Croatia island of Istria. Istria - the resort region of Croatia
The Istrian peninsula in Croatia is an ancient land of farmers, winemakers and fishermen, attracting connoisseurs of pristine nature and ancient history, ecotourists, rock climbers and cyclists, artists and gourmets from all over the world. People come here to soak up the beaches in picturesque bays, enjoy fresh oysters and fragrant local malvasia or Casanova's favorite wine - ruby teran, visit the smallest city on the planet, take unforgettable photos against the backdrop of the facades of ancient fortresses, Venetian villas or pastoral villages, take a walk along the 12-kilometer promenade of the Opatija Riviera. The attractiveness of the region is also added by friendliness and aphoristic language. local residents, full of wise sayings, convenient modern infrastructure of cities and good ecology.
Business card
Istria, the largest peninsula of the Adriatic, is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Trieste from the northwest, and the Kvarner Gulf from the east. The water temperature in early spring is about + 10 ° С, in early autumn + 23 ° С, the salinity of the water is about 37%. The climate is warm and fairly dry, with cold winds in the northeastern part. It is relatively easy to move around the peninsula, which allows you to combine a beach holiday with study tours of historical cities and villages, with walks in the mountains.
What to see, where to visit
The region is unusually rich in historical and natural curiosities. Lovran and Opatija in the northeastern part of Istria, on the banks of the Kvarner, have retained their appearance from the time when the Venetian doges and wealthy merchants built their villas here; the ancient towns of Bue and Grozhnyan are charming; in Bale, the Neo-Gothic palace of the 15th century is interesting, in Vodnyan the Baroque church of St. Blazh, and Divigrad in the area of the Lima Bay is the ruins of a fortress abandoned by people many centuries ago. Important sights of Istria can be considered one of the best in Croatia national reserves Brijuni, which is an archipelago and several islands, the smallest town with a population of about 20 people - Hum, Baredinskaya cave, Glagolitsa Alley, oyster farms on the Lim Canal. Amazing panoramic views open from the highlands near the towns of Vrh and Vodzhak. You can visit the Plitvice Lakes, as well as go on day trips to Slovenia and Italy.
Beaches
Istria is one of the popular Adriatic beach regions: rugged picturesque coast create many cozy bays and bays, protected from the wind by rocks. There are few sandy shores, the beaches are mostly pebbly, in some places the shores are concreted, and the emphasis is on good infrastructure, an abundance of restaurants and entertainment, but also lovers of traditional beach and camping tourism on the peninsula are waiting for many paradises. In Vrsar there is a nudist complex, the largest in Europe.
Entertainment and active recreation
Croatia is rich in all sorts of holidays and festivals, and the Istrian peninsula is no exception, almost every month all kinds of festivities take place here: the fishermen's holiday, when fish are fried along the coast, they drink wonderful local wine and dance; Lovran festival, merry Marunad to the glory of chestnut picking, culinary competitions, new wine festival, all kinds of regattas, bike rides. On the peninsula there are courts with excellent coverage - the world tennis elite gathers here for training camps and trainings, there are golf courses, yacht clubs, equestrian sections, bicycle and electric car rental, a lot of marine entertainment. Nightclubs and discos operate in all major cities.
Local cuisine and wines
Croatia - real paradise for lovers of natural products and gourmet tours, and Istria represents the country with dignity. Freshly caught fish, crayfish, oysters from local farms, truffles and asparagus, kaymaks and homemade cheeses, pasta, ravioli, all kinds of prosciutto, which are famous far beyond the region, and dishes from Boshkarina, snow-white bulls with huge horns. And, of course, in any institution, from a pretentious club to a small tavern on the coast, they will offer local wines that have earned Istrian fame around the world.
The Istrian peninsula in Croatia is an ancient land of farmers, winemakers and fishermen, attracting connoisseurs of pristine nature and ancient history, ecotourists, rock climbers and cyclists, artists and gourmets from all over the world. People come here to soak up the beaches in picturesque bays, enjoy fresh oysters and fragrant local malvasia or Casanova's favorite wine - ruby teran, visit the smallest city on the planet, take unforgettable photos against the backdrop of the facades of ancient fortresses, Venetian villas or pastoral villages, take a walk along the 12-kilometer promenade of the Opatija Riviera. The attractiveness of the region is also added by the friendliness and aphoristic language of the locals, full of wise sayings, convenient modern infrastructure of cities and good ecology.
