Istrian Holidays

Istria

History:

previously part of the Venetian realm this region has seen many empires such as Byzantine, Roman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslavian (Communist). The cultural legacy of Istria is thus very rich and varied.

After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the inner land remained a feudal territory occupied by Slavs, Frankish, Byzantines and finally Austrian Habsburgs, whereas the coast fell under rule of the Republic of Venice in the 13th century. Intermittent

Since 1797, the Croatian people of Istria struggled for autonomy and were severely subdued both by Austrians and Fascist Italy (after World War I), eventually ending with retribution from Yugoslav partisans after the World War II, forcing most Italians to leave. A small ethnic Italian population still lives in the coastal towns. Relatively spared from the Yugoslav Wars, Istria is now a prosperous region. Latter years have seen a rising regional sentiment and a reconciliation with its previously conflictive Italian identity.

Nature:

The inner area is intact and mountainous with very old walled cities on the top of hills with adjacent fields. The Istrian coastline is possibly the most urbanized holiday-maker destination in Croatia.

Although Pula is the main municipality according to population and culture, relatively rural Pazin is the managerial hub of the peninsula. Istria is a fine county to practise hill-walking and biking, as much in the mountainous inland as on the shore. The Southern end of Istria is possibly the best area for biking.

Tourist attractions in Istria

Brijuni (Brioni) Islands - private playground of General Tito as well as an international zoo, dinosaur footsteps and Roman and Byzantine ruins.