3 Star Places To Visit in Istria, Croatia (50)

1. 3.5 Medulin Village (227 reviews)
   - Too touristic, but a good base for exploring more of Istria
   Historic Sites
   
   
   I went to Medulin with my husband and teenage son in the beginning of August. At that time the streets and the beach are totally pact with tourist. The sandy beach turned out to be a disappointment. Mostly because of the water that was muddy and dirty. Shopping was not a pleasant activity as most of the sellers were to pushy and impolite. But Medulin can be a good base if you want to explore Istrias beautiful rocky beaches! Both we and our teenage son loved the spectacular beach at Kamenjak, where we could jump and dive from one of all the cliffs, as many meter above water as you could dare. In the evening we could choose from a large number of restaurants, and our favorite turned out to be Salt & Pepper at Sad 138. See more..
   
2. 3.5 The Twin Gates of Pula (195 reviews)
   - Nice ancient gate in Pula
   Points of Interest & Landmarks
   
   
   Porta Gemina is a double Roman city gate. It was built at the end of the 2nd century. It was one of the ten city gates of Pula, which stood on the north side of the capital. U can see here only the gate, nothing more, so take a picture and continue to Fortress Kastel. The whole article about Pula read on my blog hamiczech.tips, active link in my Profile. hamiczech - travel influencer, follow me for more tips, travel influ follow for follow See more..
   
3. 3.5 Les galeries souterraines Zerostrasse (188 reviews)
   - Interesting Attraction
   Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
   
   
   We visited as a family with teenagers. The lower tunnels were not quite as interesting as the Fort above. The construction of the lower tunnels was interesting but the displays are mainly given over to the history of the tram system which didn't hold our attention for long. The mezzanine level is very short but leads to the Fort above which had beautiful views over the city and the waterfront. It was good value and worth spending some time under and above the city. See more..
   
4. 3.5 Town Clock (168 reviews)
   - A remnant of a glorious Venetian time
   Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
   
   
   This is a nice remnant of a Venetian past. The late-Renaissance clock tower is located on the main town square in Rovinj. Apparently it once represented the tower on the south corner of the former town walls. The town clock features the distinguishing Venetian lion. It's just one of a number of interesting features in the centre of this lovely old town. See more..
   
5. 3.5 Fountain on Main Square (157 reviews)
   - Focal Fountain.
   Fountains
   
   
   I am very fond of this fountain as I first spotted it from afar on a live webcam, and watched all the comings and goings around it. This webcam was what inspired my interest in visiting this lovely town, and it was very fulfilling to actually physically be there beside this charming and endearing bronze statue with it's drinking water fountain.There are certainly a lot of guided tours taken to and around it, so it must be well thought of. See more..
   
6. 3.5 Pula Cathedral (155 reviews)
   - Simple Romanesque church, but not quite a cathedral in its stature.
   Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals
   
   
   Somewhat simple & unadorned & whilst well maintained is overshadowed by the abundance of older historic - & more prominent - buildings. Our visit was little more than a walk-by & grab a photo. My wish was to have been able to spend more time in Pula ... so much to see & learn. See more..
   
7. 3.5 Gate of Hercules (138 reviews)
   - Built by a woman
   Architectural Buildings
   
   
   I notice the reviews aren't great, but I enjoyed the history, and the fact it was built by a woman, who's name is carved at the top! See more..
   
8. 3.5 Samy's Ranch (108 reviews)
   - Fun in the rain
   Game & Entertainment Centers
   
   
   SAMY`S RANCH MEDULIN offers you horseback riding in the natural environment. Our tours are suitable for beginners and experienced riders too. Horses are well trained and very calm so riding them will be a memorable experience. You can choose between three programs: Riding- 1-hour route Riding- 2-hour route Riding- 3-hour route swimming with horses See more..
   
