Croatia has been had, historically, by so many different cultures and all of them have left their mark on the peninsular. Most came in from the Adriatic in the bright sunshine thinking, wow, this is a great coastline (assuming people though out history like white beaches, rocky island pocked bright blue water and well meaning flora.). They then built their various temples, churches and settlements from the basic to the gloriously complex and detailed - people who know their stuff will be able to tell you which is Medieval, Roman, Baroque, Gothic, Byzantine or what have you but let it be enough for me to tell you that it’s pretty and varied. Practically this region is pretty well set up for walkers, along the coastline there are plenty of places to camp and tracks that if they aren’t well marked are well kept (and it’s quite nice to let yourself get lost now and then.). If you’re not a camper the towns and villages here are close enough together to plan your route to hop between them - Fazana and nearby fishing village Peroj is particularly nice. This bit of coastline is for farming and fishing but along further is a section which is part of a National Park, so you’ve got the best of nature and of culture. The Hapsburg villa town of Lovran also makes a nice base, if a bit on the expensive side. If you stay on this side you can take a short walk to a spot with views across Istria to the Dolomites. The local spirit, which I like to taste when ever I visit a new place is called Sliwowitz, it’s a kind of plum-schnapps.

Written by  Kelle Harbour.

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Truffle Hunting in Istria

Istria is famed for its food and wine - and its white truffles. There are truffle fairs held throughout September and October. It's a great place for holidaying - less crowded than other parts of Europe, with traditional hilltop villages and some grand old seaside resorts that still feel in a Habsburg timewarp. Get here before it becomes the new Riviera - and enjoy the food and wine.

 

Review posted 19th May 2008 by James Dunford Wood.

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