Istria
Istria (Croatian: Istra) is the north-westernmost county of Croatia. In a triangular shape, it is enclosed in the north by Slovenia, east by the Kvarner region of Croatia and on the south and west by the Adriatic Sea.
After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the inner territory remained a feudal province occupied by Slavs, Frankish and finally Austrian Habsburgs, whereas the seaside fell under control of the Republic of Venice in the 13th century. Intermittent
Since 1797, the Croatian residents of Istria worked really hard for autonomy and were ruthlessly oppressed both by Austrians and Fascist Italy (after World War I), eventually ending with vengeance from Yugoslav partisans after the World War II, forcing most ethnic Italians to leave. A tiny ethnic Italian population still lives in the coastal towns. comparatively spared from the Yugoslav Wars,
Istria is now a flourishing region. Recent years have seen a rising regional attitude and a reconciliation with its previously conflictive Italian character.
Nature:
The
Istrian peninsula offers stark contrasts: The interior is unspoiled and mountainous with prehistoric walled cities on hills with surrounding lush fields. The
Istrian seashore is possibly the most developed holiday-maker target in Croatia. Hordes of Italian and French tourists enjoy package tourism throughout the jam-packed high season.
Although
Pula is the main city according to inhabitants and culture, relatively rural Pazin is the managerial centre of the peninsula. Istria is a fine county to practise climbing and biking, as much in the mountainous inland as on the coast. The Southern end of Istria is possibly the best place for biking. Ask for a bike map in Pula Tourist Office, showing well-marked routes around the coast and in the Cape Kamenjak.
Language
Croatian is the official and most common language, but in these previously Venetian lands Italian is nearly universally spoken. There is still an Italian cultural community in a lot of coastal towns. German is also very extensively spoken. A good number of restaurants in the main town also have an English speaker or two.
How to reach to Istria
Pula is the central transportation hub for Istria so most people will arrive there if they are not driving. Some cruiser lines arrive to Poreč, too. Buses run from Trieste in Italy, Zagreb and other main cities to
Pazin in the centre of Istria, and most to Pula in the South. Ryanair provides a connection London (Stansted) to Pula three days a week, and Dublin Pula also. Scandjet connects Pula to Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm once a week (on Saturdays) during the summer. Germanwings also serves Pula. Trains run daily between Ljubljana in Slovenia and Pula, and from Rijeka to Ljubljana. Venezia Lines is a high speed ferry operator. Operating in the North Adriatic, Venezia Lines links the North Adriatic's coasts of Italy and Croatia. From May 2003 to October 2009, Venezia Lines has carried more than 450.000 passengers between Venice and the Northern Coast of Croatia. In the North Adriatic Venezia Lines is currently utilising 2 vessels, San Frangisk and her sister vessel San Pawl, both with a capacity of 310 passenger.
Tourist Sights in Istria
Brijuni (Brioni) Islands - private park of Tito including an international zoo, dinosaur footsteps and Roman and Byzantine ruins. Hill-top villages of Groznjan and Motovun, populated by artist
Attend a music or folklore show in the inimitable atmosphere of the
Pula Arena. Motovun Film event Motovun, Istria Visit Groznjan and its jazz Festival.
Istria Wines and Drinks
Istria is a land of vineyards. Regional liquor grappa is widely produced in here, with several varieties available.
Other destinations in Istria: Beram, Brijuni, Groznjan, Hum, Limski kanal,
Vegetation
The coast and the islands are covered with pine woods and easily recognizable green macchia.
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People visiting Croatian islands can find good quality accommodation in Korcula. Booking your holiday in Korcula is probably easiest online. For accommodation in Korcula, you can make your pick from a range of hotels and private apartments. Hotels are spread almost throughout the island while private apartments are available mainly in Korcula Town. Marko Polo Hotel, Hotel Liburna, and many others offer a luxurious stay. Book a room at Hotel Horkyra, Hotel Poseidon or Hotel Adria in Vela Luka if visiting archeological site Vela Spila, prehistoric cave dwellings, or any of the alpine tree filled beaches. Consider Villa Sunce in Vela Luka if a private apartment with seaside view is your choice of accommodation in Korcula. Blato is another small town worth visiting. Several hills surround the valley village, as if to protect it. Getting into the island is through any one of the regular ferry services from Rijeka, Split, Drvenik, Dubrovnik, or Mljetc. During summer, there is also regular ferry from Bari. Rent a bicycle or a car to discover the areas known for grape vines, olive trees and orchards. Enjoy breathtaking scenic views from atop the hills that slant towards the sea. Among several hills, the biggest are Klupca and Kom. Accommodation in Korcula gives you great opportunities to enjoy one of the largest islands of the Adriatic sea. Remember Korcula Holidays the next time you are looking to book online. 
