white) and Teran (red) are the signature Istrian wines. Several family wineries and larger estates offer tastings, often paired with Istrian prosciutto and cheese.
- Price: €20–35 per tasting
Price summary
| Activity | Price |
|---|---|
| St. Euphemia bell tower (Rovinj) | €5 |
| Golden Cape park | Free |
| Dolphin cruise (Rovinj) | €35–70 |
| Lim Fjord kayak | €30–70 |
| Pula Arena | €12–18 |
| Brijuni Islands ferry | €18–25 |
| Truffle hunting | €40–70 |
| Wine tasting | €20–35 |
Plan your trip: Book tours through Istria - guided options cover everything from history walks to day trips. Pick up a Balkans eSIM for data on arrival, and protect your trip with travel insurance.