Business card
Istria, the largest peninsula of the Adriatic, is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Trieste from the northwest, and the Kvarner Gulf from the east. The water temperature in early spring is about + 10 ° С, in early autumn + 23 ° С, the salinity of the water is about 37%. The climate is warm and fairly dry, with cold winds in the northeastern part. It is relatively easy to move around the peninsula, which allows you to combine a beach holiday with study tours of historical cities and villages, with walks in the mountains.
What to see, where to visit
The region is unusually rich in historical and natural curiosities. Lovran and Opatija in the northeastern part of Istria, on the banks of the Kvarner, have retained their appearance from the time when the Venetian doges and wealthy merchants built their villas here; the ancient towns of Bue and Grozhnyan are charming; in Bale, the Neo-Gothic palace of the 15th century is interesting, in Vodnyan the Baroque church of St. Blazh, and Divigrad in the area of the Lima Bay is the ruins of a fortress abandoned by people many centuries ago. Important sights of Istria can be considered one of the best national reserves in Croatia "Brjuni", which is an archipelago and several islands, the smallest town with a population of about 20 people - Hum, Baredinskaya Cave, Glagolitsa Alley, oyster farms on the Lim Canal. Amazing panoramic views open from the highlands near the towns of Vrh and Vodzhak. You can visit the Plitvice Lakes, as well as go on day trips to Slovenia and Italy.
Beaches
Istria is one of the most popular beach regions of the Adriatic: the indented picturesque shores create many cozy bays and bays, protected from the wind by rocks. There are few sandy shores, the beaches are mostly pebbly, in some places the shores are concreted, and the emphasis is on good infrastructure, an abundance of restaurants and entertainment, but fans of traditional beach and camping tourism on the peninsula will find many paradises. In Vrsar there is a nudist complex, the largest in Europe.
Entertainment and active recreation
Croatia is rich in all sorts of holidays and festivals, and the Istrian peninsula is no exception, almost every month all kinds of festivities take place here: the fishermen's holiday, when fish are fried along the coast, they drink wonderful local wine and dance; Lovran festival, merry Marunad to the glory of chestnut picking, culinary competitions, new wine festival, all kinds of regattas, bike rides. On the peninsula there are courts with excellent coverage - the world tennis elite gathers here for training and training, there are golf courses, yacht clubs, equestrian sections, bicycle and electric car rental, and a lot of marine entertainment. Nightclubs and discos operate in all major cities.
Local cuisine and wines
Croatia is a real paradise for lovers of natural products and gourmet tours, and Istria represents the country well. Freshly caught fish, crayfish, oysters from local farms, truffles and asparagus, kaymaks and homemade cheeses, pasta, ravioli, all kinds of prosciutto, which are famous far beyond the region, and dishes from Boshkarina, snow-white bulls with huge horns. And, of course, in any institution, from a pretentious club to a small tavern on the coast, they will offer local wines that have earned Istrian fame around the world.
The Istrian peninsula covers an area of 3160 sq. km, almost the entire territory is under the control of Croatia, and only a small part of it belongs to neighboring Slovenia. The peninsula was named after the local inhabitants of the ancient tribes "Histry", who could not withstand the onslaught of the Celtic tribes and disappeared forever. Sandalj Cave, located near the town of Pula, contains unique examples of ancient art: historians believe that they are over one million years old!
Istria was clearly a tidbit on the entire coast of the Adriatic Sea, therefore it was encroached upon throughout its existence. It alternately belonged to the Venetian Republic, then France, after that it was part of Austria-Hungary, Italy, Germany, the Yugoslav Republic. After the collapse of the latter, Istria went to Croatia.
Such stormy history left a very strong impression on cultural heritage Istria, and today in the museums of numerous resorts of the peninsula you can find examples of architecture, art and literature. Istria can be called a unique place where the West and the East have harmoniously united.
most high point Istria is the city of Učka, which rises above sea level to a height of 1396 meters. On its green slopes, small towns with ancient buildings of the Middle Ages are comfortably located. The most famous among them are Grožnjan and Motovun, from each point of which wonderful panoramas of Istria open up. Local landscapes can only be compared with the views that open to the eyes of tourists in the most attractive places in Provence and Tuscany.
