Pola aka Pula- the pearl of Istria

Istria

Istria (Croatian: Istra) is the north-westernmost area of Croatia. In a triangular shape, it is bounded in the north by Slovenia, east by the Kvarner region of Croatia and on the south and west by the Adriatic Sea.

After crushing the Illyrian Histri people the Romans settled in the peninsula and left a great heritage, turning Pula into an important administrative hub and constructing villas, amphiteatres and temples. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the inner territory remained a feudal province occupied by Slavs, Frankish, Byzantines and finally Austrian Habsburgs, whereas the coast fell under jurisdiction of the Republic of Venice in the 13th century. irregular battles were held between both powers until the fall of Venice in 1797.

Since 1797, the Croatian population of Istria struggled for autonomy and were harshly repressed both by Austrians and Fascist Italy (after World War I), in the end ending with revenge from Yugoslav partisans after the World War II. A tiny ethnic Italian community still lives in the coastal towns. Relatively spared from the Yugoslav Wars, Istria is now a wealthy region. Latter years have seen a rising regional attitude and a reunion with its previously conflictive Italian identity.

Croatian is the formal and most common language. There is still an Italian cultural community in a lot of coastal towns. A good number of restaurants in the main town also have an English speaker or two.

How to reach to Istria

Pula is the major transportation hub for Istria so most people will get there there if they are not driving. Buses run from Trieste in Italy, Zagreb and other main 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. 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 travellers between Venice and the Northern Coast of Croatia. In the North Adriatic Venezia Lines is presently utilising 2 vessels, San Frangisk and her sister vessel San Pawl, both with a capacity of 310 passenger.

Visitor Sights in Istria

The old Venetian town of Rovinj. St Euphrasius Basilica in Poreč. Hill-top villages of Groznjan and Motovun, populated by artist communities wonderful

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

Istrian Cuisine

With diversity at the heart of Istria, you’ll delight in new gastronomic experiences and reconnect with customary flavors.

Scampi is the most wanted together with squid and sole. But the gastronomic prize is no doubt the truffles. After the beginning of the season, in late September, truffles can be found accompanying any dish and sauce. Especially recommended is pasta with truffles. Also, olive oil with truffles is a typical product of the region.

Istria Wines and Drinks

Wines are sweet and fruity, with a wide variety of grapes present, such as white malvasia, red teran and muscat. Regional liquor grappa is widely produced in here, with several varieties available.

Other destinations in Istria: Beram Limski kanal, Vrsar

About Istria

Istria is without a doubt a feast for the eyes. The view is splendid: white-topped mountains, lush wheat fields, plateaux, valleys, vineyards and olive groves on hillsides, and, at last the sea.