Summer Holiday in Istria: Interesting Things to Do

Go on an Adventure in Istria 

When planning your summer holiday in Istria, kickstart your exploration with a series of offbeat excursions and activities that promise to awaken your sense of adventure! Istria is simply a land of legends and wonder. Explore the text for some of our favourites!

Premanutra – Cape Kamenjak

If you are interested in cliff jumping and kayaking, do not miss the Cape Kamenjak nature park. Make it even more interesting and join the sunset kayak tour or even the full moon kayak tour for an unforgettable memory. You can also opt for a sunset boat cruise to enjoy a warm summer evening. 

For an adrenaline-fueled adventure unlike any other, embark on a ziplining journey above the Pazin Cave. You’ll fly above tree tops while soaring towards the medieval castle on the cliff edge. The longest zipline stretches 280 metres between two cliff faces, where you’ll be travelling up to 50 km/h along Istria’s most scenic zipline. To explore the underworld, you can also enter the Pazin Cave or check out the mystical landscapes of the Baredine Cave, where underground lakes, stalactites and stalagmites create an otherworldly atmosphere.

Baron Gautsch shipwreck

Okay, the underworld is one thing, but what about underwater? Go diving! Istria is full of shipwrecks – over 25 lie on the sea bottom, presenting as a treasure trove for divers. For example, just off the coast of Novigrad lie the remains of the well-preserved Baron Gautsch shipwreck, once part of the Austro-Hungarian navy’s fleet, bearing today the nickname the “Titanic of the Adriatic”. Another popular wreck is the Hans Schmidt, a 99-metre-long German cargo ship that’s split in two, with its impressive weaponry visible. How cool is that? 

If you want to keep it a bit simpler and have fun with the whole family, visit Aquapark Istralandia. It’s located near Novigrad, and it offers attractive slides and pools, along with entertainment and sports programmes.

No Shortage of Rich Culture and History

Preserved roman amphitheatre in Pula

Delve into Istria’s rich cultural heritage by visiting numerous landmarks and attractions that offer insights into the region’s rich past. First off, there’s Pula and best-preserved coliseum in the world. It’s one of only six remaining Roman amphitheatres in the world, constructed in the 1st century. 

After that, you can visit the world’s smallest city, Hum. Above the town gate you’ll see an inscription in Glagolic, the oldest Slavic alphabet, while inside the Church of St Jerome you can look for 12th century Byzantine frescoes.

Unique town of Motovun

For a breath-taking view, wander through the streets of Motovun, a medieval hilltop town known for its well-preserved architecture and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. In addition, visit Vodnjan, an open-air art gallery with vibrant murals (over 40 examples of exciting street art) all around. For a deep dive into the past, explore the abandoned village of Dvigrad, steeped in history and legend, where crumbling ruins and ancient churches tell tales of bygone eras. Check out the Dvigrad Storytelling tour where an interpretive walk brings the mediaeval town to life.

What about a tour to the times of the 18th century where Casanova awaits in Vrsar? As part of the Casanova Tour, Istria Inspirit takes all visitors on an unforgettable journey to the times of Vrsar County, when the seducer and adventurer, Giacomo Casanova, stayed twice in Vrsar. First he came in August 1743 and then later on he supposedly returned because of the beautiful women of Vrsar. Through fun and educational content, visitors to this tour will be able to discover the more intimate side of Casanova’s Vrsar, and all the interesting events that characterised his stay in Istria. 

Step into the Past – Dinosaur Prints and Other Activities

Morosini-Grimani Castle in Svetvinčent

While on your holiday in Istria, step waaay back in time and discover traces of prehistoric life scattered throughout Istria’s rugged landscapes – dinosaur prints. Head to the Dinopark Funtana with your family, where you can marvel at life-size dinosaur replicas and enjoy family-friendly rides and shows.

Dinosaur print can also be found in the Brijuni National Park. Trace the trail of dinosaurs on rocky beaches, which will especially thrill the children. You can also head to the vast safari park, where one can find South American llamas, African ostriches, zebras and an Indian elephant. 

On the other hand, you can test your wits and teamwork skills of your family by participating in an escape room challenge at the abandoned castle of Svetvinčent, Morosini-Grimani Castle. Work together to unravel mysteries, solve puzzles and uncover hidden clues as you race against the clock to escape the castle’s ancient chambers. You’ll completely dive into the mediaeval life of Istria!

For History Buffs – Yugoslavia Memorabilia and Landmarks

Brijuni national park

Apart from dinosaurs and ancient ruins, Brijuni hold memories of some more recent past time. During the socialist era of Yugoslavia, the archipelago of islands was a strict no-go zone. It was a military base and President Tito’s summer residence. Today, you can explore the national park and also visit “Tito on Brijuni”, a permanent photography exhibition, featuring Tito’s time on Brijuni and his prominent guests, including Queen Elizabeth, Winston Churchill, Yasser Arafat, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. 

You can also visit the MEMO Museum in Pula, offering an insight into everyday life of Pula from the 50’s till the end of the 80’s, offering a glimpse into Croatia’s communist past. 

With its wealth of unconventional attractions and activities, Istria offers a summer holiday experience like no other. Whether you’re uncovering dinosaur footprints, ziplining over caves or diving for shipwrecks, this eclectic itinerary promises to ignite your sense of adventure and leave you with lasting memories of your time in this enchanting corner of Croatia.