The similarity is completed by an abundance of wines and dishes that can easily compete with the famous French cuisine. Every tourist should definitely try local seafood, delicate sheep cheese and prosciutto, a dish whose taste cannot be described or compared with anything, you just need to try it yourself. A good lunch will cost $10-15, but many dishes are truly unique.
There are quite a few natural attractions in Istria: a chain of small islands off the western coast of the peninsula, karst caves near the town of Pazin, and the beautiful Lim Fjord, a narrow bay that cuts through the peninsula for many kilometers, delighting the eye with picturesque shores.
Tours to Istria are very popular due to the developed infrastructure, a large number of hotels of various classes, chic restaurants and many attractions. In addition, it is the resorts of Istria that are visited by people suffering from diseases of the respiratory system, because the warm sea air here is filled with the aromas of coniferous plants. In Istria there are two Croatian national parks Brijuni archipelago and Plitvice lakes.
Holidays in Istria are necessary for people who are tired of the frantic pace of big cities and want to enjoy the slowness and regularity with which Croats are used to living. At the same time, the developed infrastructure of all local resorts allows you to find entertainment for every taste, and hotels on the very seashore will delight you with excellent service. The summer season in the resorts of Istria begins at the end of April and lasts until October.
Russian tourists rightly note that a week spent in one of the resorts of Istria is remembered more than a whole month in any other place. By the way, from Istria you can go on an excursion to Venice if you have a Schengen visa in your passport. In general, if you appreciate natural beauty, history and love to soak up the warm rays of the sun on a pebble beach, the Istrian peninsula will be exactly the place where all this is in abundance.
The beaches of the Istrian peninsula are picturesque and diverse, formed by a bizarrely indented coastline, numerous bays and coves.
On the Istrian peninsula there are beaches for every taste, there are pebbly and rocky beaches.
formed from picturesque coastline, bays and coves.
The coast of the Istrian peninsula is famous for its international level hotels, high service and modern equipment.
44 beaches of the Istrian peninsula have a Blue Flag / Blue Flag, a beach mark for its cleanliness and comfort for vacationers.
The beaches of Rovinj
Polare beach is mostly rocky. Polare in the north borders on the beaches of the Villas Rubin tourist complex with all its sports, water and children's entertainment.
South of the bay there is a small pier where you can also sunbathe.
Vestar bay beach
Vestar beaches are located 5 km from the center. Vestar beach is covered with wonderful small pebbles. The length of Vestar beach Rovinj is 700 m.
Vestar Beach Awarded blue flag for the purity of the sea and water area.
There are also sandy areas of the beach. Not far from the beach there is a campsite where you can rent a boat or sports equipment, use the tennis courts, sports fields and camping restaurants.
The entrance to the sea is gentle and Vestar beach is excellent suitable for families with children different ages.
Cape Babo Beach
The next after the Polare bay is Babo cape, the distance from the center of Rovinj is 5 km. The beaches of Cape Babo are rocky with difficult entrances to the sea. Every 50-100 m there are entrances to the water.
There is no entertainment on Babo beach itself, but beach guests can take advantage of all the entertainment offers at the nearby Polare Bay campsite.
The beach of Cisterna bay and Bacvice bay
Cisterna beach is located 5 km from the center.
The beaches of Cisterna and Bacvice are formed white pebbles and some of the most beautiful beaches of the Rovinj Riviera.
There is no entertainment on the beach and the beach is quiet "wild" beaches of Croatia. There is a plot on Cisterna beach sandy beach . The nearest sports and water activities from the beach are 2 km away at Camping Polare.
Gustinja bay beach
Gustinja Bay is located near Rovinj. It is more convenient to get to Gustinja beach by sea. The nearest parking is located 10 minutes walk from the beach.
Gustinja beach does not have any entertainment for vacationers, the beach belongs to "wild" beaches of Croatia and not crowded.
Gustinja beach is gentle and suitable for family vacation with kids. The sea here is rich in fauna and attracts lovers diving.
