Istria
Istria is indeed a feast for the eyes. Its streams flow to the sea through deep valleys and gullies which bring to mind the ancient local myths about giants. Rolling hills overlook the fields and valleys with little towns perched on the peaks, recalling some old paintings. The view is splendid: white-topped mountains, lush wheat fields, plateaux, valleys, vineyards and olive groves on hillsides, and, finally the sea.
As you get to know Istria you will notice more and more enchanting details: church facades and portals, tiny village alleyways with their specific architectural touches, the babble of a stream, the blossoming cherries. Everything is warm–hearted and friendly here: nature, towns and people.
As you get to know Istria you will notice more and more enchanting details: church facades and portals, tiny village alleyways with their specific architectural touches, the babble of a stream, the blossoming cherries. Everything is warm–hearted and friendly here: nature, towns and people.
Green Istria
Istria has laid out its wonders in the garden of the Mediterranean, at the foot of the Alps. The blue Adriatic Sea washes its shores, and the towns strung like pearls along the coast: Umag, Novigrad, Poreč, Vrsar, Rovinj, Pula, Rabac - the towns that have made Istria a famous destination.
But there is also another Istria, a hidden Istria, whose treasures are also worth exploring - the inland heart of Istria, green Istria, a land between dreams and reality, a land of beauty and peace of history and clean, unspoiled nature. Its towns and its people will bid you welcome and let you share in their spirit and the times long gone.
Welcome to the land of history, beauty and vitality!
But there is also another Istria, a hidden Istria, whose treasures are also worth exploring - the inland heart of Istria, green Istria, a land between dreams and reality, a land of beauty and peace of history and clean, unspoiled nature. Its towns and its people will bid you welcome and let you share in their spirit and the times long gone.
Welcome to the land of history, beauty and vitality!
Blue Istria
Life along the coasts of Istria has always been closely linked to the sea. Seafarers found shelter in the coves' embrace, fishermen respected such mysterious wide open spaces throughout their entire life, travellers discovered new loves in its harbours. And they will all agree on one thing - the beauty of the Istrian landscape has enchanted many a traveller convincing him to stay and have a new start…
Sail with us along Istria's azure coast, set out with the rays of sunlight from the east slowly towards the west, plunging into picturesque Mediterranean motifs - coves and beaches, small boats floating peacefully, awaiting in the beauty of solitude.
On the hilltop in the distance you can see Labin, town that has proudly protected its citizens inside its walls for centuries, and below it lies glittering Rabac spreading along one of the loveliest beaches in Istria. And then further on, until the southernmost tip, Cape Kamenjak, protecting the western coast where you are first greeted by millennia-old Pula. Look around and cherish the view of the city and its magnificent Arena before you are seduced by the Brijuni archipelago. When you set off once again after this breathtaking sight, the beauty of Rovinj calls out from the vast blue horizon, spinning you through its narrow winding streets and twirling you into the warm embrace of Lim Bay. There, you will be invited aboard the boat which, accompanied by melodies and flavours of the Mediterranean, takes you to Vrsar's Sestrice and then on to the beaches of Poreč. Along the way be sure to greet the bathers and surfers, and if you happen to see a buoy, it means that somewhere around, in the silence of the azure, divers are exploring some other worlds.
If you continue north, all the way to Savudrija, you will be guided safely into port by the oldest lighthouse standing by ancient Neapolis, one-time seat of the diocese, and present-day Novigrad. And at the close of the day, in Umag you will hear the enchanting Venetian sounds of its queen of instruments. Take a break in the mandrač, characteristic small Istrian boat harbour. There, along the coast, fishermen are repairing their nets, each of them absorbed in thought about past times. The deep lines on their faces reveal memories of wind and sea, salt and storms. They will be glad to tell you tales of the sea, accompanied by tasty pilchard and a glass of homemade Malvasia.
Sail with us along Istria's azure coast, set out with the rays of sunlight from the east slowly towards the west, plunging into picturesque Mediterranean motifs - coves and beaches, small boats floating peacefully, awaiting in the beauty of solitude.
On the hilltop in the distance you can see Labin, town that has proudly protected its citizens inside its walls for centuries, and below it lies glittering Rabac spreading along one of the loveliest beaches in Istria. And then further on, until the southernmost tip, Cape Kamenjak, protecting the western coast where you are first greeted by millennia-old Pula. Look around and cherish the view of the city and its magnificent Arena before you are seduced by the Brijuni archipelago. When you set off once again after this breathtaking sight, the beauty of Rovinj calls out from the vast blue horizon, spinning you through its narrow winding streets and twirling you into the warm embrace of Lim Bay. There, you will be invited aboard the boat which, accompanied by melodies and flavours of the Mediterranean, takes you to Vrsar's Sestrice and then on to the beaches of Poreč. Along the way be sure to greet the bathers and surfers, and if you happen to see a buoy, it means that somewhere around, in the silence of the azure, divers are exploring some other worlds.
