Holidays in Istria - Croatia

If you take a drive from Dubrovnik in the south, to the northern peninsula of Istria, you could not fail to be impressed by the breathtaking scenery of this Adriatic holiday destination. There are more than a thousand islands that rise up out of the Azure Blue water, making Istria the perfect place for a holiday retreat.

However, the beautiful coast is not all Croatian holidays have to offer the tourist. As a country, Croatia has recently emerged from bitter conflict to re-establish itself as a holiday destination without equal. Since securing its independence, Croatia is now once again an optimistic, welcoming and safe destination. It boasts some of the finest architecture, palaces and ancient walled cities in Europe. In addition, there are many nature parks offering a wide variety of flora and fauna, the cream of which has to be Plitvice, a series of lakes and waterfalls, formed by calcified water, and thought to be unique.

Visitors will be struck by the sense of pride and independence of Croatia's people, not to mention their friendly, good-natured approach to life. Croats traditionally see themselves as western folk, proud of their ancestral identity and deep cultural heritage. The people of Istria welcome the tourist to Croatia.

There pervades a wonderful feeling of peace, safety, tradition and consideration for one's fellow man in this beautiful country. A perfect place for your holiday retreat accommodation. Enabling you to find peace and rejuvenate.

ISTRIA - the Croatian holiday destination - 'The new Tuscany'!

The north-western peninsular is separated from mainland Croatia, by the Uc'ka mountain range and borders Slovenia along its northern path. It is easily accessible from mainland Europe.

Istria is now being talked of as the 'New Tuscany' and for anyone in the know it has become a must-visit holiday destination in Croatia. You'll see Venetian architecture and hear Italian spoken in many towns and villages.

Istria has a Mediterranean climate with long warm summers (23 - 34 degrees C) and relatively mild winters.

Pula , at the southern tip of the peninsula, is Istria's largest city and has its own international airport and Roman amphitheatre.

Porec is still the largest holiday resort in Istria and a wonderfully lively place to visit in summertime when life spills out onto the town's streets and squares, transforming the place into one immense open-air restaurant. A livelier place to visit, when you are feeling rejuvenated from your retreat holiday.

In Rovinj you can while away the hours exploring the tiny cobbled streets, the Venetian architecture and beautiful piazzas. This lovely old town is a must visit for anyone on holiday in Istria.

Mediaeval hilltop towns

Heading inland, the hinterland is ravishing, mostly rural, with mediaeval hilltop towns and villages, one of the most famous being Motovun where an annual film festival is held at the end of July when holiday accommodation in Istria is much sought after. And during the summer months, the town is well known as an artists' colony, when many studios and craft shops open their doors to visitors on holiday in Croatia.

The town of Buzet is located at the end of a winding road running through the Mirna valley. This is a prime spot for truffles and the town hosts a weekend dedicated to the cooking and eating of the delicacy. The locally-gathered truffles are made into an enormous omelette, while the local bands play in the town square, another unique Croatian holiday event. The Mirna valley is also popular with water sport enthusiasts especially canoeists.

Take any of the small roads that lead down to the coast and you will find rocky outcrops, many of which have been made into small beaches. You will also come across many villages and hamlets. Holidays in Istria offer a wonderful opportunity to explore unspoilt areas.

POREC' - a busy coastal holiday resort. A tower with a view!

Porec' is 15-20 minutes' drive from 'Transition' , a busy tourist town with a marina lined with market stalls selling shells, jewellery and various crafts for the tourist having a day away from the holiday retreat.

In the newer parts of town many small modern shops and pavement cafés can be found. The town has been much improved for this season, with a new centre square and bandstand, which buzzes with people on holiday in Croatia, during the summer months.

The Romanesque Basilica of Euphrasius in the centre of the old town is well worth a visit when sightseeing in Istria. At the top of the tower is a lovely view of the surrounding bay. Below you can wander around the harbour wall.

A few minutes drive away is Plava Laguna, a popular seaside cove for people on holiday in Porec', where you can swim and have lunch overlooking the sea. If you walk beyond the marina, pathways lead to a rocky coastline shaded by pines where you can reach several rocky coves.

There are designated cycle routes in Porec' which are very popular with people on holiday in Croatia.

DIKLIC'I - a perfect place for a holiday retreat!

Diklic'i, pronounced Dick - li - chee, is a small rural village set amongst vineyards, woodland and farming land. It has a population of approximately 50 people and is a mixture of traditional Istrian stone houses and a few more modern buildings, built in the old style. A perfect place for a holiday retreat.

Many of the locals still live off the land, growing vegetables and raising livestock for the table, the market and your holiday retreat. Diklic'i is surrounded by vineyards used to make the local wine.

The people are very friendly and hospitable, so do not be surprised if you are invited into a local 'konoba' (wine cellar), to enjoy a glass of home-made wine and a platter of Prsut (local Prosicutto dry cured ham) and cheese while on holiday in Istria.

There are many pleasant walks and cycling routes through the surrounding countryside - every one offering an adventure in itself, not to mention fine views and matchless rural peace across the Istrian valleys.

Diklic'i, is 17 kilometres (about a 20 minute drive) from the main tourist town of Istria, Porec' which is on the coast and has some lovely pebble beaches.

A 10 minute drive away is the Baredine Caves, a series of limestone caverns at Nova Vas. During a 45-minute tour, guides will lead you through five exquisite chambers of dangling stalactites and limestone curtains, and delight in telling you the legend of Gabriel and Milka. You may also see captive specimens of the pale-bodied salamander with your Croatian holiday guide.

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Transition: The Lifestyle retreat in Croatia

Website: www.retreatincroatia.co.uk
Email: shirley@retreatincroatia.co.uk
Telephone: 00385 52 422 077
Mobile: 00385 911758763