34 Best Hotels in Istria, Croatia

This lovingly restored turn-of-the-century villa 30 minutes east of Rovinj is an excellent place to stay—and a good example of what you're likely to find if you venture into the agritourism section of the Istria lodging scene. A stay here gets you in tune with the countryside, breathing fresh air and seeing the stars at night. The agri part of the tourism here is a highlight; plenty of what you eat comes from the garden. The grounds are laced with stone walkways, and leafy trees provide shady corners to grab a lawn chair and doze in. Quiet it is—and in that sense, you are a world away from the crowds back on the coast. There are three immaculately furnished apartments, each with a private terrace, plus a full-fledged two-story house for rent. A generous breakfast is included in the price of the rental. The owner's meticulous attention to every detail of your surroundings ensures that no doorknob is left with grease or dirt. The farm is in the tiny village of Smoljanci, just beyond the picturesque Renaissance-era town of Svetvinčenat (5 km [3 miles] from Kanfanar, which is near Dvigrad).

For those desiring an apartment-like stay but with maid service and a shared lounge, dining room, and garden, the sophisticated Terra Residence is for you. Located just a one-minute walk from the main square in Old Town Labin, Terra's beautifully designed luxury apartments combine apartment living with boutique hotel services. Although children are welcome, Terra is highly regarded by couples for romantic getaways. Next door, you'll find the always filled-to-the-max Pizzeria Napoli for casual eats and wood-fired pizzas.

Located a mile south of Old Town Poreč in the Brulo neighborhood, this large hotel is surrounded by pine forest but still close to the sea and a favorite for travelers looking for an activity-rich vacation. Modern styling and a new emphasis on sports and wellness have given this local favorite a new life, including the introduction of their Balance Mediterranean Spa and professional physiotherapy treatments. Great sports facilities—tennis courts; covered multipurpose sports hall for basketball, handball, fitness gym, or mini-soccer; diving center; bike rentals; indoor and outdoor pools; and beach volleyball courts—make this hotel an ideal choice for travelers seeking active holidays. Additionally, the hotel has its signature Maro family services and facilities, including playrooms, a cinema, and a multimedia game lounge.

On the seafront promenade, where Poreč's oldest hotels are found, the Valamar Riviera is an adults-only hotel with a chic restaurant and comfortable, traditionally appointed rooms, most of which have sea views and balconies. The restaurant does a generous buffet breakfast, and there are outdoor tables on the seafront for à la carte dining. There's good air-conditioning throughout and all the perks available—beaches, pools, restaurants, and activities—via the hotel's private shuttle boat to Sveti Nikola Island.