9. 3.5 Lighting Giants (99 reviews)
   - Only 3 & 1/2 lit up but still a good sight if you are passing
   Saturday: 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
   
   
   Over our week in Pula we saw the giants in their evening glory a couple of times. They can be seen from quayside across the road at the back of the large church/cathedral close to the forum. Each time we only saw 3 cranes illuminated properly & a 4th dimly lit. They look for industrial monsters that could probably be described as ugly during the day when they are busy loading cargo. I wish Liverpool would adopt this idea, it would look spectacular across the Mersey See more..
   
10. 3.5 Museum (98 reviews)
    - World Leaders Met Here!
    Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums
    
    
    This museum honors the late Yugoslav Communist ruler Josip Tito. Josip Broz Tito na Brionima (“Josip Broz Tito on the Brijuni Islands”) photography exhibit showcases the activities of the Yugoslavian president on the island from his arrival on 20 June 1947 to his last visit on 29 August 1979. There are over 200 photographs on display grouped into 5 categories, covering his private and professional life on the island. See more..
    
11. 3.5 Church of Our Lady of the Angels (93 reviews)
    - Standard church
    Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    I came alone to visit this church from the outside as well as inside. An impressive building in good condition. Inside quite standard and plain - just the picture on the top is very colorful and bright (see pictures). Is this a helpful review? Then please give me a "Thumbs up Thank FrankGeisler" by clicking the button below. See more..
    
12. 3.5 Roman Ruins (84 reviews)
    - Worth visiting - and it's free!!
    Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins
    
    
    I disagree with other reviewers who feel that this area should be adorned with plaques. I liked the fact that it was almost incidental and surrounded by houses. For me, the lack of other people, and any tourist information, added to the atmosphere and my enjoyment of these ruins. See more..
    
13. 3.5 St. Blaise's Church (71 reviews)
    - Unusual and interesting church visit
    Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    If you are in the area of Istria, it’s worth paying a visit to the Church of St Blaise at Vodnjan to see the remains of the saints’ bodies which are preserved without having been embalmed. The church member who greeted our small group was very welcoming, a passionate story teller, and quite a character. After a brief tour of the church, he took us behind the altar to the crypt where the bodies lie in glass cases in a darkened room. He proceeded to tell us their stories, in quite a dramatic fashion, including how the bodies had been scientifically examined and that their preservation could not be accounted for. We then listened to a recording after which we were invited to look more closely at the bodies. There is also a museum containing other holy relics but we did not go in there. Without visiting the museum we spent 20-30 minutes in the church and crypt and it costs between 2-10 euros per adult depending on what you want to see. See more..
    
14. 3.0 Rovinj Aquarium (Ruder Boskovic Institute) (67 reviews)
    - small but sweet
    Aquariums
    
    
    OK so its little but it only costs about £2.50 to get in. There are probably about 15 or so tanks in there with a nice collection of local fish and sea creatures. Well labelled and presented, if you take your time and look closely there is more to see than you might initially expect. Spent about an hour in here and loved the fact it was native species. See more..
    
15. 3.5 Plomin Luka (53 reviews)
    - The water is really that colour!
    Beaches
    
    
    If you are in the Istria area, it is definitely worth a visit to Plomin Luka, where the water is clear and beautiful. A stunning look out point at the top gives you an amazing outlook over the beautiful waters of Croatia. See more..
    
16. 3.5 Pazin Chasm (45 reviews)
    - Gorgeous view of castle and gorge with cave.
    Caverns & Caves
    
    
    We came here after walking around the Zarecki Krov waterfall area, parking to the side of Pazin Castle. After touring ($6 for 2 seniors) its interior with 2 museums, we walked along the deep gorge to see the small castle ruins and peer into the distant deep cave. The best view of the overall gorge was from the opposite side. We drove to the Restoran Lovac and parked around the back and walked to the nearby Zip Line. Gorgeous view. See more..
    
