Continental Croatia meets the Adriatic in Istria (Istra to Croats), the heart-shaped, 3600-sq-km peninsula in the country’s northwest. The bucolic interior of rolling hills and fertile plains attracts food- and culture-focused visitors to Istria’s hilltop villages, rural hotels and farmhouse restaurants, while the indented coastline is enormously popular with the sun-and-sea set. The rocky beaches are not Croatia’s best, but the sea is clean and secluded spots are still plentiful.
Istria is the largest peninsula in the Mediterranean. It offers crystal clear waters and more than 2.400 hours of sunshine per year. Istria has a stunning coastline with picturesque towns, full of cultural heritage. The coast is just as beautiful as the hinterland: with its lush green hills, fertile valleys, and honey colored hilltop towns, it is often described as “The new Tuscany”.
Istria’s madly popular coast gets flooded with central European tourists in summer, but you can still feel alone and undisturbed in the peninsula’s interior, even in mid-August. Add acclaimed gastronomy, sprinkle it with historical charm and you have a little slice of heaven.
Istria offers a variety of sports activities from sailing, diving, tennis, hiking, cycling to golf. It is a true gourmet destination with starring fresh seafood, prime white truffles, wild asparagus, top-rated olive oils and award-winning wines.
In 2011 it has been ranked by the renowned Lonely Planet guide on Nr. 2 of the 10 top places to holiday in the world. The National Geographic Traveler put it under the 20 best places worldwide to visit in 2012. Focus of our developments are the charming rolling hills around the famous fortress town Motovun. It is truffle heartland, hosts some of the best wineries and olive oil producers in Croatia, and has emerged as an exclusive area for country houses over the last years.
In 2019. it was ranked as Nr. 10 ‘Best in Europe’ destination again by The Lonely Planet – www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-europe