An Introduction to the Istrian & Kvarner Rivieras

The Istria and Kvarner Rivieras are in the north of Croatia, situated along the largest peninsula in the Adriatic, with a spectacular shoreline and numerous bays, islands, coves and pebble and rocky beaches. This delightful coastline has a picturesque landscape often compared to Tuscany and Provence. The small coastal towns of Rovinj and Porec have a distinctive Venetian influence while Opatija is a sophisticated town once deemed one of Europe's most fashionable seaside resorts.
This is a land of idyllic quality where a rich medieval heritage of Roman architecture, frescoes and legends live in extraordinary harmony with modern and charming tourist resorts.
This enchanting region of old Venetian ports, classical architecture, sun-drenched beaches, vineyards and olive groves, quaint stone houses and old watermills offers holidays of value and quality.

Rovinj
The ancient fishing port of Rovinj is arguably one of the most breathtakingly beautiful resorts in the entire Adriatic region. The old town has a fascinating mix of Gothic Renaissance, Baroque and neo-classical styles. Its winding narrow back streets reveal a profusion of red-tiled buildings and unique exterior chimneys, all dominated by the imposing Cathedral of St. Euphemia, which stands imperiously on its hill-top location in the very heart of the peninsula.

Local Costs - Istria           

The prices shown are approximate and are based on popular locations during the main tourist season. Variations will apply according to location, season and style of establishment.

Large draft beer £2

Glass of wine £1.25

Litre bottle of restaurant house wine  £7.50

Litre Bottle of restaurant branded wine £12.50

Gin & tonic £4 (local gin); £4.20 (Gordon's gin)

Coca cola £1.50

Half litre of restaurant bottled water £1.25

Espresso coffee £0.60

Tea £0.75

Cappuccino £0.75

Snack lunch toasted sandwich or burger £2.25

Large Pizza  £5

Pasta dish £5

Salad £3

3 course dinner menu £12.50 per person

Ice cream £0.60p

Taxi from Porec to Rovinj one way £50.  NB local buses are frequent and inexpensive

Bicycle hire £10 per day

Pedallo £8 per hour

Canoe for 2 persons £6.25 per hour

Rowing boat £19 per hour

Quad bikes £37.50 for 3 hours

Excursions from Porec & Rovinj

This is a selection of the most popular excursions available from the Istrian resorts of Porec and Rovinj. The information given below is intended as a guide only. Transportation, guides and entrance fees are normally included. Meals are not included unless specified. Some tours may operate in the peak season and others may depend upon the weather.

Plitvice Lakes - Full day by bus for something very special

Situated in a thick forest, Plitvice Lakes are considered one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in the world. The 16 lakes are connected by 92 waterfalls, cascading through the picturesque surroundings. Plitvice Lakes were declared a National Park in 1949, and since 1979 they have been on UNESCO's list of World Natural Heritage. The exceptional beauties of the lakes and waterfalls, rich plant and animal life, contrasting colors, forests and the pure mountain air attract nature lovers from all over the world. A guided tour of the park lasts about three and a half hours, mostly by foot but with a short boat trip and also a road train ride. A meal is included on the return journey.

Cost approximately Kuna 550 (£68)

Istrian Experience - Full day by bus

Istria, Croatia's largest peninsula will attract you not only by its coast, but also by the lovely and varied inland area. This is an opportunity to explore a romantic, mystical and simply beautiful area. The lovely hill-top town of Gro¿njan invites you to explore its winding, narrow streets. Some 30 years ago a revitalisation of a nearly abandoned Gro¿njan began with the aim of turning it into a ‘town of artists' by establishing an Artists' colony in the town. As a result of this, today Gro¿njan is famous for its galleries. It has been taken one step further by adding musicians to its rich culture and Gro¿njan is the International Cultural Centre of ‘Jeunesses Musicales Croatia' (JMC).

Some 30 years ago Draguć was called the Istrian Hollywood, as around 10 co-production films and TV serials were shot in this picturesque village in the 70's and 80's.

Over 100 years ago, the people of Draguć lived from breeding silk worms, but nowadays the place is almost abandoned.

Lunch (included in the cost) will be typical Istrian food served in a traditional Istrian restaurant.

After lunch our day will end with a visit to Lim fjord.

The entire fjord is a nature reserve, over 11km long and in some places over 30m deep. The fjord boasts some of the best mussel and oyster beds in the region (try them in restaurants in the resort), and the blend of fresh and salt water towards the mouth of the fjord give the fish caught here a unique flavour.

Cost approximately Kuna 390 (£48).

