In this guide discover the best restaurants in Istria and activities & historical sites in their near vicinity. To complete the full list we recommend spending at least 3-4 days in Istria. As a local to the sites, all the restaurants and experiences have been experienced personally. Enjoy the “terra magica” 🍁

Volosko, Opatija, Croatia

Brijuni, Pula, Croatia

Rovinj, Croatia

Novigrad, Croatia

Motovun, Croatia

Opatija, Croatia

Bale, Istarska županija, Croatia

Istria Experience tour | Activity & Gastronomy

We are starting our tour on the northeast of the Istrian peninsula. Plavi podrum rates as one of the best restaurants in Croatia for years already. 

They are renowned for their wine cellar and an extraordinary selection of wines. It is a personal suggestion to try wines from the following Istrian wine makers: Coronica, Kozlović, Benvenuti, Tomaz and Radovan.

Opatija is a small coastal town located near the city of Rijeka. Located under the mountain of Učka, the city has an “old-money” charm and is sometimes named as the Monaco of Croatia. You can enjoy a coffee and a stroll by the sea, while enjoying the scenery. For an overnight stay in Opatija we recommend hotel Ambasador.

*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.

Brtonigla is closely located to major wineries which can be found in Istria. 

Most of them offer wine pairings where you receive 3 to 5 different wine types, paired with a charcuterie board that contains local cheese, ham, olives, dried fruit and bread. This is the standard, while some wineries may surprise you with different pairings to their venue. The latest hype which I recommend are the wineries below. Reserve via email and make sure to buy some wine to bring at home.

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.

Novigrad old town is small and very well composed. Within 20 minutes you can take a stroll through the old town, enjoy an ice cream on the main square or a cocktail at the ground floor of the Rivalmare hotel.

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.

Tekka by Lone is the "daughter" restaurant of the original located in Zagreb. For more information on gastronomy in Zagreb check out my free guide below.

After a few days of travelling it might be considerable to relax. The Lone SPA offers different rooms from massages, saunas, a pool and a gym. Their signature body treatments offer mango and coconut treatments which include a scrub and massage, ideal for disconnecting after a long day.

We are starting this part with an activity and that is the visit to the remarkable Brijuni islands, often referred to as heaven on earth by locals (me). There are a few islands, while the ferry will bring you to the island of Large Brijun. You have to buy the entrance tickets at the office in Fažana, just across the pier or online. There is a designated guided tour held on Croatian, Italian, German and English language. At the time being the entrance ticket for adults is 40 EUR, to be purchased here: https://shop.np-brijuni.hr/hr

The schedule can be found on the link: https://www.np-brijuni.hr/hr/planiraj-posjet/servisne-informacije/plovidbeni-red

The island is pet friendly, but if you are bringing your dog you have to purchase the ticket for him too. Either walk, bike or rent an electric golf cart to explore the island and its ancient Roman ruins. Visit the museum of Tito and enjoy a coffee in the Neptun hotel. If it's warm enough, explore some of the beaches for a nice swim.

After you've spent your day in Brijuni islands it is time to recharge with dishes that are fully Istrian, yet unique and have a modern twist. That is at the restaurant of the hotel La Grisa in Bale, Croatia. From pasta to meat dishes, you cannot go wrong. In the summer make sure to try their cold soups. If you are looking for an overnight stay, the hotel is also a lovely option.

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If you enjoyed this "round about" of Istria with amazing activities and gastronomy, but would like to take an even more deep dive, feel free to reach out below.

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Istria Experience tour | Activity & Gastronomy

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