17. 3.0 Istrian Thermal Resort (41 reviews)
    - The pool that is good to cool down after a day outdoor!
    Hot Springs & Geysers
    
    
    Istarske toplice are placed in a beautiful scenery of Mirna valley. where the range of outdoor activities are possible, from hiking, running, climbing, cycling, etc. Through the valley is laid a beautiful more or less straight road that just before the junction to Istarske toplice start taking turns in narrowed valley. The building itself is in good condition. The pool is nice, the water is clean, there is also a children pool, the only problem is, that in both pools the temperature of the water is always about 27 degree Celsius, which is good enough for continous swimming or cooling down after a long hot exhausting day on a bicycle but not enough for just enjoying doing nothing :) The staff is nice and helpfull. To concluide, it is worth to spend a prolonged wekend there just to enjoy a nature that surrounds the Istarske toplice and take a swim at the evening before the dinner :) See more..
    
18. 3.5 Pazin City Museum / Muzej Grada Pazina (34 reviews)
    - Really interesting!
    Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums • History Museums
    
    
    The museum is worth a visit. The rooms with old craftsmanship and the exhibitions are also for kids very interesting See more..
    
19. 3.5 Obala Marsala Tita (26 reviews)
    - A lovely place to go for a stroll after dinner.
    Spent 1-2 hours Scenic Walking Areas
    
    
    We had several meals and drinks here while we were on holiday and were able to enjoy the breath-taking views of the Adriatic and the islands. You can’t visit Porec without walking along the embankment; it is in the main part of the town and it is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We enjoyed some very pleasant walks along the promenade, it is beautifully well-kept and there are many restaurants, cafes and stalls. We stopped for ice creams and then carried on walking again, everywhere is so clean and we didn’t see any litter. We saw lots of small boats and there were some impressive yachts in the marina. See more..
    
20. 3.5 Istra Nautika (Marina Funtana) (24 reviews)
    - Great time with Istra nautica
    Boat Rentals
    
    
    Our family had great experience with Istra nautica. The boat was great, clean and everything worked great. The boat was very clean in those Covid times. Many good Islands and beautiful beaches near Funtana to explore with the boat. We were really satisfied. I really reccomend them!! Jani See more..
    
21. 3.5 Sea Aquarimu Istra (18 reviews)
    - The best trip!
    Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching
    
    
    It was awesome! We seen a lot of dolphins! There was a diving show, a mermaid and a diver with a crab. The welcome juice was delicious! I loved it! We could swim for like half an hour. I recommend you to come! See more..
    
22. 3.5 Banjole Beach (17 reviews)
    - Small but peaceful beach
    Beaches
    
    
    Although the beach is small and appears man made it is a very pleasant place to spend the day. Plenty Of water based activities - kayaks, pedallos, inflatables etc.small beach bar and sunbed and parasol hire. Gentle gradient of the beach makes it ideal for younger children to go into the water. A local man sells corn on the cobb which is delicious. See more..
    
23. 3.5 Brijuni Golf Course (16 reviews)
    - not an ordinary golf course
    Spent More than 3 hours Golf Courses
    
    
    Playing golf on Brijuni is a unique feeling that provides absolute relaxation from everyday stress. With a wide natural beauty around you and the possibility of playing by the coast, fun is guaranteed. The subtle rippling of the sea surface and the rustling holm oak and Aleppo pine form a unique combination for achieving inner peace, so you can fully dedicate yourself to what you like - playing golf. See more..
    
24. 3.5 Olmuhle Al Torcio (16 reviews)
    - Top 50 wirld olive oil
    Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    You can find diferent kind of olive oil in this propriety Lecino,Pendolino,Frantoio,Moraiolo,Bianchera,Rosulja,Blend everyone is something special and worth to try!!! See more..
    
25. 3.5 Ranch Barba Tone (15 reviews)
    - Nice ranch
    Ranches
    
    
    The place is realy cute, the owner is friendly and fun, there are also other animals like dogs and chicken for kids to play with. See more..
    
26. 3.5 Barracuda Beach Bar (15 reviews)
    - Location, Location
    Bars & Clubs
    
    
    Firstly the location of the beach bar is prime, right on the sandy beach. The drink menu is large catering for all tastes. for it's location the prices aren't that bad, quite reasonable really. The staff are efficient and polite. Nice little place for a liquid refreshment. Music can be a little loud. See more..
    
