Why go to Istria? The 10 good reasons to go Istria

The tourist season in Istria starts from the Easter vacations and ends at the end of October. During the off-season, the opening hours of points of interest are sometimes restricted. In downtown Pula, many establishments (cafés-restaurants, shops and incoming agencies) are closed in winter. A resumption of activity takes place during the end-of-year festivities and carnivals in February. Public services are generally open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm. Banks that close at 5pm are open on Saturday mornings.

Public holidays are respected in Croatia. In addition to Catholic holidays, everything is practically closed on May¹, June 22 (Anti-Fascist Resistance), June 25 (National Day), August 5 (National Remembrance Day) and October 8 (Independence Day).

Museums. Some museums and galleries close on Sunday afternoons, or even all day. Others close on Saturday afternoon or Monday. In summer, museums are open longer. For further information, contact your local tourist office or visit the website of the Croatian Museums Association: a href="#link1ss">www.mdc.hr

For a sea excursion, a sports or leisure activity, a guided day out in green Istria (hiking, terroir, gastronomy), a heritage tour with an accredited guide, the local tourist office or an incoming agency can put you in touch with service providers. You can also book directly on the organizers' websites or via the Get your Guide platform (www.getyourguide.fr/), which allows you to book your activities and cancel free of charge in the event of unforeseen circumstances, up to 24 hours in advance.

The Brioni archipelago. In summer, the national park is very popular. It's advisable to book an entrance ticket including the ferry crossing. In the harbors of the towns close to the park (Pula, Fažana, Medulin), there are well-organized touts behind their promotional counters, selling the merits of a day's boat trip to the archipelago. Families often choose this option, as everything is organized (transport, lunch, entrance tickets). The tour can also be booked via the official NP website, with tourist offices and incoming agencies: www.np-brijuni.hr/fr

Although the cost of living remains lower than in France, Istria is considered the most expensive region in Croatia after Dubrovnik. The complete changeover to the euro has visibly rounded up prices. Prices in Croatia vary according to the season (+20 to 30% in July-August). Before or after this period of overtourism, substantial savings can be made on shipping and accommodation, while enjoying a very good climate.

The discount card (Pula + Card) offered by the tourist office is very attractive. From June 15 to September 15, it entitles the holder to discounts on entrance tickets to the city's main points of interest, as well as a range of lower-cost offers (excursions, accompanying guides, sports and leisure activities, etc.).

In Pula, major annual events in the amphitheater include concerts by national and international stars, the Film Festival Arena, Visualia and Pula Superiorum. On the peninsula, the Sea Star Festival in Umag, the Motovun Film Festival, the Organum Histriae at the Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč, Jazz Is Back in Grožnjan, Salsa Week in Rovinj, non-verbal dance-theater in Svetvinčenat, the International Sculpture Symposium in Labin, batana boat demonstrations in Rovinj, antique days in Umag, not forgetting the numerous agricultural fairs and shows, wine and gastronomy events, and calendar festivals.

To plan your discovery vacation, visit the Pula Tourist Office, the Istrian Regional Tourist Office in Poreč and municipal tourist offices, to get in touch with professional guides. For guided tours of Pula's historic heritage, an evening stroll in period costume in Vrsar or to find out about the best restaurants, the Istria Tours, Rovinj Archipelago and Book Istria agencies specialize in day and multi-day excursions. Don't miss: Brijuni National Park, a day in Venice from Poreč or Pula, Croatian, Slovenian and Italian Istria by bike, the wine route with a Rovinj wine expert (Sentire j.d.o.o), a sailboat trip with - perhaps - dolphins (Istraordinary), a sea kayak tour at sunset (Pulakaya.com), wreck diving (Orca Diving Center) and horseback riding (Ranch Istra Star).

Since 2009, smoking has been banned in Croatia in public places, cafés and restaurants. If the establishment has a separate room with ventilation, smoking is permitted. Smoking is tolerated on terraces and in railway stations.

Beware of unqualified guides. Your tour guide must be accredited by the regional or municipal tourist office. He or she must have training recognized by the Croatian Ministry of Tourism.

For musical evenings, especially classical music concerts, local music lovers are always well-dressed. For this occasion, it's a good idea to pack a smart casual outfit, which will also look good in gourmet restaurants.