Venice - Full day by boat

An early start is called for if you want to make the most of your time in this unique city. Some say that if you haven't been to Venice, you haven't lived!

The canals and architecture need no description. Perhaps you would like to experience a trip in a gondola or feed the pigeons in St. Mark's Square. If you have an eye for art, visit one of the many exhibitions. Travel around Venetian-style on the canal boats - their version of the daily commuter trip into the city. 

Giving you a taste of this city on the sea, you may be tempted to make it your next holiday destination.

Your day starts by coach, transporting you to the port of either Poreč or Rovinj. Whisked away by a fast catamaran, you will soon reach the impressive entrance to the lagoon of Venice.

The guide will walk you along some of the most beautiful canals into St.Mark's Square. Then you will have free time to soak up the atmosphere or take an optional gondola ride (booked on the boat), or perhaps enjoy a lazy lunch (not included) in one of the many restaurants and cafés. If you don't want to walk back to the boat you can book a water taxi.

There is nowhere quite like Venice.

Cost approximately Kuna 520 (£65)

Brijuni Islands - Full day by boat for escapists

The archipelago of Brijuni is made up of 2 main, forested islands (Veli & Mali Brijuni) and 12 smaller ones to the northeast of Pula, opposite Fa¿ana.

Tito (president of former-Yugoslavia) promoted this spectacular jewel of unspoiled nature into a premier international tourist destination. From 1949 until his death in 1980, Tito used to spend 6 months in his residence on Brijuni every year. In those years he hosted over 90 Heads of State as well as many famous film stars on the island.

Today, the  Brijuni Islands are still a magnet for many famous names of the international celebrity set. In 1984 the group of islands were proclaimed a National Park and a memorial centre.

On Brijuni we can find the remains of a Roman villa and a lake, a Byzantine fort and ruins from the Venetian rule.

A special attraction of Brijuni is a small safari park with many exotic animals that were brought as gifts to Tito by the visiting dignitaries. Traces of dinosaurs have also been found.

The tour of the island is mainly by tourist train, therefore it does not involve too much walking.

This is a full day excursion by boat, sailing along the western coast of the Istrian peninsula and on to the Brijuni islands.

Cost approximately Kuna 380 (£47) from Rovinj and Kuna 420 (£52) from Porec

Postojna & Lipica - Full day by bus & includes Slovenia

In one day you have a unique opportunity to visit two world famous places: the famous Postojna caves and the Lipica stud farm, where the horses of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna are bred and trained.

Few people know that these stallions actually originate from Slovenia and the small town of Lipica. Those who have seen the performance of the classical school of riding consider it to be an unforgettable experience. On this day out you will be treated to a special demonstration of their skills and a guided tour of the stud farm itself.

The underground realm of the Postojna caves, which is considered to be the second largest in the world, was carved out by the river Pivka. The stalactites and stalagmites of these caves are stunning phenomena. The guided visit is part on foot and part by a small train, which transports you to the heart of the underground fairyland with its stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

Lunch is included in the cost of approximately Kuna540 (£67).

Lake Bled, Slovenia - Full day by bus and gondola

This is an opportunity to visit a different country and experience the relaxing atmosphere of Lake Bled, in Slovenia.

Often called a fairytale lake, you will find the beauty of this part of Slovenia breathtaking. The castle that clings to the high cliff overlooking the lake, and the small island with the church rising from the 98 steps up from the water's edge are a photographer's dream.

The Bled ‘Gondola' will take you across the lake to the church. If the 98 steps are too much, there is a boatman's path hidden among the trees. The wine cellar in the castle is also worth a visit and the views from the restaurant are stunning. During your free time maybe take a carriage ride around the lake, or the road train, or simply walk.

Cost approximately Kuna 470 (£59).

Fish Picnic - Full day by boat from Porec

We sail down the coast from Poreč, passing Vrsar, and heading to our main stop in Rovinj.

Medieval town architecture, a labyrinth of streets, stairways and picturesque squares all combine to make Rovinj an unusually well-preserved historic monument. The magnificent church of St. Euphemia with its impressive bell tower dominates the town.

On your return to the boat, enjoy a lunch of freshly grilled fish, salad and bread, washed down with the local red or white wine or juice (included).

Lim fjord with its steep, verdant slopes, offers a secluded natural setting for the breeding of world-renowned oysters, mussels and fish. The boat only goes as far as The Pirate Cave, where it turns and then heads for Vrsar, where there is also a stop.

Lunch is included in the cost of approximately Kuna 180 (£22).