27. 3.5 Fazana Tours-Galiola Boat (14 reviews)
    - Brijuni national park tour
    Saturday: 8:00 AM - 11:30 PM Cultural Tours • Boat Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours
    
    
    We choose the option where we went on Brijuni and it was beautiful. Firstly the trip around the islands with the free drinks and explanation of a tour guide. I highly recommend the tour. The island of Brijuni is perfect. We rent a golf car and went to the Safari and to few museums. We were more into enjoying the nature so that's what we focused on. Nature is all around you which is super relaxing. We went on a beach in the back and were alone there. Clear water and a lot of fish which is amaizing for snorkeling. The prices in the restaurant are good as well as the food but the cafe bars are a bit expensive. All together, worth the money, great experienxe that you don't get everyday See more..
    
28. 3.5 Koch's trail (13 reviews)
    - Interesting but small
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    Forester and planner of all Brijuni promenades, designed small hills by clearing the old stone quarries that accumulated over the years (ever since classical times). That is how promenades appeared; they are protected from summer heat and sheltered from cold winds. They became popular places for guests of the health resort. See more..
    
29. 3.5 Aeropark Vrsar - Tours (13 reviews)
    - Aeropark Vrsar
    Private Tours
    
    
    This place is fantastic if you or your kids love planes. It is also very cheap and we spent two hours there. My kids had the oportunity to sit in a 1959 Mig-21 which is very rare in Croatia. My eldest son didn't want to leave, he loved the place. The host was very friendly, informative and gave us a detailed tour of the place and planes. Thanks Aeropark Vrsar for a lovely day. See more..
    
30. 3.0 Airport Vrsar (7 reviews)
    - Panoramic flights arround Lim Channel, Sky adventure
    Skydiving • Air Tours
    
    
    Nice small airport with private services including Air bar for refreshment, nice local food and drinks. Air bar is located directly in Air Park - a sort of local aviation museum, but still vital part of airport. You can fly over Vrsar City, Rovinj or just over Lim Channel and local shore of Istria. Please, never fly without camera or you will loss opportunity to take unique photos See more..
    
31. 3.0 Lima Bay (6 reviews)
    - Eine glückliche Fügung
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    Vom gegenüberliegenden Restaurant grantelnd vertrieben und hier umso freundlicher aufgenommen, verbrachten wir hier einen schönen Abend mit einer schmackhaften Fischplatte mit fangfrischen Fischen und einem knackigen Salat. Absolut freundliche Gastgeber und freundliches Personal. Wir waren im September zwei mal hier beim Abendessen. Toller Blick auf Bucht und Hafen. Unbedingt empfehlenswert, man wird auch ohne Reservierung freundlich behandelt. See more..
    
32. 3.5 Jangalooz Adventure Park (4 reviews)
    - Good for kids
    Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers
    
    
    If you're looking for fun, adventure, adrenaline or simply a good time, this is the right place for you! See more..
    
33. 3.5 Enduro Croatia (4 reviews)
    - Moto e benessere
    4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Motorcycle Tours
    
    
    Ringrazio ancora Dordano (padrone di casa), la guida Dragan e l'organizzazione per averci fatto passare un weekend fantastico.
    Arrivati il venerdì sera ci attendevano per mostrarci l'appartamento (grande e pulito) e alle 21 la cena era pronta: mangiare genuino, porzioni abbondanti e di qualsiasi cosa avessimo avuto bisogno bastava chiedere.
    Sabato giornata di enduro: la guida ci ha portato in posti fantastici, percorsi medio-hard con passaggi veramente extreme per la presenza di acqua e fango. Divertimento ai massimi livelli.
    Pausa pranzo vicino al centro di Gračišće dove una signora ci ha preparato un pranzo coi fiocchi. Rifornimento curato dall'organizzazione e via per un pomeriggio in sella.
    Alle 17:30 siamo rientrati distrutti ma felicissimi per la splendida giornata.
    Posti meravigliosi, natura selvaggia e la sicurezza di avere una guida professionista.
    Qualità/prezzo ottimo, consigliato! See more..
    