Cape Gustinja beach
The beach of Cape Gustinja is located 7 km from the center of Rovinj. The beach of the cape can be reached by car. There is no entertainment at Cape Gustinja. The beach of Cape Gustinja belongs to "wild" beaches of Croatia. The beach is gentle and suitable for families with children.
Amarin tourist complex beach
Amarin beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Rovinj Riviera!
The beach at Laguna Materada is rocky and has concrete sunbathing platforms.
Comfortable pebble beach available 50 m from of Poreč Parentium 4*
Its pebble beach stretches for about the famous hotel complex and Hotel Poreč Village Laguna Galijot 4*.
Numerous entertainments are offered to the guests of the hotel and the beach.
All beaches of Poreč hotels are open to everyone and free of charge. Sun loungers and parasols can be rented for an additional fee. All beaches have a rescue service and first aid.
The beaches of the Lanterna peninsula Poreč riviera Istria Croatia
Loved by vacationers from all over Europe, the quiet and green Lanterna peninsula of the Poreč Riviera offers its guests several beaches.
Valeta beach is located in the northwestern part of the Lanterna peninsula of Poreč, 13 km from the center of Poreč. Valeta beach is natural pebbly, 200 m long.
Not far from the beach there is a campsite with all the tourist infrastructure.
Crnika beach pebbly and rocky, 300 m long. The beach is located in a residential area surrounded by low trees.
Galeb beach located 13 km from Poreč in the resort town of Solaris, next to a campsite and private houses. The beach is rocky with concrete inserts and an open view of the water area, 200 m long.
Camping next to the beach offers a variety of activities for campers, as well as sports facilities, restaurants and cafes.
Poreč Nudist Beach – Ulika FKK
The beach Ulika FKK is located 7 km north of the center of Poreč and belongs to the naturist center of Poreč - Ulika. Ulika beach is rocky.
Pula beaches
The beaches of Pula and the Riviera numerous and varied, not far from Pula there are pebbly and rocky beaches. 44 beaches in Pula have been awarded the Blue Flag for the cleanliness of the sea and water area.
Beach Stoja Pula
To the west of the center of Pula is the famous beautiful beach Stoja with a variety of entertainment for guests. The Stoja beach is pebbly and gently sloping, perfect for families with children of all ages.
Near the beach there is a campsite where you can rent equipment, mini golf, tennis courts, volleyball and basketball courts, restaurants, shops and exchange office. The Stoja beach is connected to the Verudela peninsula by a promenade for evening and morning walks.
Gortanova beach Pula bay
The beach Gortanova Pula Bay is sandy with a gentle entrance to the sea, recommended for families with children of all ages. Gortanova beach is surrounded by trees and has natural shade. There is a beach cafe for guests. Near the beach there is a rocky bay - a favorite place for divers.
Beach Vile Stinjan Pula
Vile Stinjan beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Pula and Istria. Vile Stinjan beach is pebbly and surrounded by lush vegetation. Beach volleyball, sports equipment rental and sun loungers are organized for guests. There is also a diving center and a path for hiking and cycling. Croatian cuisine restaurant next to the beach beautiful view on the .
Beach Valkane Pula
Valkane beach is partly sandy, equipped with entrances and slopes to the sea for people with handicapped. Not far from the beach Valkane Pula there are restaurants and a sports complex.
The beaches of the Verudela Peninsula Pula
The Verudela Peninsula is rich in excellent, well-equipped beaches. The beaches of Verudela are small-pebbled and rocky. There are several hotels on the peninsula near the beaches. Peninsula Verudela 4 km from the historical center of Pula.
Ambrela beach of the Verudela peninsula Pula
Ambrela beach of the Verudela peninsula Pula– located on the peninsula of the same name Verudela – a prestigious green tourist area of Pula. Ambrela beach is gently sloping and pebbly, perfect for for holidays with children different ages. There are sports grounds in the eastern part of the peninsula. Vacationers are offered to rent sunbeds and umbrellas for sunbathing. On the beaches of the peninsula there is a water slide and three pools. Near the beach there is a popular Hotel Pula Park Plaza Verudela 4*.
Ambrela beach has a Blue Flag for the cleanliness of the sea and water area.
Beach Havajsko peninsula Verudela Pula
Havajsko beach located on the Verudela peninsula of Pula near Hotel Park. The Hawaiian beach is pebbly and gently sloping, ideal for families with children of all ages.
