Istria is the largest Croatian peninsula and one of the top tourist destinations in the country. It is often called Croatian Tuscany, because of the romantic green hills topped by small medieval towns and forts. The coast of Istria is no less attractive because it has an infinite number of beautiful beaches and hidden coves where you can enjoy the crystal clear sea. Istria is also recognized as a region of gastronomic and oenological pleasures. Few people have not heard of Istrian truffles, extra virgin olive oil and top-quality wine. How to make the most of three days on this magical peninsula? Read below.

Day 1 - Rovinj and Porec

1. Church of St. Euphemia - The Church of St. Euphemia is located on top of a hill and dominates the view of the old town of Rovinj. In the church, there is a sarcophagus with relics of St. Euphemia, a Christian martyr from the 3rd century. Saint Euphemia is also the patron saint of the city of Rovinj, whose day is celebrated on September 16. Many visitors come to Rovinj just then, on a holy pilgrimage to pay their respects. The church offers a beautiful view of the sea and the surrounding area.

2. City Clock - This clock is a beautiful remnant of Rovinj's Venetian past. It is just one of the many attractions in the heart of this beautiful old town. Located on Marshal Tito Square, this tower was once a tower located on the southern corner of the old city walls. Originally built in the 12th century, the Rovinj tower has been upgraded several times and contains a clock from the 14th century. Since it is one of the highest points of Rovinj (except the Church of St. Euphemia), it is a great place for photos.

3. Rovinj County Museum - It was founded in 1954 by the city itself with the purpose of exhibiting works and organizing exhibitions of Rovinj artists, as well as guest artists. In addition, the museum has a rich collection of various objects that testify to the history of the city of Rovinj.

4. Palud Ornithological Reserve - Palud Bay, located 8 kilometers southwest of the city of Rovinj, today is the only ornithological park in Istria. Ornithologists have recorded over 200 species of birds on Palud. Numerous spring and autumn migrations are an excellent opportunity to observe them.

5. Blu Restaurant- Blu Restaurant is located in the bay Borika in Rovinj. It is especially popular because of its romantic ambiance and the terrace which is located right on the coast, giving you a true sea atmosphere and an example of top Istrian fine dining. Here you can taste freshly caught fish and other delicacies that are typical of the Istrian region (black truffles, oysters, olive oils), all accompanied by top Istrian wines.

6. Euphrasian Basilica - Euphrasian Basilica is the most famous landmark of Porec and has found its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was built on the remains of an earlier basilica, in the first half of the 6th century. The greatest treasures of the Euphrasian Basilica are the magnificent mosaics that adorn the main apse. Fine art made fifteen centuries ago from multicolored stones still does not lose its shine and freshness. Climb the bell tower of the Basilica, which offers a magnificent view of Porec and its surroundings.

7. Freedom Square - Freedom Square in Porec is the largest square in the city. It is a favorite place for socializing of the local population and all visitors to the city of Porec. Here you will find many cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy coffee or traditional specialties. There are also many souvenir shops, where you can get a lasting memory of your stay in Porec. Be sure to visit the beautiful baroque church of Our Lady of the Angels, located in the square.

8. Church of Our Lady of the Angels - The Church of Our Lady of the Angels in Porec was built in 1770. It is a single-nave baroque church with a sanctuary, apse, dome and sacristy. On the main altar are statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Dominic and St. Catherine. The painting of Our Lady of the Angels is on the wall in the sanctuary. The church has an organ from 1924. An 18-meter-high baroque bell tower is attached to the rear.

9. Aquapark Aquacolors - Aquapark Aquacolors in Porec is the largest water park in the whole of Croatia with an area of ​​more than 100,000 m2, but also one of the most modern water parks in Europe. It has more than 20 innovative water attractions, and one of the most interesting is Crocodile Bay. It is a relaxation area with 140 deck chairs and a hydromassage bench, a large swimming pool and a cave with a water bar and a huge crocodile head.

Day 2 - Pula and Brijuni National Park

10. Arena - The most famous and most significant monument, the building from which each tour of the city begins and ends - Pula Arena - the building where gladiator fights were held. It was built in the 1st century, during the reign of Emperor Vespasian. Today, the Pula amphitheater organizes many cultural and educational events, modern and played Roman demonstrations and music concerts.

11. Forum - Pula Forum has been the central town square since the time of the Roman colony of Pola. It has changed over time, and only the Temple of Augustus testifies to its ancient period. In Roman times, the forum was the main place of social life in the city.

