BRAIN Yachting

Istria Region

Istria Region

Istria, the largest peninsula in the Adriatic, is full of contrasts: azure blue coasts meet lush green vineyards, ancient buildings meet vibrant port cities. The region tells its story in Venetian façades, Roman ruins and medieval fortresses, while nature beckons with dramatic cliffs, hidden bays and fragrant pine forests. Stroll through the cobbled streets of Rovinj, go on adventures in the caves of Pazin or be enchanted by the sight of the mighty amphitheater in Pula. Istria is a kaleidoscope of culture, nature and Mediterranean lifestyle.

Highlights of the Istria region

Situated between the Gulf of Trieste and Kvarner Bay, the region stretches over 3,500 km² and is home to just over 200,000 people. Istria is characterized by Croatian, Slovenian and Italian influences and offers a unique blend of culture, cuisine and coastal landscape - ideal for a vacation by boat, car or bike.

Historical cities & cultural highlights

  • The largest city in Istria, Pula, impresses with its Roman amphitheater, ancient temples such as the Temple of Augustus, relics, Venetian palaces and the imposing Sergian Arch. The amphitheater, one of the best preserved in the world, dates back to the 1st century and once served as a venue for gladiator fights. Today, concerts and festivals are held there. The forum has been the heart of the town since Roman times.
  • Rovinj is located on a peninsula and is characterized by a picturesque old town, steep alleyways, artists' studios and the town's landmark, the Church of St. Euphemia. Its 60 meter high bell tower is reminiscent of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. It is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Croatia and is particularly popular with photographers, artists and romantics.
  • In Poreč, the UNESCO-protected Euphrasian Basilica with its gleaming golden mosaics from Byzantine times awaits you. The city impresses with its 2000 years of history. Roman streets, the remains of the Temple of Neptune and the famous Decumanus Street invite you to take a stroll.
  • Motovun, a medieval hilltop town, is perched on a hill above the Mirna Valley and is surrounded by well-preserved town walls. The town is Istria's truffle stronghold and is equally famous for its annual truffle festival, which attracts gourmets from all over the world.
  • Novigrad shines with maritime charm. The town combines coastal flair with a well-preserved town wall and medieval fortified towers. It was once a Venetian fortress and today impresses with a mixture of historical heritage and modern marina. Particularly worth seeing is the parish church of St. Pelagius, whose crypt is one of the few in Croatia.
  • The sports town with Venetian heritage, Umag, is known as the venue for the ATP tennis tournament, but also offers cultural treasures. The old town is home to the baroque church tower of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and palaces from the 15th century that are well worth seeing. The promenade with its first-class restaurants is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike. Here, sporting dynamism is combined with a Mediterranean lifestyle.
  • Grožnjan, the artists' village with jazz flair, is a small but fascinating town that has established itself as a center for artists and musicians. The stone alleyways are lined with galleries, studios and workshops. In summer, the town transforms into a stage for classical concerts and the famous jazz festival.

Fantastic coastline & islands

With over 500 km of coastline and numerous offshore islands, Istria is a paradise for sailors and beach vacationers. The nature conservation peninsula of Kamenjak, the southernmost tip of Istria, offers secluded bays, crystal-clear water and the famous dinosaur trail. The Brijuni National Park with its islands, Mediterranean vegetation and ancient ruins is a must for nature lovers and impresses with its exotic wildlife. Vrsar enchants with its harbor panorama and the beautiful Belvedere beach, while Medulin scores with one of the few sandy beaches in the region.

Cuisine & lifestyle

The region is known for its excellent cuisine - from freshly caught fish and homemade truffle pasta to regional wines such as Malvazija and Teran. Dining in the traditional konobas is particularly authentic.

Active vacation & nature experiences

Istria also offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities:

  • Cycling: Over 60 signposted routes with breathtaking panoramas.
  • Hiking: Tours to the summit of Vojak (1,401 m) in the Učka Nature Park are particularly popular.
  • Water sports: kayaking, SUP and diving are possible on many stretches of coastline.


With around 2,400 hours of sunshine a year and a multitude of experiences between the coast and the hinterland, Istria is a dream destination for active vacationers, culture lovers and connoisseurs alike.