Hvar or Pula? Which is better for a summer holiday?

Istria

How to travel to Istria

Pula is the main transport centre for Istria so most people will get there there if they are not driving. Some ship lines arrive to Poreč, too. Buses run from Trieste in Italy, Zagreb and other major cities to Pula in the South. Ryanair provides a connection London (Stansted) to Pula three days a week, and Dublin Pula also. Germanwings also serves Pula. Trains run daily between Ljubljana in Slovenia and Pula, and from Rijeka to Ljubljana. Venezia Lines is a high speed ferryboat 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. From May 2003 to October 2009, Venezia Lines has carried more than 450.000 passengers between Venice and the Northern Coast of Croatia.

Tourist attractions in Istria

Roman structures in Pula, including the Arena and Forum. Hill-top villages of Groznjan and Motovun, populated by artist communities Magnificent

Visit Lovran, Istria, near Opatija, for the Days of Cherries Festival in June. Attend a music or folklore concert in the inimitable atmosphere of the Pula Arena. Motovun Film event Motovun, Istria Internationally-renowned film festival in the hilltop Northern town of Motovun. Visit Groznjan and its jazz Festival.

Istrian Cuisine

Istrian food is known by its massive diversity. Pasta, gnocchi, risotto and polenta, as well as its superb vegetables (which can be found, at a cheap price, in any of the numerous open-air markets present in almost every Istrian town), accompany main dishes, as an Italian heritage. Especially, Istrian peppers have international recognition.

Istria Wines and Drinks

Istria is a land of vineyards. Wines are sweet and fruity, with a wide variety of grapes present, such as white malvasia, red teran and muscat. The most famous vineyard area is Kalavojna, on the Eastern coast. Regional liquor grappa is widely produced in here, with several varieties available.
Other destinations in Istria: Beram, Brijuni,

About Istria

The view is impressive white-topped mountains, lush wheat fields, plateaux, valleys, vineyards and olive groves on hillsides, and, finally the sea.

As you get to know Istria you will see more and more enchanting details: church facades and portals, tiny village alleyways with their detailed architectural touches, the babble of a stream, the blooming cherries.

Location

Istria's area is 2,820 km2 (triangle Dragonja, Kamenjak, Učka). Its populace is 206,344. The official Language is Croatian. (coast is twice as long as the road one), The western coast of Istria is 242.5 km long, with island 327.5 km. The eastern coast of Istria is 202 km long with the pertaining islets 212 km. The highest sea temperature is in August when it reaches 23.3°C and 24.1°C. Notable Rivers include Mirna, Dragonja and Raša.



The Administrative Centre is Pazin with 9,227 inhabitants. The Economic Centre is Pula with 58,594 inhabitants.