Yachtcharter Istria

The large peninsula of Istria is a great base from which to explore the northern part of the Croatian Adriatic. The peninsula is not as island-rich as the south, but has impressive small coastal towns with cultural diversity, and a trip into Istria's hinterland is also worthwhile. The Brijuni National Park and Cape Kamenjak are popular destinations. Starting points further north are, for example, the charming little towns of Funtana and Vrsar. Along the coast there are many beautiful beaches and there is a great offer to be active, whether in water sports or on land: hiking routes along the green coast, various diving centers with courses and tours, also on horseback you can discover the coast. Also culinary Istria is something special in Croatia. To the south, Pula offers the largest selection of yachts. 

Bases in Istria are also easily accessible by car. The varied coastline with many beaches and the wide range of activities makes the area attractive for different crew needs. The moderate wind conditions make it a nice destination for families as well as for less experienced sailors. However, due to weather conditions, attention should be paid to the Bora, especially if you include the Kvarner Bay. 

South of the area, the Kvarner Bay adjoins with the islands of Cres, Krk, Losinj and Rab. They are surrounded by many bays with beaches and like the peninsula, are extremly green. There is also a wide range of water sports, such as windsurfing and diving.

Climate: on the coast Mediterranean with temperatures between 15 and 28 degrees
Wind: Bora, Jugo/Scirocco, Mistral
Sailing season: May to September

Yacht charter Istria

A beautiful way to discover the diverse Croatian Adriatic is a cruise along the west coast of Istria.

Medieval towns with Italian flair

Definitely worth a visit are the medieval, Mediterranean towns like Rovinj, Novigrad and Poreč with their impressive old town districts. Especially the picturesque Rovinj with its winding alleys and the many historic buildings in Romanesque-Gothic style invites you to explore.

Pula on the southern tip of Istria is famous for its well-preserved amphitheater, which dates back to the 2nd century BC and is still used as a venue today. It is also in close proximity to the town's marina. A walk through the city reveals other sights from ancient and medieval times. It is also a good place to stop for a shopping spree.

The former fishing village Medulin with its beautiful beaches is attractive for swimming stops, not only on the mainland coast, but also on the offshore archipelago with its 10 islands. On the beach promenade and in the town there are numerous konobas and restaurants. Other former fishing villages have also preserved their charm, such as Funtana or Fazana.

In Istria you can find charming old fishing villages, like Fazana here. ©Alexandar Todorvic/AdobeStock

On the road in Brijuni National Park and Cape Kamenjak

Near Pula lies the Brijuni National Park. It includes 14 islands, the largest of which is Veli Brijuni. The harbor here is also the entrance point to the park, as the other islands are not public. There is an entrance fee to the park and the visit is possible only with a guided tour. The nature of the archipelago is extremely varied, as there are almost 600 plant species and countless native animal species here. On the main island, the former head of state of Yugoslavia, Tito, had his summer residence, where he received celebrities and other state officials. The associated safari park with exotic animals still exists. The animals were brought as gifts from his guests from all over the world.

Also in the south at the cape Kamenjak it goes on green. Around the cape are many bathing bays with forests around them. In the House of Nature in Premantura you can learn a lot about the diversity of the area. Young and old can follow big tracks, the dinosaur trail at the cape presents different dinosaurs by means of multilingual boards including life-size models.

The cruise can also take you further south to the Kvarner Bay with the islands of Cres, Krk, Losinj and Rab.

Bay bumming at Cape Kamenjak. ©mmphotoAdobeStock

Caves, reefs and shipwrecks: diving excursions in Istria

On the coast of the peninsula you can also find a whole range of diving centers that organize excursions and offer courses for those who want to learn. Divers will find in Istria an interesting underwater world with various reefs and caves. Inhabitants of the rich fauna and flora are, for example, scorpion fish, seahorses, tuna and lobsters. They are not only found on the rocks and walls, they have also made several shipwrecks their home. It is also because of these wrecks that the area is famous among divers. They date back to the 20th century, mainly from the time of the First and Second World War. There were many mines off the coast and a number of battles took place. Near Pula, there are several, including a submarine. Near Rovinj lies the Baron Gautsch, sunk in 1914. Others also lie near Medulin. You should also learn the tragic stories behind the boats. Some are even well preserved inside. Depending on your diving experience, different excursions are suitable.

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