Hrvatski
DeutschIstria, breath-taking Mediterranean peninsula, surrounded by crystal clear blue waters, tourist-friendly coast and magical green inland, offers numerous cultural, historical and natural wonders, spectacular views of hilly villages and rich traditional flavours.
The Rule of the Roman Empire left a deep trace on this region’s architecture. While walking along Istrian streets one can literally feel the spirit of the former Roman rule, while Pula’s Amphitheatre proudly stands as 6th in size of such buildings in the world.
Croatian Tuscany, as people like to call it, is one of the rarest Mediterranean regions adorned by untouched natural wonders and rich heritage. Green Istria will enthuse admirers of rural tourism and put a smile on all lovers of outdoor sports.
Charming sandy and pebble beaches and crystal clear blue sea will leave you breathless, while our rich gastronomic specialties will surely please even the most demanding palates.
Did you know that Istria is the only Mediterranean region where dinosaur remains have been found and that this is also the place where one can find the smallest city in the world – Hum, which some claim was built by giants?
Once you visit Istria horizons expand, senses are deepened, tension eases, while new experiences and friendships become permanent valuables.
WHAT’S THE CLIMATE LIKE IN ISTRIA?
The Istrian peninsula has a mild Mediterranean climate with warm and dry summers and mild and pleasant winters. There’s an average of 2388 hours of sunlight per year, while during the summer, average insolation values amount to 10 hours.
Some of the most frequent winds in Istria are known as “bura”, which blows from north to south, bringing clear but colder weather, while “jugo” is usually accompanied by warmer, humid weather. A milder type of wind is known as “maestral”, blowing landward and carrying refreshing air during summer period.
Average air temperature during the coldest period of the year is 6°C, meanwhile the warmest is 30°C. Just below the city of Rovinj, Istria is crossed by the 45th parallel, precisely halfway from the North Pole to the Equator – which is considered as the ideal geographical and thermal area in the Northern Hemisphere.
Average salinity is 37‰. High concentrations of salts, sodium and chlorine, along with sulphate and magnesium make the Adriatic Sea great for healthy baths, which are necessary for human body and its skin, while sea movements deliver additional therapeutic effect. The sea temperature ranges between 9°C in March and 25°C in August.
Based on the twelve-year monitoring of meteorological data in Rovinj, the average annual temperature is 13.5°C, average rainfall is 766,8 mm, while average air humidity is 75%.
The climate is warm and semi-dry. During the year, more than a third of days are without wind, while “bura”, famous NE wind, blows less than in other places along the west coast of the Istrian peninsula. This type of mild microclimate can be found only around the Brijuni archipelago and the island of Mali Lošinj. On average, there are around 134 sunny days during the year, which puts it on the third place among the whole Adriatic coast.
Rovinj
seagull by the sea
Cape Kamenjak
the southernmost point of the Istrian peninsula
Hum
the world’s smallest city
Istrian gastronomy: truffles, olive oil and excellent wines
A combination of luxury gastronomy and traditional simple dishes is the main characteristic of Istrian cuisine, which attracts many food enthusiasts.
Istrian gastronomy is a faithful representation of historical, geographical and climatic aspects of the Peninsula and a result of various traditions intertwining with rural cuisine, which is based on natural occurring wild plants and herbs, aromatic spices, seasonal vegetables, seafood and olive oil.
Everyone is invited to explore and taste the values of our blue-green heaven on earth, incorporated in simple smiles from Istrian hosts, their handmade products and untouched nature which attracts many with its beauty and historical importance.
Let's get in touch
In search of truffles through Motovun forest
Motovun forest, through which the river Mirna flows, is great for truffle hunting. Truffles are well known as aphrodisiac with an intense and indescribable smell and are without a doubt one of the most mystical spices in cuisine. Certain sorts of truffles, such as the white truffle, can reach a price of several thousand euros per kilogram on the market. Motovun forest is precisely the place where the biggest white truffle ever has officially been found, weighing around 1.5 kilograms.
Protected Istrian prosciutto and award-winning cheeses
Istrian prosciutto (along with Krk, Drniš and Dalmatian prosciutto) is one of the four protected types of prosciutto. It is protected by the European Union and proudly carries the label “izvorno”, meaning “authentic”, which further assures the meat originates from Istria or from a dozen of other Croatian regions, while its ripening lasts between 12 to 18 months. Istrian prosciutto is seasoned with sea salt and other spices such as pepper, bay leaves, rosemary and garlic, without any additional additives or preservatives.
Some of the most known Istrian cheeses include Istrian sheep’s milk cheese Špin, which was awarded with gold award in category of hard sheep’s cheeses at the prestigious competition International Cheese & Dairy Awards in the UK.
Istrian Malvasia and wine roads
Irresistible part of Istrian gastronomic offer belongs to rich selection of quality wines, among which the best known is Malvasia. Enogastronomy is an indispensable part of wine tourism, which has experienced a boom in recent years and is becoming more and more popular. Local wine roads offer great opportunity to acquaint oneself with local culture and customs, while tasting wines with all of your senses, surrounded by natural wonders of this region.
Visit the most famous beaches in and around Rovinj
A 20-minute car ride from our Arbalovija apartments brings you to 67 kilometers long Rovinj coast, which represents unique natural surroundings with 2.289 hectares of protected green area, 14 islands and 6 islets.
Baluota beach can be found nearby – rocky, eye-catching city beach located under St. Euphemia’s church, which in the evenings transforms itself and hosts special events. Special lighting effects allow for undisturbed night swimming.
Zlatni rt is another well-known beach, located just outside the old town, with numerous high-quality hotel facilities, while its Lone beach has become one of the city’s most visited beaches after its recent renovations.
How to reach us?
Road connectivity of central Europe with destinations on Croatian coast is advancing at a fast pace. To enter and drive around Croatia, you need a green insurance card and a valid driver’s license. In the Republic of Croatia, tolls are charged on highways and semi-highways, as well as on some bridges and tunnels.
From Slovenia and Italy
border crossing Kaštel-Dragonja – highway: toll station Umag – Kanfanar (highway exit)
From Zagreb
border crossing Kaštel-Dragonja – highway: toll station Umag – Kanfanar (highway exit)
From Dalmatia
highway Split – Bosiljevo – Rijeka – Učka Tunnel – Kanfanar (highway exit).