Where to Go in Istria: Best Towns, Beaches and Trips by Type of Holiday

Trips 5 min

A practical guide to Istria. Where to go with children, where to look for peace, the best beaches, towns and trips in Istria according to your style of holiday.

Istria is good for a first holiday in Croatia. It is close, easy to explore by car, has beautiful historic towns, clean sea, good restaurants and plenty of trips even for families with children. The best universal choice for a first stay is Rovinj or Poreč. The best choice for children is Medulin, Poreč or Rabac. The best choice for a quieter apartment holiday is Fažana, Vrsar, Bale or smaller places along the coast.

1. Rovinj: The Most Beautiful Town in Istria

Rovinj is the most romantic and visually distinctive town in Istria. The old town stands on a peninsula, with narrow stone streets, a harbour, restaurants, cafés and sea views. It is suitable for couples, evening walks and a holiday where you do not just want to lie on the beach.

Who Rovinj Is Suitable For

couples,
tourists without small children,
people who want an evening atmosphere,
lovers of old towns,
travellers who want to combine beaches and trips.

Beaches near Rovinj

Good beaches nearby:

Lone,
Cuvi,
Zlatni rt,
Mulini,
beaches towards Villas Rubin.

Rovinj is not the best choice if you want a cheap holiday directly by the beach. It is beautiful, but more expensive and busier in the season.

2. Poreč: A Practical Choice for Families and a First Trip

Poreč is one of the most practical destinations in Istria. It has a historic centre, a promenade, good facilities, restaurants, shops, apartments and hotels. For families, it is easier than Rovinj because it offers more classic tourist zones and better logistics. The greatest landmark of Poreč is the Euphrasian Basilica, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Who Poreč Is Suitable For

families with children,
a first holiday in Istria,
people who want services,
tourists without a car,
those who want to combine the town, beaches and trips.

Beaches near Poreč

Good areas:

Brulo,
Zelena Laguna,
Plava Laguna,
Materada,
Borik.

3. Pula: History, Amphitheatre and Trips to Southern Istria

Pula is the largest city in Istria and the best choice for those who want history, sights and trips. The main attraction is the Roman amphitheatre, the Arena. From Pula, it is easy to travel to Kamenjak, Medulin, Fažana, Brijuni and the beaches around Verudela.

Who Pula Is Suitable For

people who want sights,
car trips,
older children,
travellers who do not want just a resort,
those who want to be close to Kamenjak.

Beaches near Pula