Istria

Istria Croatia: The Adriatic's largest peninsula, your nearest Mediterranean coastline

One of the tourist advantages of Istria region is surely its 445 km of intricately indented shoreline, its clean sea and variety of "landscaped" beaches. There are stone-paved or pebble beaches suitable for all ages, especially for families with children, complemented by untamed beaches sheltered by untouched greenery, just perfect for those in search of intimacy and privacy. #$#

The Istrian peninsula abounds in attractions that are well worth the visit. Whether it is culturally historic monuments, natural wonders or gastronomic delights, the choice is truly extensive. From the wide variety of Istrian food the following are particularly well worth a mention: "prsut", otherwise known as prosciutto (smoked ham), and the Istrian people claim it to be the best in the world; "manestra". a home-made pasta with truffles that represents the acme of Istrian culinary delights. This dish is prepared with a kind of mushroom that grows underground and which is found by specially trained dogs. Other gastronomic delights you should not miss include oysters from the Limski channel, which should be sampled together with cod a la Istrian, and stewed savoury scampi. A bottle of home-pressed olive oil, or bottles of the clear and unique "rakija" (brandy - usually plum] is bound to make a prized gastronomic souvenir.

The Istria region has around 70 private wine cellars that are open fortasting, offering purchase of home-made varieties of wine produced from white malmsey, red teran, "refosk", muscadine, and other kinds of grape. The last Sunday in May sees the manifestation of the Day of Open Wine Cellars. There is also a wide variety of sporting-recreational activities in Istria Croatia.

Comprising some thirty land, sea and air sports. Lovers of cycling can enjoy a ride along one of around 60 different cycle tracks along the seashore, as well as inland.