Istria peninsula

The following places are presented here in more detail: Pula, Rovinj, Opatija, Buzet, Cape Savudrija, Novigrad, Porec, Labin, Premantura, Vodnjan, Motovun, Hum, Pazin.

Stay

Good campsites in Istria

  • Istra Premium Camping Resort (Grgeti 35, 52452, Funtana, Croatia)
  • Arena Medulin Campsite (Osipovica 30, 52203, Medulin (Pula), Croatia)

Other destinations in Croatia:

Kvarner Bay, North Dalmatia, Central Dalmatia, South Dalmatia

Pula, the oldest city in Istria, is very suitable as a stopover for motorcyclists.Pula, the oldest city in Istria, is very suitable as a stopover for motorcyclists.

Istria peninsula

PULA - contemporary witness of the Roman history

The historic town of Pula on the Istrian peninsula is an excellent starting point for your motorcycle trip along the Croatian coast. It is also a great stopover before heading home. The Roman influences can be seen everywhere in the city. Remains of Roman culture point to a time long gone, when gladiator fights in the arena of Pula provided diversion. Besides the gigantic amphitheater, Pula also has many ancient city gates, a beautiful main square (forum) with a temple, the huge fortress Kastell and other ancient buildings. If you want to take it a little easier, the beaches in and around Pula are a good choice.

At night, Croatia's oldest city has a wealth of restaurants and bars where you can end your motorcycle tour in comfort. A special highlight are the cranes in Pula's port Uljanik, which become the attraction of the city every evening. The "glowing giants" shine every hour on the hour in the middle of the darkness.

Rovinj is a coastal town in CroatiaRovinj is a coastal town in Croatia

Istria peninsula

ROVINJ - romantic coastal town

From afar, Rovinj can be recognized by the shining white steeple of the Church of St. Eufemija, the town's landmark. Below the church is a beautiful rocky beach, which the locals also like to visit. For lovers of the classic pebble beaches, there is Porton Biondi beach, about 2km away, which is adjacent to a campsite. The narrow, picturesque alleys are marked by Venetian architecture and leave a uniquely relaxed feeling in their visitors as they pass by. On the waterfront, especially in the evening hours, numerous restaurants and bars entice you to linger.

Opatija is a wonderful destination in CroatiaOpatija is a wonderful destination in Croatia

Istria peninsula

OPATIJA - Pearl of the Kvarner Bay

The "Nice of Croatia" on the edge of Istria likes to flaunt its countless villas and exotic gardens. They have their beginning in the 19th century, when the rich and beautiful recovered in Opatija from the hardships in the cold north. The botanical garden of the former spa deserves special attention, which presents more than 150 different plant species on more than 3.6 hectares of land. Those who want to stroll along the sea as in the 19th century have the opportunity to do so on the Lungo Mare - a 12km long promenade along the shore. It leads past numerous sights of the city.

The state road D66 (direction Pula) leads through Opatija, which offers a unique experience for motorcyclists. The "Croatian Route 66" runs along the coast of Istria for a long time and surprises with a variety of landscapes, levels of difficulty and views. Many curves, the untamed sea, jagged rocks and wide green areas give an idea of what the word "freedom" really means. Our opinion: the D66 is a motorcyclist's paradise and suitable for all motorcyclists along the coast!

Buzet is a place in Croatia, which is known for wine growing and its trufflesBuzet is a place in Croatia, which is known for wine growing and its truffles

Istria peninsula

BUZET - the truffle stronghold

Buzet is the city of truffles and is located in the middle of a lush green hilly landscape. Once in the gourmet paradise, you should definitely try the local truffle, which is available here in a wide variety of ways: on the main course, as a dessert, in ice cream, in drinks... the imagination knows no bounds in Buzet. Besides truffles, Buzet also produces excellent wines and is the producer of a famous Croatian beer. The old buildings and beautiful alleys of the town create the right ambience for a cozy evening with Croatian delicacies. After so much feasting, some physical activity is good. Get on your motorcycle and head out into nature - the surrounding area spoils us motorcyclists with wonderful routes through the countryside.

Savudrija is located on the northwestern tip of IstriaSavudrija is located on the northwestern tip of Istria

Istria peninsula

KAP SAVUDRIJA - the north of Istria

Even from a distance, the stone lighthouse of Cape Savudrija welcomes its visitors. The harbor town is lined with numerous rocky beaches with wonderfully clear water. A distinctive place of the area are the landing stages of the fishermen, who use the beach for their scaffolding. For divers, there is even the possibility of discovering a Roman harbor underwater. Savudrija is a tranquil place where you can feel and enjoy the peace.

Novigrad is located in Croatia on the Istrian peninsulaNovigrad is located in Croatia on the Istrian peninsula

Istria peninsula

NOVIGRAD - dreamy fishing village

Away from mass tourism, in this village you have the opportunity to take a deep breath and let your soul dangle. The old city wall is still completely preserved and invites you to a leisurely walk followed by a visit to a restaurant or café. In Novigrad you can not only take a vacation - you can feel it.

Alley in the city of PorecAlley in the city of Porec

Istria peninsula

POREČ - City of palaces

Porec is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Basilica of Euphrasius was built as early as between the 3rd and 6th centuries. The city was significantly influenced by the Romans and still exudes the special flair today: narrow streets with cobblestones and streets with Roman-sounding names such as the main street Decumanus lead to the ancient buildings and squares of the former capital of Istria. Especially recommended is a visit to the old city walls and towers, as well as the former Diet with its richly decorated rooms and exhibitions.

