Pula in Istria or Bol further South? Where should I go?

Istria

In the past part of the Venetian realm this region has seen many empires such as Byzantine, Roman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslavian (Communist). The cultural heritage of Istria is thus very rich.
After conquering the Illyrian Histri tribe, the Romans settled in the cape and left a great legacy turning Pula into an significant organizational hub and erecting villas, amphiteatres and temples. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the inner land remained a feudal region occupied by Slavs, Byzantines and finally Austrian Habsburgs, while the shore fell under rule of the Republic of Venice in the 13th century. Intermittent

Since 1797, the Croatian population of Istria struggled for independence and were ruthlessly oppressed both by Austrians and Fascist Italy (after World War I), finally ending with revenge from Yugoslav partisans after the World War II, forcing most ethnic Italians to leave. A small ethnic Italian community still lives in the coastal towns. comparatively spared from the Yugoslav Wars, Istria is now a wealthy region. Recent years have seen a growing regional attitude and a reunion with its previously conflictive Italian identity.

Croatian is the official and most common language, but in these formerly Venetian lands Italian is almost universally understood. There is still an Italian ethnic community in many coastal towns. German is also very widely spoken. A good number of restaurants in the main town also have an English speaker or two on staff.

How to reach to Istria

Pula is the main transport hub for Istria so most people will arrive there if they are not driving. Some cruiser lines arrive to Poreč, too. Buses run from Trieste in Italy, Zagreb and other major cities to Pazin in the centre of Istria, and most to Pula in the South. Ryanair provides a connection London (Stansted) to Pula three times a week. Scandjet connects Pula to Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm once a week (on Saturdays) during the summer. Germanwings also serves Pula. Trains run daily between Ljubljana in Slovenia and Pula, and from Rijeka to Ljubljana. Unfortunately Venezia Lines is a high speed ferry operator that operated its first trip in May 2003. Operating in the North Adriatic, Venezia Lines links the North Adriatic's coasts of Italy and Croatia. In the North Adriatic Venezia Lines is currently utilising 2 vessels, San Frangisk and her sister vessel San Pawl, both with a capacity of 310 passenger. They are at present deployed on routes between Venice, Italy and the Croatian ports of Mali Losinj, Porec, Pula, Rabac and Rovinj.

Visitor attractions in Istria

The old Venetian town of Rovinj. St Euphrasius Basilica in Poreč. Brijuni (Brioni) Islands - private park of Tito as well as an international zoo, dinosaur footprints and Roman and Byzantine ruins. Hill-top villages of Groznjan and Motovun, populated by artist wonderful

Attend a music or folklore show in the unique atmosphere of the Pula Arena. Motovun Film Festival, Motovun, Istria (On the main road between Buzet and Buje). Visit Groznjan and its jazz Festival.

Istrian Cuisine

Pasta, gnocchi, risotto and polenta, as well as its high-quality vegetables (which can be found, at a cheap price, in any of the numerous open-air markets present in almost every Istrian town), accompany main dishes, as an Italian heritage. Especially, Istrian peppers have international credit.

Istria Wines and Drinks

Istria is a land of vineyards. Wines are sweet and fruity, with a wide variety of grapes present, such as white malvasia, red teran and muscat. The most renowned vineyard area is Kalavojna, on the Eastern coast. Regional liquor grappa is widely produced in here, with several varieties available.

Other destinations in Istria: Beram, Brijuni, Cape Kamenjak, Groznjan, Hum, Vrsar

As you get to know Istria you will notice more captivating details: church facades and portals, small village alleyways, the blooming cherries. Everything is warm-hearted and friendly here: nature, towns and folks.
position of IstriaIstria is the westernmost province of the Republic of Croatia. The biggest peninsula of the Adriatic.

Istria's area is 2,820 km2 (triangle Dragonja, Kamenjak, Učka). Its populace is 206,344. The official Language is Croatian. (well-indented coast is twice as long as the road one), The eastern coast of Istria is 202 km long with the pertaining islets 212 km. Salinity amounts roughly to 36-38 pro mille.

Vegetation

Istria is the biggest green oasis of the North Adriatic. The coast and the islands are covered with pine forests and easily recognizable lush macchia. The main specimens of macchia are holm oak and strawberry trees 35% of Istria is covered with forests.