34. 3.0 Konjicki Klub Capall Hrboki (4 reviews)
    - Great experience
    Equestrian Trails
    
    
    Horse Club Capall Hrboki is all around the year horse experience center. Situated in the beautiful Istrian country with almost intact nature overlooking Raski zaljev and just a few kilometers from the sea. We can offer numerous horse based activities for the ones that ride and for the ones that just want to enjoy the presence of horses grazing in the pasture. Trekking, hacking, riding in arena, ponies for the youngest, swimming with the horses, riding school are only a part of our offer. Special offer is our two day multi challenge trekking combining riding, sleeping in nature, canoeing and adventure park adrenalin experience. Also, as we are endurance sport club, we can tailor personalised trainings in this sport discipline according to your level of experience. See more..
    
35. 3.5 Mare Witch House (3 reviews)
    - Great experience!
    Spent < 1 hour Game & Entertainment Centers
    
    
    Mare, the witch will greet you and throw you back into the distant past with 3D mapping projection. The visitors are welcome to try virtual archery and test their knight skills. You will experience Svetvincenat in a unique manner with an augmented reality headset, partake in the quest for the unknown horseman’s armor and you will be able to peek into past. See more..
    
36. 3.5 Traditional Thai Massages (3 reviews)
    - Authentic and professional!
    Spent 1-2 hours Spas
    
    
    Believed to be over 2000 years old, traditional Thai massage is an authentic healing art and unique form of body therapy developed by people who used massage not only as a therapeutic method of healing to treat illnesses, but to maintain health and well-being. See more..
    
37. 3.5 Oprtalje Oude Stad (3 reviews)
    - Picturesque little hill town
    Ancient Ruins
    
    
    Oprtalje is perhaps not as well visited as similar hill towns in Istria but that does not make it any less interesting to visit. Its a charming and picturesque little town located on the hilltop above the Mirna river valley, opposite to Motovun. Points of interest are the large Venetian loggia, main town gates and interesting church. It commands wonderful views across the surrounding hills from the fortified walls. See more..
    
38. 3.5 Hillfort (Gradina) (3 reviews)
    - Brijuni are always great!
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    This is the fortified settlement from Bronze Age with preserved walls, entrance and necropolis. It is located on the homonymous hill, north of Verige Bay. In the mid Bronze-Age, along the settlement fortifications there were cemeteries. See more..
    
39. 3.5 Belvedere Javornik (3 reviews)
    - Vidikovac
    Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers
    
    
    This is the best preserved belvedere on Kupelwieser's Brijuni. Belvederes represent a unique example of engineer architecture. They were made around 1900. at the ironworks in Witkowice, and used to be a dominant tourist attraction; today they're covered by trees. The second preserved belvedere is above Brijuni''s central beach, on Saluga hill. See more..
    
40. 3.0 Adriatic Diving Center Vrsar/funtana (3 reviews)
    - Really mixed feelings
    Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Speed Boats Tours
    
    
    Goede ontvangst, goede locatie, prima materiaal , maar logistiek klopt het nog niet.
    een hele vriendelijke ontvangst door de aanwezige dame, duikcentrum ziet er prima uit, met goed en nieuw materiaal. Helaas spreekt niet iedereen Duits of Engels. De boot is robuust maar een toeristenboot. Setjes liggen los in t midden op de grond. Korte briefing door de kapitein want volgens ons sprak de instructeur alleen pools. Geen voorstel rondje, geen info over zuurstof en eHBO. Geen buddypaar indeling. Met een andere Nl gedoken. Onderwater kwamen we na 10 min. een duiker tegen met een ernstig lekkende inflatorslang. Geen buddy of begeleider aanwezig. Man reageerde nergens op; keek alleen naar zijn manometer, zakte naar ruim 17 m en was niet in staat het probleem op te lossen of adequaat te reageren. Duikleider in geen velden of wegen te bekennen. Dus deze duiker naar de boot gebracht en verder gedoken. o -feedback hierop na de duik.
    Kortom; duikschool met potentie maar er moet nog veel verbeteren; mn qua talen/ communicatie. See more..
    