12. Temple of Augustus - The temple on the Pula Forum is dedicated to the Roma goddess and Emperor Augustus. It was built between 2 BC and 14 AD, when Augustus passed away. The second temple, of which only the back wall has been preserved, is supposed to have been built at the same time and in the same style, and was the Temple of Diana.

13. Restaurant Milan- Restaurant Milan in Pula holds the title of the best restaurant in the area. The cuisine of the restaurant has found its foundations in the Istrian area, so here you will reward your palates with fresh, locally caught fish and seafood that you choose from a large glass cabinet located inside the restaurant. A well-known specialty of the restaurant are frog legs, simply prepared with creamy polenta.

14. Verudella Fortress - Verudella Fortress is one of the fortifications of Austro-Hungarian builders that adorns the panorama of the city. At the time when it was built, it was considered the best such building in Europe, and since the wars bypassed it, it is still the best-preserved such fortress on the Adriatic. Today, in addition to the history that accompanies it, visitors are attracted by the Pula Aquarium, which moved here. In the aquarium, you can see the diverse fauna that can be found in our Adriatic.

15. Cape Kamenjak - Cape Kamenjak is located 15 kilometers from the center of Pula. It is a peninsula on almost 4 km long beautiful and indented coast, with as many as 30 coves idyllic for swimming and refreshment and 11 uninhabited islands that together form a magnificent archipelago. Due to its exceptional natural values, as well as for its more effective protection, Cape Kamenjak was declared a protected area in 1996.

16. Brijuni National Park - Brijuni is a national park that includes three islands. The island can be reached by a short boat ride from Pula. On the Brijuni Islands, there is a site of historic, Roman and Byzantine buildings. A state residence was built in the former Yugoslavia, which still serves today to receive foreign delegations, and there is also a museum about Josip Broz Tito, the former president of the SFRY, who had a residence here on the Brijuni Islands. In 1983, the archipelago was declared a national park due to its preserved and rich flora and fauna.

Day 3 - Motovun and Pazin

17. Motovun City Walls - In the 11th and 12th centuries, the construction of walls and fortifications around the town of Motovun began. In the 13th century, the construction of the main rampart was further strengthened, so in the 15th century, Motovun was already formed into a solid, Gothic fortress. In the 17th century, part of the walls was demolished due to the provisions of a peace treaty concluded between Austria and Venice. The part that remains today is a very popular tourist and historical attraction.

18. Double City Gates - The Double city gates in Motovun are a well-preserved example of medieval city walls. They are double because they form two defensive belts on the west side of the wall. The exterior one has a lapidary with ancient and medieval inscriptions and reliefs, while the interior one is interesting due to its early Gothic style features.

19. Restaurant Zigante - Restaurant Zigante in Motovun is the first Croatian restaurant specializing in preparing dishes with Istrian truffles, and throughout the year offers a carefully combined menu based on fresh truffles. In addition, they offer other traditional Istrian meat dishes, snacks such as homemade prosciutto, cheese, olive oil and a small shop where you can buy indigenous Istrian delicacies.

20. Motovun Forest - Motovun Forest stretches along the valley of the river Mirna, all the way from Istarske Toplice to the small village of Livada and the valley of the beautiful lake Butoniga. Namely, it is a symbol of the last preserved Mediterranean indigenous forest in which you will find pedunculate oak, field ash and elm. Also in the Motovun forests, known for their truffles, its visitors can embark on an adventure of searching for an expensive and unique white truffle, accompanied by experienced guides and trained search dogs.

21. Pazin Castle - Towering over the abyss, this solid Pazin Castle is the largest and best-preserved medieval building in all of Istria. The castle was first mentioned in 983, and various architectural styles have been added to it over the centuries. Today, the Pazin Castle houses the Ethnographic Museum of Istria, where it is possible to see material related to the life of the inhabitants of the Istrian peninsula.

22. Zip line Pazin Abyss - If you are in Istria and you are a fan of adrenaline, the zip line Pazin Abyss is the right place for you. Zip-line Pazin Abyss consists of four lines. The zip-line adventure allows you to enjoy the view of the abyss and Pazin Castle above it.

23. Hiking trail Grdoselo - Zelengrad - This beautiful hiking trail leads to Zelengrad, which was first mentioned in 1102. Today, this completely ruined town, once a trapezoidal castle, is located on a hill below which the Grdoselo stream flows into the Butoniga lake. The hiking route starts in Pazin near the Memorial House and is great for those who want sightseeing and active vacation. Walking along the trail you can see many natural beauties and sights.