Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Idyllic Istria (EE-stree-ah; “Istra” in Croatian), at Croatia's northwest corner, reveals itself
to you gradually and seductively. Pungent truffles, Roman ruins, striking hill towns, quaint
coastal villages, carefully cultivated food and wine, and breezy Italian culture all compete
for your attention. The wedge-shaped Istrian Peninsula, while not as famous as its southern
rival (the much-hyped Dalmatian Coast), is giving Dalmatia a run for its money.
The Istrian coast, with gentle green slopes instead of the sheer limestone cliffs found
along the rest of the Croatian shoreline, is more serene than sensational. It's lined with
pretty,interchangeablytackyresorttowns,suchasthetouristmeccaPore
č
(worthwhileonly
for its mosaic-packed Byzantine basilica). But one seafront village reaches the ranks of
greatness: romantically creaky Rovinj, my favorite little town on the Adriatic. Down at the