Histria beach of the Verudela peninsula of Pula
Histria beach is located next to the same name Hotel Histria 4* Pula the Verudela peninsula. The beach is pebbly with a gentle entry into the water. For guests of the beach, a rental of water activities is offered. Histria beach has a Blue Flag for the cleanliness of the sea and water area.
Brioni beach of the Verudela peninsula of Pula
Brioni beach is one of the 44 beaches in Pula awarded the Blue Flag for the cleanliness of the sea and water area.
Brioni beach is rocky.
Brioni beach is located at the very beginning of the Verudela peninsula near the center of Pula. Situated directly above the beach hotel Brioni 2* Pula with outdoor and indoor swimming pools, restaurants and entertainment program.
Umag beaches
- the center of European tourism, the coast and beaches of Umag stretch for 45 km along the sea. The beaches of Umag are mostly rocky with concrete sunbathing areas.
8 beaches in Umag have the Blue Flag award for the cleanliness of the sea and water area.
Beach Laguna Stella Maris Umag
One of the most popular and favorite beaches of Umag - Laguna - located 3 km from the center of Umag.
Beach Laguna Umag small-pebbled and gently sloping, ideal for families with children of all ages. Laguna Umaga beach is located in the wonderful bay of Laguni Stella Maris Umag. The beach is surrounded by natural greenery and there are places for sunbathing. Around the Laguna Umag beach there is everything you need for relaxation and beach activities, beach guests can spend the whole day here. Laguna Beach was awarded the Blue Flag for the cleanliness of the sea and water area.
Katoro beach Umag
No less famous Umag beaches - Katoro and Polynesia- the beaches are sandy, stone and pebble in sections, surrounded by pine trees, everyone can find a comfortable place to relax on the sea. On the beaches there are playgrounds for children, a swimming pool, sports grounds. The beaches of Umag Katoro and Polynesia are ideal for families.
Katoro beach Umag located in the tourist village of the same name, there are several high-level hotels. Katoro Beach has plenty of entertainment for vacationers of all ages, several beach cafes, bars and restaurants, as well as showers and changing cabins, water slides and trampolines. Katoro Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for the cleanliness of the sea and water area.
Sol Polynesia beach Umag
Polynesia beach Umag is located in resort village Katoro is next to the Sol Polynesia apartment complex and is rich in various entertainment for vacationers. Near the beach there are two swimming pools, grass sports fields for football and badminton, tennis courts, a playground, as well as a bar and a restaurant serving local cuisine with a grill.
Not far from the Polynesia beach there is a separate beach for nudists.
Beach Kanova Umag
Beach Kanova Umag is located in beautiful bay next to Karigadora, where the famous Karigadora Evenings take place, 8 km from Umag. Kanova beach is rocky with concrete sunbathing areas and equipped entrances to the sea. Near the beach there is a campsite with a restaurant, cafes and shops, a swimming pool and many entertainments for children and adults. Kanova beach has a Blue Flag for the cleanliness of the sea and water area.
The southern part of the bay is reserved for lovers of naturalistic recreation.
Aurora beach Umag
Aurora Umag beach located in the tourist town of Katoro, 2 km from the center of Umag. Aurora beach is concreted, vacationers are offered to rent sunbeds and umbrellas for sunbathing, as well as equipment for water activities. The beach is surrounded by trees.
Kanegra beach Umag
Kanegra beach Umag located near the tourist town of Savudrija (Savudrija) next to the tourist complex of the same name with a variety of entertainment for vacationing children and adults. Kanegra beach is small-pebbled, surrounded by trees and has a natural shade, the beach is great for families with children. Tourist complex including a campsite and a naturist beach.
Beach Savudrija Umag
Beach Savudrija Umag located in Savudrija, the westernmost point of Croatia. The beaches of Savudrija are rocky.
Here is the lighthouse of Croatia - Savudrija / Savudrija built in the 19th century. Lighthouse Savudrija is one of the most famous lighthouses in Croatia.
Savudrija beach is surrounded by trees. The sea around Savudrija is a favorite place for surfers. Not far from the beach there is a campsite with various entertainment for vacationers, cafes and restaurants, sports grounds and a swimming pool. The beaches of Savudrija are gently sloping and are great for families with small children and the elderly.
