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Explore the green Mediterranean

Visit Istria in Croatia

Author: Sanja Uhac

White, grey and red, Istria is a land whose diversity is almost unique in the Mediterranean. This heart-shaped piece of land deeply immersed into the blue waters of the Adriatic, is a secluded garden of nature and extraordinary beauty. In the north, the undulating peninsula mildly comes down to the sea with is white calcareous hills, in its center it reveals its grey plateaus rich in water; on the south west its low-lying valley flames in the heart of its characteristic red soil. Istrian landscapes are unique! The climate here is as unique as its flora. Everywhere you look the Mediterranean melts with mainland.

Istrian small towns look as if they have just descended from painting. Some Istrian towns have been preserved, while others, ravaged by the time and misfortune are nothing more then romantic ruins. Towns on the coast proudly display their true belonging to the Mediterranean, being the typical coastal Roman municipalities with ports, jovial ships and seething streets. On the other hand, medieval towns blooming on the hillocks the hinterland are true small mid-European forts exuding the calmness of the mainland. If you want to truly experience Istria in all its diversity, start from Pula, Rovinj or Porec, then go to Svetvicenat and finally to Motovun and Hum, the smallest town in the world. In Rovinj you will recognize the contours and heritage of Venice, in Pazin the spirit of Austria. If you meet someone, feel free to stop that person and ask whatever comes to your mind. People here are gentle and kind, and will be glad to tell you the story - a piece of land where the greatest diversities exist side by side in the harmony.

Why Istria is also so special? To begin with, let us recall the myth of the Argonauts. Chasing Jason and the golden fleece, the Colchians sailed to the cost of Istria. Once they arrived, they never wished to return home again. There is something in its magic, like nowhere else in the Mediterranean. Here you will find a town that, like Rome, lies on seven hills and boasts about its famous Arena. This is a truly land of wonders, thought Jules Werne as he wrote about subterranean Pazin Pit in his novel "Matthias Sandorf". Be sure to look into the churches of Istria, enjoy the lively medieval frescos and the world of the amazing Glagolitic alphabet. Discover the window from which James Joyce dreamed about the career of a tenor.

And then you might see why Istria is so special. Anyone who taste even a small part of its joy will get the urge to visit it again. So, do not hesitate - enter this hidden garden of nature and meet its wonderful, intact landscape.

Arriving in Istria
By plane: If you are arriving with regular or charter flights to Pula, you will land at the Pula airport, the biggest international airport in Istria. The Pula airport is only 10 km away from the city centre, so you can easily get there by taxi, bus or organized transport.

By train: Coming by train, you can arrive in Istria very quickly using the following lines: Ljubljana - Divaca - Buzet - Pula or Zagreb - Rijeka - Pazin - Pula.

By boat:When you decide to visit Istria by sea, you can use fixed or seasonal ferry lines. If you arriving by your own boat, you will be cordially welcomed in many Istrian marinas. The sea borders in Istria are located in harbours of following Istrain towns: Umag, Novigrad, Porec, Rovinj, Pula and Rabac.

By car:For your pleasant journey through Istria, you have at your disposal the semi highway "Istrian Y", taking you to central Istria and to the southern parts of the peninsula, only 100 kn away from the border. Arriving to "Istrian Y" from the eastern direction, using the Croatian highways from Zagreb or Split to Rijeka, after crossing the Ucka tunnel, you will quickly rich your final destination.

About the Author:

Sanja Uhac is a travel professional. For more information about Croatia

and cheap flights to Croatia visit www.VacationInCroatia.net

Things To Do and See in Istria

Euphrasius Basilica, Porec, Istria
Attraction type: Religious site

The Arena in Pula, Pula, Istria
The Arena in Pula is a 1st century Roman amphitheatre.

The arena is the 6th largest in the world.
Attraction type: Ancient ruins; Arena/stadium/field

Saint Euphemia Cathedral, Rovinj, Istria
Attraction type: Religious site; Architectural building; Observation deck/tower

Triumphal Arch of Sergius, Pula, Istria
Attraction type: Architectural building

Church of St. Blaise, Vodnjan, Istria
This church contains the largest collection of saintly relics outside of Rome.
Attraction type: Religious site; Historic site

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