Regardless of which Istrian city you choose – Poreč, Rovinj, or Brtonigla, each of these locations is imbued with a rich history. Stroll along the promenade, narrow cobbled streets, and old town cores to enjoy sightseeing the historical wonders of architecture. While big cities have a rich history at almost every corner, smaller places offer a variety of legends, stories, and myths that will follow you for a long time.
Rovinj
Rovinj, a charming town on the west coast of Istria, boasts rich natural and cultural sights that attract guests from all over the world. The largest baroque church in Istria, the Church of St. Euphemia, is located at the highest point of this city. If you wish, you can climb its tower which is a replica of the bell tower of the Basilica of St. Mark in Venice, and enjoy the view.
Part of the beaches in the city are rocky or pebbled, but special features are the beaches on the island of Sv. Andrija, which together with the island of Maškin forms the Red Islands. There you can explore a landscaped garden with more than 120 plant species, the old castle of Count Hutteroth who owned these islands, and a lookout with a mausoleum.
Poreč
The ancient city of Poreč is located on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula, and its history dates back about two thousand years. Proof of this is the remains of ancient temples and forums that can still be found in the city center, such as the Euphrasian Basilica, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Poreč boasts numerous beaches along the coast which are part of the camps. The most famous are the Green, Blue, and White Lagoons. Nearby is the island of Sv. Nikola, which is the largest and most beautiful island of Poreč and has a very popular rocky beach with pine forests.
Novigrad
Novigrad – a town full of historical sights, rich cultural heritage, preserved natural beauty, but also top gastronomic delicacies and other attributes that will make your stay in the town more than just pleasant. Novigrad old town is located on a small island which was in the 18th century connected to the mainland, while well-preserved city walls dating back to the early middle ages are one of the most beautiful tourist attractions of this place.
If you prefer active holidays, going on a day boat trip or renting a bike is also one of the fun activities you can experience during your stay in Novigrad. By boat you can even reach one of Croatia’s national parks – Brijuni national park. Visit to aquapark Istrialand, located only 10 kilometers from Novigrad, is one of the most exciting activities for families with children.
Photo credit: Colors of Istria – Rovinj, Poreč, Novigrad
