Istria

”In the extreme north of the Adriatic Sea, where ends the sea surface that represents the throat of the mouth of the Mediterranean, there is a heart-shaped piece of land, rich in history and tradition. That is Istria!” Richard Francis Burton.

  • An oasis of gourmet enjoyments
  • Truffles
  • Olive oil
  • Istrian ox "boškarin"
  • Teran and malvazija wines
  • Cultural heritage
  • Historical heritage
  • Beauty of nature
  • Outdoor activities

Istria, a tranquil, charming region, provides a feeling of being in a fairytale. A magic land of ancient small towns on hilltops, seductive gastronomy, premium wines and olive oil, encircled by the Adriatic sea on all sides, keeps its tradition. But it also lives for the moments of sharing it and creating the new one.

It lived under the rules of Histri, the Roman and the Byzantine Empires, Napoleon, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Kingdom of Italy and Yugoslavia. All that cultural and historical heritage blended into a picturesque and somewhat mysterious region, whose beauty is hard to resist.

Give yourselves over to the exceptional world of Istria’s inland area. It is a world of green hills, river valleys and streams, medieval towns, girded by defensive walls. A world in which you will learn about the life of Istrian farmers and the love they nurture for their land. It is that love itself that is reflected in every sip of Istrian wine, drop of olive oil and bite that you taste. Inland Istria is a true heaven for gourmands – dishes made with truffles, wild asparagus, Istrian ox “boškarin” meat and forest mushrooms are wrapped up with teran and malvazija wines and the whole story is closely accompanied by “His Majesty” olive oil. Does one need anything more for a unique gourmet experience?

Visit all the small medieval towns. Although guarded by walls which are resisting time, their doors are always open for you. Get to know Buzet – the “City of Truffles”, Motovun which delights with its panoramas, but also with the view spreading from its loggia, Roč – the town of Glagolitic alphabet and of Croatian literacy, Grožnjan – a town of art and creativity. Continue your tour and refresh yourselves with the rustling of the Mirna River waterfalls at Kotli and take a walk along the Glagolitic Alley, which will take you as far as Hum – the smallest town in the world and town of the pomace, mistletoe and herb brandy “biska”.

Let Istria and its inland area touch you with their magic. Treat yourselves to a holiday and head for the right place – Istria, at the right time – spring, summer, autumn or winter – each season in Istria offers a special experience!

Buzet

Raised on a hill over the Mirna River Valley, Buzet is a medieval town which dominates the Central Istrian landscape. Widely-famed as the "City of Truffles", a peculiar bulb-like treasure of the Istrian earth, to which autumns are dedicated in Istria and Buzet.

Truffles

They give it numerous attributes and call it by different names. All are united in one – this peculiar bulb is the peak of gastronomy. Truffles are Istrian treasure, hidden under the ground in the dense forests of the Mirna River Valley.

The Parenzana

Today the best known cycling, but also walking, route, Parenzana used to be the main railway link between Poreč on the Istrian coast and Trieste, cutting through the Istrian inland area. The old railway tunnels and overpasses run through untouched places, which certainly will not leave you indifferent. For cycling is an ideal way of discovering the hidden unsurpassable beauty of nature!

Experience more in Boutique Hotel Vela Vrata!