If you continue north, all the way to Savudrija, you will be guided safely into port by the oldest lighthouse standing by ancient Neapolis, one-time seat of the diocese, and present-day Novigrad. And at the close of the day, in Umag you will hear the enchanting Venetian sounds of its queen of instruments. Take a break in the mandrač, characteristic small Istrian boat harbour. There, along the coast, fishermen are repairing their nets, each of them absorbed in thought about past times. The deep lines on their faces reveal memories of wind and sea, salt and storms. They will be glad to tell you tales of the sea, accompanied by tasty pilchard and a glass of homemade Malvasia.
People and customs
The people of Istria have always been farm labourers, but what they really engaged in was defined by the configuration of the surrounding land.
In the mountains of Ćićarija Istrian people were humble shepherds, proof of which are numerous folk proverbs: Ovaca bez pastira ne da ni mlika ni sira. (Sheep without shepherds yield neither milk nor cheese) Ki čuva ovcu, čuva i vunu (He who tends sheep, also keeps wool). In the middle of this little continent grey soil dominates, which is difficult to cultivate, but beneficial. This very soil has borne the Istrian-plowman. Southwest Istria, of deep red soil, is the area of excellent winegrowers, who are surrounded by their empire of Malvasia, whereas the coastal part of the peninsula has always been known for fishing: Ki spi, ribe ne lovi. (Those who sleep, catch no fish.)
Istrian women have always been self-sacrificing and had the entire house on their back, not only its four corners. For example, when they set out to fetch water from faraway springs, while carrying it home in vessels called brente on their backs, they knitted along the way so they wouldn't idle away their time.
The old trades that Istria was noted for have almost completely disappeared today - such as the two crucial crafts - stone carving and pottery. In the first one stone is roughly cut but in the other clay is delicately shaped into vessels.
Now and then the people of this Peninsula would provide entertainment with music and dance. But, their song is hard, atonal, archaic and is sung in two voices. Instruments - ancient, shepherd's: roženice, mih, duplice… The most popular dance is balun, whereas the folk costume is simple, two-colored - brown and white.
Istrian man is easily recognized - he is sweet-natured, diligent, patient, somewhat distrustful and careful, unhurried, with a hidden strength. He forms acquaintances easily, but true friendship a bit harder, then it is life long. For him honesty is of utmost importance - he keeps his word and that is the basis of all communication and coexistence: Vo se veživa za roge, a čovik za besidu. (An ox is tied to his horns, man to his word)
And if you happen to meet him on one of the village paths, whether young or old - he will always greet you first and look you sincerely in the eyes.
In the mountains of Ćićarija Istrian people were humble shepherds, proof of which are numerous folk proverbs: Ovaca bez pastira ne da ni mlika ni sira. (Sheep without shepherds yield neither milk nor cheese) Ki čuva ovcu, čuva i vunu (He who tends sheep, also keeps wool). In the middle of this little continent grey soil dominates, which is difficult to cultivate, but beneficial. This very soil has borne the Istrian-plowman. Southwest Istria, of deep red soil, is the area of excellent winegrowers, who are surrounded by their empire of Malvasia, whereas the coastal part of the peninsula has always been known for fishing: Ki spi, ribe ne lovi. (Those who sleep, catch no fish.)
Istrian women have always been self-sacrificing and had the entire house on their back, not only its four corners. For example, when they set out to fetch water from faraway springs, while carrying it home in vessels called brente on their backs, they knitted along the way so they wouldn't idle away their time.
The old trades that Istria was noted for have almost completely disappeared today - such as the two crucial crafts - stone carving and pottery. In the first one stone is roughly cut but in the other clay is delicately shaped into vessels.
Now and then the people of this Peninsula would provide entertainment with music and dance. But, their song is hard, atonal, archaic and is sung in two voices. Instruments - ancient, shepherd's: roženice, mih, duplice… The most popular dance is balun, whereas the folk costume is simple, two-colored - brown and white.
Istrian man is easily recognized - he is sweet-natured, diligent, patient, somewhat distrustful and careful, unhurried, with a hidden strength. He forms acquaintances easily, but true friendship a bit harder, then it is life long. For him honesty is of utmost importance - he keeps his word and that is the basis of all communication and coexistence: Vo se veživa za roge, a čovik za besidu. (An ox is tied to his horns, man to his word)
And if you happen to meet him on one of the village paths, whether young or old - he will always greet you first and look you sincerely in the eyes.
