Istria
The very asset that makes Istria a place which is worth 
visiting is the fact that, above all, the peninsula is an invitation to experience nature in one of its utmost expressions, a formula which brings together splendid seascape and exquisite landscape. Besides being the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, Istria is also the greenest place, so the benefits of almost unadulterated nature can be enjoyed without difficulty.
However, the many cities and towns located in the peninsula – of which Pula, Porec, Rovinij, Umag, Motovun, Novigrad or Istarske Toplice are worth mentioning in terms of tourist popularity – can also take pride in the rich historic background they posses, taking into consideration the many historic events which have endowed the place with a unique mix of cultural makeup.
Short History of Istria
Given its statute as the greenest oasis in the whole Adriatic Sea, but also due to its geographic position, Istria has long been a reason for various powers to battle and to claim dominion over the peninsula. Its origins parallel the Romans' attempts to defeat the Histri pirates which prevailed over the place. Liburnians, Goths, Avars, Lombards clashed in time in order to gain the supremacy over the peninsula, just as the later Venetian Republic, the Austrian Empire, Napoleon, Italy and Yugoslavia did. Nowadays, the peninsula is split – or, as it were, shared – between Italy, Croatia and Slovenia.
Accommodation at Istria
All localities – or resorts, for that matter – are able to welcome their tourists with a large range of accommodation solutions provided by variously rated hotels, in case visitors want to counterbalance the experience of nature with the cosiness of a hotel room. However, camping site are an alternative for budget travelers, but also for those who do not want to tamper with the sheer experience of nature. Rooms, apartments and vacation houses for rent are also available for those willing to self cater; yet, another alternative is represented by the traditional rural houses which can be found in the countryside of Istria.
Istria Gastronomy
Once in Istria, no tourist should distort their impression of the place by eating international dishes. Rather, they should try the many delights which range from the homemade bread, which is the proud product of facilities labeled as agro-tourism establishments, to the local climax in terms of gastronomic peaks, namely, the truffle of Istria. Locals also take pride in the production of wine and olive oil, both of them being traditional activities inherited from the ancestors. Italian specialties, such as gnocchi, risotto and polenta might be deemed, in away, local products, since the history of the place is so intermingled with the history of Italy.
Istria Tourist Attractions and Objectives
Tourist attractions are scattered throughout the peninsula, so one might have to go from Pula, after visiting the Roman heritage – consisting of the Arena, Hercules's Gate, the Castle and the Roman Theater – and the local Archeological Museum, to Rovinj in order to admire the old town bristling with Venetian architecture and the Cathedral of St. Euphemia, to Porec in order to visit the St Euphrasius Basilica, or in the Brijuni Islands, where several heterogeneous elements, such as dinosaur footprints and Roman ruins offer one of the most interesting spectacles.
Events and Festivals at Istria
Motovun hosts an International Film Festival, and a notable event of this kind also used to take place in Pula. The Days of the Cherries Festival is yet another manifestation held in Lovran, and, since truffles are the main gastronomic emissary of the peninsula to the world, an event like the Truffle Days, also hosted by Motovun and the nearby localities, goes without saying. The Pula Arena, though an ancient heritage, is still used for certain music and folklore spectacles which, they too, are worth attending.
Hotels in Istria
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