The page uses photos from the sites www.istra.hr, www.rovinj.co, www.istriasun.com, www.panoramio.com
The Istrian peninsula is one of the most popular resort regions in Croatia. Tourists call Istria paradise, where a measured and relaxing atmosphere reigns.
The nature here is amazingly beautiful: the cleanest sea, rocky coast, pine forests and deciduous parks - and ancient cities and modern hotels fit so well into this beauty. It remains, perhaps, to add only that Istria is on the list the best places for families Europe's Best Destinations.
All the most important information about resorts, beaches, attractions and choosing the time for a holiday with children in Istria is in the Kid Passage review.
Istria on the map of Croatia
Istria is a peninsula in the northwest of Croatia, washed by the waters of the Adriatic Sea. Almost the entire territory of the island is occupied by the Istrian County (district) with the administrative center in the city of Pazin.
The distance from Zagreb to the main resort towns of Istria: to Pula - 267 km, to Rovinj - 249 km, to Poreč - 248 km, to Umag - 259 km, to Rabac - 226 km, to Opatija - 174 km.
It is worth looking at the map where Istria is located, and you can immediately guess on which pages of history there are references to this peninsula: the Roman Empire and the subsequent merger of Romanesque and Slavic culture, the Venetian Republic and an unprecedented cultural flourishing, Austria-Hungary and the appearance of the first resorts.
After World War I, Istria became part of Italy, and after World War II it became part of Yugoslavia. Now most of the peninsula belongs to Croatia, a smaller part to Slovenia and a very tiny part to Italy.
What does all this mean for travelers? Rest on wonderful beaches Adriatic, excursions to beautiful old towns and acquaintance with cuisine, where Italian and Croatian traditions are intertwined - that is, everything that leaves the most pleasant impressions.
Vacation with children
Holidays in Istria are often planned by families with children. The main advantages of the region are obvious: convenient location, mild climate, favorable ecological situation, variety of resorts. If you take a closer look at the peninsula, other positive aspects will become noticeable.
Let's start with the fact that a third of the territory of Istria is occupied by pine forests and parks.
Pine trees grow right along the coast, creating a natural protection from the sun's rays. The air here is healing, suitable for the treatment of diseases of the respiratory system. Many people come to Istria with their children to forget about chronic bronchitis, tonsillitis and even asthma.
The next plus is no big cities. The resorts of Istria are devoid of fuss and crowds even in the high season, so if you want to relax with a child in a quiet but not sleepy town, feel free to choose Rovinj, Porec, Rabac or other resorts of the peninsula.
The tourist infrastructure of Istria pleases, there is a good choice of hotels, apartments, villas - and all this at relatively low prices. You can choose a family hotel with all the amenities for a holiday with a baby, or inexpensive apartments if you are going to spend as much time on the beach as possible while traveling.
In fairness, let's talk about the shortcomings. In Istria for children not much entertainment, a platform beaches are not always convenient for bathing babies. Resorts are trying to remedy the situation by equipping playgrounds and equipping small beaches with a gentle entrance to the sea.
But on the peninsula much attention is paid to sports. Here you can see tennis courts, numerous bicycle paths, various water sports activities.
When is the best time to go
The duration of the tourist season in Istria is determined by the weather and the availability of flights. Favorable for beach holiday and excursions, the weather sets in mid-May and lasts until mid-September, respectively, before and after these dates, the number of flights to Istria is negligible.
The peak of congestion of the resorts of the peninsula falls on July-August. For a relaxing holiday, it is better to come to the opening of the season in Istria, that is, at the end of May - June.
True, at the same time you will have to do without swimming in the sea: in order not to deprive yourself of the pleasure of refreshing yourself in the heat, look at a hotel with pools for adults and children. Many interesting events on the peninsula also take place in the summer.
Those wishing to see the sailing regatta flock to Umag and Rovinj. Rabac arranges a colorful carnival in June. In July, Poreč gathers folk music lovers. AT different cities several times during the summer they organize fairs of Croatian cuisine with obligatory entertainment for children.
Well, if you go, you can see something interesting, from a biker gathering to jazz concerts, which happens almost every day. It seems that the question of when is the best time to go to Istria has resolved itself.
