Istria County: Nature, Trails and Cultural Heritage

Istria County brings together protected natural areas, marked trails and impressive traces of history, alongside a wide range of ideas for days out. On Brijuni, island nature and biodiversity define the landscape; at Cape Kamenjak, a protected area at the southernmost tip takes centre stage. Those interested in getting active will find trails with clearly stated distances or approximate durations. There are also historic buildings in Poreč and Pula that tell stories spanning early Christian to Roman history.

Island nature and protected landscapes

Brijuni National Park is part of Istria County’s protected natural heritage. It comprises 14 islands and islets. Its current boundaries were established in 1999; including the surrounding sea and seabed, the area covers 33.9 square kilometres. The archipelago’s exceptional biodiversity is linked to its geographical location, geological foundation and geomorphology, its varied habitats and its island setting. Nature enthusiasts will find several aspects to look out for as they explore: landforms, habitats and the interplay of land and sea.

Cape Kamenjak is also a protected landscape, located at the southernmost tip of the county. A marked Istrian cycling route runs through the area, which can also be explored on foot. This offers two different ways to experience the landscape: cycling along a signposted route or exploring on foot. The protected landscape and its trails provide the setting for an outing, without requiring a particular route for every travel plan.

Trails with different planning details

In Učka Nature Park, the Vela Učka–Sedlo–Vojak–Plas–Poklon trekking route takes about five hours. It is rated moderate to difficult. From the old stone tower on Vojak, the view stretches across Istria, the Kvarner Gulf and its islands, the mountains of Gorski Kotar, the Velebit massif, the Alps and Italy. The route combines a specific time estimate and a more challenging rating with a wide-ranging panorama. As you narrow down your options, consider whether this kind of trekking day fits your holiday plans.

Another way to experience the landscape is to follow the Vela Draga educational trail along the edge of the gorge. Information boards there explain the natural monument, which is of exceptional geomorphological value, in four languages. This term draws attention to the forms of the landscape: the shape of the gorge is part of the experience, not just the trail itself. Another option is a circular hiking trail marked with red-and-white hiking blazes that connects Pazin and Beram. It is 12 kilometres long and starts in Pazin.

The trail details emphasise different things: an approximate duration is given for the trek in Učka Nature Park, while the Pazin–Beram loop is described by its distance. When planning, you can first consider whether a time estimate or a specific number of kilometres gives you more guidance. The Vela Draga route, meanwhile, is characterised by its course along the edge of the gorge and its information boards.

On Veliki Brijun, the guided tour takes about three and a half hours. It includes a one-hour ride on the tourist train and a walking tour. It is offered in Croatian, Italian, German, Russian and English. This excursion differs from the hiking trails described above: it combines a ride with a walking tour and offers a specific choice of tour languages. Check the current tour schedule before your visit.

Architecture and history in Poreč and Pula

The Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč is an early Christian complex and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. In Pula, the Arena is a monument to Istria’s Roman history. Construction began under Emperor Augustus in the early 1st century; under the Flavian dynasty, it was expanded to accommodate up to 23,000 spectators. Today, the Arena hosts cultural events such as film festivals and various concerts.

Both buildings offer a connection to history, but with different emphases: in Poreč, you will encounter an early Christian complex with World Heritage status; in Pula, a Roman amphitheatre that also hosts cultural events. If architecture and history are particularly important to you when choosing a holiday apartment, these themes can guide your travel plans. The buildings represent different eras and bring the cultural side of the county to life in a tangible way.

Wine from the area around Sveti Petar u Šumi

Wine is another possible discovery. According to the winery’s current description, In Sylvis farms four hectares of vineyards on red Istrian soil around Sveti Petar u Šumi. The grape varieties grown are Malvazija istarska, Teran, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon; the details on area and varieties may change over time. In Sylvis offers guided wine tastings in its tasting room. This specific location, the named grape varieties and the guided tasting offer complement the trip’s nature and culture themes.

When looking for a holiday apartment, it may help to first prioritise the experiences that matter most to you: protected landscapes, trails with different planning details, historic buildings or wine. This way, your decision is guided by the interests you actually want to pursue on holiday, rather than trying to fit every option into a single idea of Istria. When planning a specific outing, also check the current tour schedule for the guided excursion on Veliki Brijun.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Municipality of Umag, Municipality of Poreč, Municipality of Labin, Municipality of Rovinj, Municipality of Svetvinčenat, Municipality of Marčana, Municipality of Kršan, Municipality of Pula, Municipality of Buje, Municipality of Barban, Municipality of Višnjan, Municipality of Kanfanar, Municipality of Tinjan, Municipality of Sveti Petar U Šumi, Municipality of Buzet, Municipality of Ližnjan, Municipality of Vižinada, Municipality of Sveti Lovreč, Municipality of Žminj, Municipality of Raša, Municipality of Kaštelir - Labinci, Municipality of Vodnjan, Municipality of Medulin, Municipality of Sveta Nedelja, Municipality of Novigrad, Municipality of Gračišće, Municipality of Oprtalj, Municipality of Pićan, Municipality of Fažana, Municipality of Bale, Municipality of Lupoglav, Municipality of Cerovlje, Municipality of Motovun, Municipality of Grožnjan, Municipality of Pazin, Municipality of Karojba, Municipality of Lanišće, Municipality of Vrsar, Municipality of Brtonigla.

For the full travel overview: Croatia.