Many surrounding beaches have been awarded the blue flag and are therefore ideal for swimming and relaxing.

Not far from Porec is the Baledine Cave. The stalactite formations of the huge cave with its five halls provide a welcome contrast to city sightseeing and beach visits. The cave is home to the rare cave olms, which can be seen here.

Labin is an old town in IstriaLabin is an old town in Istria

Istria peninsula

LABIN - picturesque alleys in the city of artists

Labin is situated 320m above the sea on a hill and offers a magnificent view of the Ucka Mountains, the island of Cres and the surrounding villages, forests and beaches. The old mining village is well suited as a stopover on a longer tour.

The "Croatian Route 66" (state road D66) passes through the medieval village, whose strategic position was recognized early on. The route around Labin is characterized by many curves and climbs and brings motorcyclists excitement, adventure and a wonderful view.

Premantura is located in the south of Istria on the cape KamenjakPremantura is located in the south of Istria on the cape Kamenjak

Istria peninsula

PREMANTURA - Gateway to the National Park

Via Premantura, the southernmost town in Istria, you reach the Kamenjak Nature Park. Motorcyclists are off-road from here (for a small entrance fee of about 20 kuna). The roads consist of a gravel and crushed stone subsoil - a challenging driving situation for both man and motorcycle.

Windsurfing, cycling, paintball, rowing and hiking are also available at the southern tip of Istria, or you can simply enjoy the untouched nature. This place is rightly protected: besides exploring the breathtaking views of stony pebble beaches with turquoise waters and steep rocky cliffs, you have the opportunity to discover more than 20 species of orchids and fossilized dinosaur footprints. If it ever gets too hot, a cooling break under the dense pines of the Mediterranean forests is a good idea.

The many sea bays and beach bars invite you to linger and give everyone the ultimate vacation feeling.

Vodnjan is located on the Istrian peninsulaVodnjan is located on the Istrian peninsula

Istria peninsula

VODNJAN - the city for gourmets

The city offers a colorful mixture of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance. Magnificent Venetian-style buildings line the town hall square. For lovers of sacral buildings, Vodnjan is a must: in addition to many churches, there is also an exhibition of sacral art to admire. Every year many thousands of visitors come to the church of St. Blasius to see the so-called "mummies of Vdnjan", around which numerous myths are entwined.

In the town of fine arts, in addition to the medieval town center, you can also see the kazuns, typical of Istria. In the past, shepherds and their animals could find shelter in the houses built of field stones during bad weather. A Kazun Park was opened especially for this purpose.

Vodnjan is located on the so-called "Olive Oil Road" ("Cesta Maslinova Ulja", "La Strada dell'olio d'oliva"). Those who ride along here by motorcycle can admire the numerous olive groves of the region and stop to taste the famous oils. in Vodnjan there are several world-awarded olive oil producers.

Motovun is situated on a 280 m high hill in IstriaMotovun is situated on a 280 m high hill in Istria

Istria peninsula

MOTOVUN - the picturesque town on the hill

Above the Mirna Valley, the former fortress of Motovun is enthroned on a rather steep hill. The fortification was built as early as the 11th century, but still offers a magnificent view of the Istrian region when the weather is nice. To experience Motovun in its full beauty and diversity, you can stroll through the old alley Stefania Beletica or Gradisol. Since the alley leads past churches and specialty stores to the old town, you will have the opportunity to discover all aspects of Motovun. The old town gates are also still very well preserved. The biggest white truffle in the world so far was found in the Motovun forest, and many truffle farmers are located around Motovun. In September, a big truffle festival is held in the town. Motovun is also known for its international film festival, which takes place every year at the end of July. Films are shown everywhere in Motovun at this time. The whole town is then filled with people, who then even spend the night outside in tents on the hill to be able to be part of the event.

To get to Motovun by motorcycle, you can expect a rather demanding route up to the town gate, which leads through the Motovun forest and up the hill.

In Hum there are tasty delicacies from the Istrian surroundingsIn Hum there are tasty delicacies from the Istrian surroundings

Istria peninsula

HUM - probably the smallest town in the world

Who can claim to have visited the smallest town in the world? Hum has just 30 inhabitants. The small town is located in the middle of Istria and is therefore easily accessible at any time during a motorcycle tour through the country. Small plus: on the way to Hum you can enjoy the beautiful nature of the surroundings.

Pazin is located in CroatiaPazin is located in Croatia

Istria peninsula

PAZIN - paradisiacal city in the middle of a beautiful landscape

In Pazin you will be greeted by one of the best preserved fortresses in Istria. Next to it, under steep rocky cliffs, lies the Pazin Cave, whose surroundings are definitely worth a visit. Through a ravine below the fortress you have access to an educational trail about the Pazin Cave. Even Jules Verne could not help but mention the magnificent castle complex and its surroundings in one of his novels.

In addition to the cave and the castle, Pazin also offers a refreshing alternative to the Croatian beaches: at the Zarecki krov waterfall, the clear waters of the popular bathing spot are a welcome place to cool off during the warm summer days.

Pazin is surrounded by winding roads and dreamy little villages, which make the motorcycle ride to the center of Istria wonderfully entertaining.

By motorcycle through Croatia

Other destinations in Croatia

Kvarner Bay in Croatia

Kvarner Bay

The Dalmatian rocky coast in Croatia is a popular motorcycle route.

North Dalmatia

Split is located in Central Dalmatia in Croatia

Central Dalmatia

Dubrovnik city with cactus in foreground

South Dalmatia

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