38 Best Sights in Istria, Croatia

Croatia is a rising star on the European wine scene, and oenophiles owe it to themselves to pay a visit to the northern region of Istria. The village of Motovun, in particular, as this small spot is surrounded by stunning vineyards producing quality wines in a gorgeous setting. Several organized tours are available, jaunts that take thirsty visitors through many vineyards for tastings, education, food, and all the rest. Motovun is a medieval beauty in and of itself, a photogenic quality that only increases with every fresh glass of wine. That’s how it works, right?

Once a year, artists from around the world come to the ancient town of Vodnjan for the Boombarstick and Street Art Festival. They leave behind old stone walls and historic buildings covered with intriguing murals and creative graffiti designs. Art-loving travelers will enjoy wandering the tiny streets of Vodnjan on the hunt for the more than 45 painted murals.

This small family-run winery in Golaš, a small village in Bale, just 17 km (10½ miles) south of Rovinj, is housed in a beautifully restored 150-year-old farmhouse with exposed stones and large wooden beams. The property features a wine cellar, a tasting room with a big open fireplace, and a small ethnographic museum displaying old family photos and equipment that once was used in the wine-making process in Istria. Don’t let their Malvazija Istarska fool you–although the wine is fresh, easy to drink, and sweet, it is still 14% alcohol. They also produce a few reds, a rosé, and the sweet dessert, Muscat Žuti. If the owner, Janja, happens to be there, ask her to let you taste her raisin wine, which isn't for sale. You can also stay in the winery's modern pension.

Built by the Sergi family between 29 and 27 BC as a monument to three relatives who were great warriors, this striking monument features elaborate reliefs that even inspired Michelangelo to draw the arch during a 16th-century visit to Pula. The surrounding city gate and walls were removed in the 19th century to allow the city's expansion beyond the Old Town. Locals call it Zlatna vrata, or Golden Gate.

Don’t miss a trip to Trapan Food & Wine Station in Šišan, less than 10 km (6 miles) from Pula. A visit to this trendy winery includes a wine tasting and tour, with a full gastronomy experience available to complement the wines offered. Popular labels to take home include Uroboros and Ponente, both white wines of 100% Malvazija Istarska, and Che, a sparkling wine of 100% Terrano.

This square is located toward the tip of the peninsula and was the site of Poreč's Roman forum, whose original stonework is visible in spots amid the present-day pavement. Beside it is a park containing the ruins of Roman temples dedicated to the gods Mars and Neptune. It's still an important meeting place, so you will find a variety of cafés, restaurants, and shops around the square.

Standing on the Old Town's main square, you can't help but notice the Balbi Arch, which at one time was the gate to Rovinj's fish market. Notice the Venetian lion with an open book (a symbol of acceptance of Venetian rule without a fight) and a Venetian head on one side and a Turkish head on the other, the symbolism of which hasn't yet been explained. A Latin epigraph is at the top between the two Balbi coats of arms. Also quite prominent on the square is the city's pinkish-orange watchtower, whose base houses the tourist agency. Although it looks Venetian, the tower was erected in 1907. That said, the winged-lion relief on one side is from the 16th century.