41. 3.0 Your Summer Adventures (2 reviews)
    - Very poor value for money (Jet Skis) and customer service.
    Waterskiing & Jetskiing
    
    
    During our two week stay at Camping Stella Maris we hired two jet skis at a cost of 440 Kunas (£58) for 10 minutes (a lot I know but my daughters were keen for the experience and so contributed towards the cost). After leaving the waterside dock it took us 3 minutes to get to ‘safe zone’ (during this time the speed is limited to just tick over) once we were at the zone the jet skis were very erratic and in my opinion unsafe to ride as the engine kept speeding up and then slowing down due to the ‘safety control devices fitted’. After only 4 minutes the buzzer alarms went off advising us to take the 3 minute journey back. So in all for £58 all we got was no more than a few minutes to enjoy the Jet Ski at speed. When I complained to three separate members of staff they all shrugged their shoulders and said they would ‘tell the boss’. I would of also liked to do water skiing and use the inflatables but with such poor customer service I shall instead be telling my friends at the resort not to bother as there are several other water sports centres nearby. See more..
    
42. 3.5 The Old Olive Tree On Brijuni (2 reviews)
    Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • National Parks
    
    
    The olive tree is an integral part of Brijuni's unique landscape and, owing to its lush and rich crown, as well as the impressive size of its trunk, the tree adds to the unique view of this microlocation. See more..
    
43. 3.5 Dino Park, Brijuni National Park (2 reviews)
    - Have there been dinosaurs?
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    We have seen the dinosaur foodprints, set in stone. What we didnt get, was, why they were set in stone… See more..
    
44. 3.5 Kupelwieser's Peace (2 reviews)
    - Only one of many things to see in Brijuni!
    Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    If you are a history lover then this is for you. You can find many things that entire family can enjoy here in Brijuni! Good island for spending a day that you will not forget easily! See more..
    
45. 3.0 Fran's Reef Adriatic Diving and Sailing (2 reviews)
    - Angenehme Marina
    Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling
    
    
    Vrsar als Ausgangspunkt unserer vielen Turns vor der istrischen Küste und weiter über den Kvarner. Angenehme Marina, welche alles bietet was man als Segler braucht. Saubere Infrastruktur. See more..
    
46. 3.0 Windsurfing center Premantura (2 reviews)
    - Kayak day trip with a lovely lunch and guide
    Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Gear Rentals
    
    
    We found a,k the kayak tours were booked in Pula so rang the Premantura company. It was easy to get to by bus from Pula. The kayaking day was really good value for money, so much time kayaking and exploring. They gave use snorkels and flippers which was great as I’d not brought one to Croatia. The lunch stop was a lovely chilled cafe on the cliff above the sea and it was very relaxing. We got to see dinosaurs footprints, explore the sea around little islands by snorkel, visit some nice caves, and the guide had a GoPro if you wanted to have photos taken in the Water. The guide was brilliant, really polite, professional and always made sure everyone was safe and happy. We couldn’t be happier that we spent our last day of our trip on this activity. If you are hardy young women like us you can cope without jelly shoes, but some people who have them might want to bring them as walking on hot/jagged rocks isn’t for everyone. See more..
    
47. 3.0 Crkva Svete Marije (1 review)
    Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    See more..
    
48. 3.0 Church of St. Rocco (1 review)
    - "Quaint Little Chapel"
    Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    This quaint little chapel is situated by the lovely Adriatic Sea in Mlini. Unfortunately it is not open to the public,but there are two days of the week where there is a live musician playing. There is a sign outside telling you the history of this lovely little chapel dating back to the 15th century. See more..
    
49. 3.0 Remac Beach (1 review)
    Spent < 1 hour Beaches
    
    
    See more..
    
50. 3.0 Stadhuis Vodnjan (1 review)
    Architectural Buildings
    
    
    See more..