This short itinerary for three days leads you through beautiful sights, romantic & unique spots in Istria. It is ideal for travellers by car and suitable for solo travellers, couples, families and groups. Within the guide discover boutique hotels, nature sights, gastronomy hidden gems & activities.


Let’s plan & enjoy✨💛

Brijuni, Pula, Croatia

Ístria, Croatia

Croatia

Rovinj, Croatia

Novigrad, Croatia

Enchanting three days ✨ 3 days on the western coast of Istria

How to arrive to Istria? There are several options:

- by plane and landing either in the airport of Pula or Zagreb in Croatia; Ljubljana in Slovenia; Trieste or Venice in Italy

Off-season you will have a less direct connection, however the travel to Istria may always be paired up with some nice additional sightseeing or a roadtrip, depending on your starting point.

Novigrad (the literal translation would be New Town) is a small coastal town with relaxed and easy going vibes.

In Novigrad you can stay in the following hotels, to experience a high-end, boutique stay:

Hotel Cittar has a central location close to beaches, and restaurants, with few parking spots but different public parking spots across town are close.

The Palazzo Rainis Hotel & SPA offers a luxurious and unique stay, close to the town's Marina and the Pineta walk, a nice spot to enjoy the beach.

*The* place for an ultimate experience in Istria. From meat to pasta dishes, homemade bread and olive oil, San Rocco’s restaurant is a place not to miss. Additionally, it’s peaceful and quiet location allows you to rest during your stay and experience their pool and spa while being surrounded by tranquility.  

The hotel is 5 stars, has multiple bars, restaurants, spas and surrounding nature. The signature Cap Aureo restaurant comprises original Istrian taste in a delicate tasting course. Below the hotel discover the 2 Michelin star restaurant, Agli Amici.

Close to Novigrad, discover two great wineries to have a taste of the local wine heritage.

Discover Novigrad-based and nearby restaurants to indulge in tasting courses and local touches.

Rovinj is yet another small, romantic town, a mere 30-minute drive from Novigrad. During the summer discover art & pottery galleries, stay in luxurious 5-star hotels, enjoy the spa and the beach, but don't miss the charming restaurants with a marvelous view.

Cattunar is famous for wines whose trees are grown on four different types of soil, this winery is a mere 15-minute drive from Novigrad.

Marina is a restaurant owned by the chef and her husband who is taking on the role of a sommelier. Their concept is a degustation menu based on fish and five to six dishes. It is always something innovative and fresh, which leaves the guest pleasantly surprised and willing to return soon. Book Marina in advance and enjoy the view of Novigrad's marina. There is a parking lot five minutes by foot from the restaurant.

*The* place for an ultimate experience in Istria. From meat to pasta dishes, homemade bread and olive oil, San Rocco’s restaurant is a place not to miss. Additionally, it’s peaceful and quiet location allows you to rest during your stay and experience their pool and spa while being surrounded by tranquility.

This enchanting restaurant with a chef Ms Priska, who sources everything locally. The place is named Old School, because it has indeed been a school before, Their signature cocktails are named after school courses and will make you smile and enjoy.

San Rocco hotel is located a bit outside of Novigrad, but offers a very calm country stay, exquisite cuisine and warm vibe of a family-owned hotel.

Contemporary hotel with spatious rooms, amazing food and views, located 20 minutes by foot from the center of Rovinj old town. On the ground floor discover the restaurant Tekka by Lone, with its amazing sushi offer. 

Enjoy the SPA offering of your hotel. Signature massages and body treatments will relax you and recharge you for further exploration.

If you want to enjoy a walk in nature, follow the walking path from Grand Hotel Park and Lone and you will end up in the forest part Golden Cape (hrv. Zlatni Rt). There are multiple beaches too in case you want to enjoy a swim.

If you are a fan of art, check out art galleries and pottery galleries, located in the narrow and colorful streets of Rovinj.

Discover the remaining galleries on the link:

Puntulina is a restaurant above the sea, offering a great view, amazing atmosphere and lovely fish dishes. During the summer make sure to book at least two weeks in advance due to high demand and ask to be seated on the terrace!

Tekka is a modern spot located on the bottom floor of the Lone hotel. Their creations are unique, yet you can find classical sushi and sashimi. It is a place not to miss when visiting Rovinj if your taste buds are craving asian fusion dishes. 

For modern dishes with a contemporary twist, El Bugadur is waiting on you in a lovely street in central Rovinj, with a terrace overlooking the sea.

Enchanting three days ✨ 3 days on the western coast of Istria

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