Pula against Krk. Where would you spend your summer vacation?

Istria

Istria (Croatian: Istra) is the north-westernmost county of Croatia. In a triangular shape, it is bounded in the north by Slovenia, east by the Kvarner region of Croatia and on the south and west by the Adriatic Sea.

Since 1797, the Croatian population of Istria struggled for autonomy and were ruthlessly repressed 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 small ethnic Italian population still lives in the coastal towns. Relatively spared from the Yugoslav Wars, Istria is now a booming region. Recent years have seen a growing regional sentiment and a reunion with its previously conflictive Italian identity.

Nature:

The inner area is unspoiled and mountainous with very old walled cities atop hills with neighbouring lush fields. The Istrian shore is arguably the most developed holiday-maker target in Croatia.

Although Pula is the main city according to population and culture, relatively rural Pazin is the managerial centre of the peninsula. The Southern end of Istria is possibly the best area for biking.

How to reach to Istria

Pula is the central transport centre for Istria so most people will land there if they are not driving. Buses run from Trieste in Italy, Zagreb and other major cities to Pazin in the centre of Istria, and most to Pula. Ryanair provides a connection London (Stansted) to Pula three times a week, and Dublin Pula also. Germanwings also serves Pula. Trains run daily between Ljubljana in Slovenia and Pula, and from Rijeka to Ljubljana. sadly due to historical accident, the two train lines do not meet up even though some works commenced on a rail tunnel to link the two short distances. Venezia Lines is a high speed ship operator that operated its first trip in May 2003. Operating in the North Adriatic, Venezia Lines links the North Adriatic's coasts of Italy and Croatia.

Visitor attractions in Istria

The old Venetian town of Rovinj. St Euphrasius Basilica in Poreč. Brijuni (Brioni) Islands - personal playground of Tito including an international zoo, dinosaur footprints and Roman and Byzantine ruins.