Practical information : Move & Laze around Istria
Budget & Tips
With its extensive coastline, archipelago, rivers and waterfalls, Istria is an ideal destination for summer vacations on the water, where you can enjoy free activities, starting with swimming and snorkelling in the translucent sea. On Istria's sandy or pebble beaches and coves, on the flat rocks and pontoons, you can lay down your towel and belongings in complete safety. There are few, if any, thieves here!
Urban beaches are often well-equipped, with inflatables for children, giant buoys and diving boards for adults. In general, you have to pay for deckchairs, but if they belong to a beachbar, you can sometimes spend a good while there for the price of a drink on the spot.
The cliffs of the Premantura peninsula nature park offer great spots for dizzying dives, while other sports enthusiasts can enjoy rock-climbing at Cape Kamenjak. Entrance to the nature park is free for pedestrians, with a charge for motor vehicles. Other climbing sites have been set up on natural sites such as the wild cliffs of the east coast (Brseč), those of the Lim or Plomin fjords, near waterfalls in the Pazin region, in the former Roman quarry of Vincuran, near Pula. If you have your own equipment, it's free too! On the other hand, to tackle the Vela Draga limestone towers, you need to enter the Učka Nature Park with a ticket (€4 to €10 per person per day). Ideal terrain for mountain biking, high-altitude hiking, running or horseback riding.
Fans of mountain bike treks, races or simple bicycle touring in Istria are spoilt for choice. See all sporting events and cycling trails on the regional tourist office website.
What's very local
The Adriatic has low tides, and the translucent seawater offers excellent visibility down to 30 m. Perfect for scuba diving! All along the Istrian coast, diving clubs, often associated with hotel groups, campsites or family businesses, have their own boats and all the necessary equipment. The Viator booking platform, which works with local partners, enables you to book your activities. You can expect to pay around €70 for a first dive or an introductory course in small groups lasting a few hours, with daily packages; from €460 for a three- to six-day PADI/SSI course, including sea outings, equipment, accommodation and even half-board.
For wreck diving, off the coast of Rovinj and Poreč, it's also best to be accompanied. Numerous pavilions have sunk in the area (the Baron Gautsch ferry, the Flamingo, the Coriolan) and clubs offer packages (several sea trips plus accommodation from €450). As soon as you start diving with cylinders, you'll need to contact a diving club to purchase a Croatian diving license (around €15), valid for one year and issued on presentation of ID. If you're diving on your own, you'll need to have a certificate, report to the tourist office and not dive in national parks (Brioni archipelago).
Weather conditions on the Istrian coast and the daily wind cycle are often favorable for water sports: for example, on the Premantura peninsula, Cape Kamenjak or south of Pula. Several clubs organize stays and courses.
For information on sailing courses and water sports, contact the harbour master's offices or marinas. Boat rental companies offer their services, whether you're a frigate enthusiast or a simple yachtsman. For more information, contact your local tourist office or visit the Internet. In summer, a 5 m motorboat (maximum 6 people) costs between €50 and €80 per day (boating license required), with the services of a skipper costing around €160 (www.aci-marinas.com).
Istria is home to many of Europe's big game hunting grounds. Hunting tourists also come for small game (rabbit, fox, duck, migratory bird). But beware: regulations are strict. Those who prefer fishing or no-kill courses are welcome to take photos! Hunting and fishing trips can be organized with a specialized French operator (croatie-chasse-peche.com).
Wellness, yoga and tai chi courses in Istria have become very popular in recent years, especially on the Adriatic coast in summer. For contact details, prices and locations, visit www.experitour.com.
Your documents please
Many activities, especially sports, require a license and/or medical certificate. For scuba diving, boating and jet-skiing, check with your local service providers or tourist office.
To be booked
As places on the boats for excursions and scuba diving are often limited, it's a good idea to book the day before by telephone, at the club, on the Internet or with a travel agent. The same applies to golf, hiking or outdoor activities in small, accompanied groups. For wellness sessions, treatments or massages, enquire in advance at hotel reception desks. Spa and whirlpool facilities are always made available to guests - whether residents or non-residents - by the major hotel groups.
Main events
Sporting events abound. For example, tennis championships in Umag, trials (100 Miles of Istria) or the Parenzana marathon, bike races like the Trofej Umag, which takes place every year, four days before the Poreč Trophy, itself included in the UCI Europe Tour. And let's not forget International Bikers' Week, the salsa dance festival in Rovinj and trial foot races in the Učka nature park.
Tourist traps
Watch out for sea urchins in the water and transparent pine sap on the rocks!
In Pula or Fažana, on the quayside, excursionists offer a day at sea to the Brioni National Park. This will suit visitors who like the friendly atmosphere of groups with lunch on the boat and little time on the island of Veli Brijuni. Less expensive, the ferry, which runs all year round, leaves almost every hour in summer. You buy your ticket in the port of Fažana. The price of the crossing is included in the price of entry to the national park, with or without a guided tour.