Weather and climate
The climate of Istria is very mild, so even on the hottest days in this resort, both adults and children feel great. It would be logical to assume that in the northernmost resort region of Croatia it is slightly colder than in Central or Southern Dalmatia, but in reality the temperature difference is almost imperceptible.
On vacation with a child in Istria You can visit at the end of May. The sea is still cold, but the air has time to warm up to +23-25°C. Sometimes May is very hot, although there are also cool days.
By June, the weather stabilizes: the thermometers confidently overcome the mark of +25°C, and occasionally reach +30°C. Until the heat has become the norm, you can have a good rest with a baby in Istria.
The heat comes to the peninsula in July. The average air temperature in the second half of summer is +28°C, but the sun does not skimp on +35°C. The situation is saved by the sea breeze, but still you should not abuse sunbathing.
Meanwhile best holiday in Istria with children - this is a vacation in July-August, because only by this time the sea becomes really warm.
With the advent of autumn, the weather usually deteriorates. It often rains and the air cools quickly. The average temperature in September is about +24°C, but cooling down to +16-20°C is not uncommon. It happens that September gives a week or two of wonderful summer weather, but autumn vacation in Istria one should rather call it unpredictable.
Note that it rains on the peninsula all year round. In May-June, precipitation is quite frequent; in July-August, clear weather prevails. The rainiest month is September.
Another feature of some Istrian resorts is cold nights. If in Porec, Rovinj or Rabac in the evening the temperature drops to + 19-22 ° C, then in Opatija it gets colder to + 15-16 ° C, and in June and September it can be as low as + 13 ° C.
Sea water temperature
Istria is the northernmost resort, and bathing season here ends a little earlier than, say, in the central and southern parts of the coast. But still, for almost three months you can swim here without getting out of the water for a long time.
The sea temperature on the eastern and western coasts of Istria differs by almost a degree. When vacationers in Rabac carefully try whether the water is good, tourists in Poreč and Rovinj are already boldly swimming.
The best time for swimming is from mid-June, when the sea warms up to +22°C. By the beginning of July, the water temperature in Istria rises to +24°C, and in two weeks it reaches +25-26°C. Until the end of August, the sea remains the same warm. If hot weather persists for a long time, the sea can warm up to + 28-30 ° C.
With the arrival of autumn, the water becomes invigorating. Even at the beginning of September, the sea maintains a temperature of +23-25°C, but by the end of the month it cools down to +20-21°C.
Nutrition
Hotels in Croatia do not try too hard to tempt tourists with full board or all-inclusive concept. Usually, hotels offer only breakfast, and at lunch or in the evening, travelers relax in konoba - restaurants national cuisine where portions are huge and prices are moderate.
Istrian cuisine is rich in seafood, vegetables, but meat is also in honor here. Most of the dishes on the menu are suitable for a child who does not need special nutrition.
Transport
Public transport in Istria is most focused on serving tourists, because in small towns you can easily move on foot or by bike.
But here in Poreč and Umag tourist trains run, connecting hotels with the city center. A ride on such a train costs 10-20 kunas, the same price applies to tickets for children.
But in Rovinj there are river buses connecting the city with the Brijuni Islands. A ticket for this type of transport costs 15 kunas.
Rabac has a bus connection with the city of Labin. Buses leave every hour during the high season (the exact timetable can be found on the community's tourism website). The trip costs 20 kunas.
There are three bus routes in Opatija. It is best to buy bus tickets at tobacco shops, then the cost of two trips will be 15-30 kunas. Tickets for 10-20 kunas, which are sold on the bus, entitle you to one trip.
Most bus routes in Pula, and buses and minibuses also go to the nearest suburbs. A ticket for travel costs from 8 to 25 kunas.
Intercity transport in Istria is quite convenient for trips on excursions. Buses go through all resort towns and allow you to reach even distant sights.
Due to the convenience of bus routes, taxis are less popular in Istria. Taxi in Croatia is a relatively expensive mode of transport, and short trip will cost at least 40-50 kunas.
A taxi from the airport will cost 35-200 euros, while tickets for a direct shuttle bus from the airport to the resorts, depending on the distance, cost 3-40 euros when bought online and 4-50 euros when bought from the driver.
