Spring in Istria
If you’ve never wandered what spring looks like in Istria, you’re in the right place. This place, at the heart of the Mediterranean, is bustling with life throughout the year, and spring is the best introduction into what comes next, what we all know very well – the summer season. Istria can’t be painted with words, but we can try. This short guide can help you form an idea of what to expect.
Gastrotainment destination
It might be more logical to start with activities such as hiking or cycling, but we thought we’d open this subject with the most talked-about topic in Istria – food.
Istria is a magical gourmet destination. It’s enough just to mention asparagus, truffles, or the world-famous extra-virgin olive oils. But we can come back to that later. First, we’ll tell you how we managed to combine gastronomy and entertainment here through various events. Spring is the time for many of the local events that make the lives of this region’s population and the lives of visiting tourists all the culturally richer. Each place has its own festivity, and you can join the locals in celebrating patron saints, grilling sardines, and dancing until the early hours of the morning. It seems that nearly every place in Istria has its own gourmet event. Which is why, this spring, you can also visit Goložece of Vrsar, Istrijanske pinci pod čerepnjon na ugnjišće (Istrian pinca under the baking lid), Weekend Food Festival, and Vinistra – the major regional Istrian wine fair. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong.
Spring is the height of the season
At least when it comes to food. In spring, Istria abounds with fresh white fish and freshly made pasta, and it is also the season of black truffles and asparagus…
Istria is known for its truffles, and if you find yourself in the Motovun forest in spring with a dog or a pig with a heightened sense of smell, you might just find a black truffle. Truffle hunting is a fun and healthy activity that almost always ends with shavings the found truffle over a fritaja (scrambled eggs) or fuži (traditional pasta). Who could resist them?
And if truffles aren’t exotic enough, near the village of Svetvinčenat, lavender is used as a cooking ingredient! At Pekica family farm, they say that not every lavender variety can be used to prepare local delicacies because some of them are too bitter or too aromatic. The lavender that grows on their property, however, can. If you ask us, lavender biscuits and the refreshing lavender ice cream are a must-try.
Istrian vineyards and olive groves are just emerging from their hibernation in spring, and preparations for a new harvest are in full swing, but visitors are welcome to stop by for tastings. Istrian wines such as Malvasia and Teran, and the world-famous extra-virgin olive oils, will tell you all you need to know about Istria, its people and its customs. Many wine roads and olive oil roads have spread out throughout Istria, and, like veins leading to the heart, these roads will take you to the wineries and oil mills. If you’re looking for a recommendation, visit the lively winery San Tomasso, not far from the town of Bale, in a village called Golaš, where you can experience the authentic Istrian atmosphere.
Perfect conditions on the road
And not just for cars. Apart from the wine and olive oil roads, Istria also abounds with cycling and hiking trails, perfect for those whose ideal holiday is an active one. Your active holiday can include cycling, mountain climbing, and hiking on a route of your choice, depending on your preferences. Discover picturesque landscapes, cycling trails by the sea, forest trails, and medieval cities along the way. There are many places of natural beauty in Istria, such as Lim Bay, with its spectacular cycling trails and awe-inspiring views, as well as the Golden Cape Forest Park, which is perfect for jogging and relaxing strolls. Not to mention the Brijuni Islands right across from Pula, one of eight national parks in Croatia, whose rich natural and cultural heritage marks its historic importance. You can also always take a stroll around the historic monuments, such as the amphitheatre of Pula or the old town centre of Motovun, attracting numerous lovers of history and architecture.
And the cherry on top… the dessert
We will end this article on a sweet note. After the layers of food, natural beauty, and activities, the time has come for the chocolate topping – the Gianduia of Rovinj.
The Gainduia is one of the greatest chocolate classics, found in various forms throughout the world – as chocolate, pralines, chocolate spreads – but it originates from no other place than Rovinj.
Antonia Bazzarini, a young visionary from Istria, discovered this “chocolate substitute” by experimenting with cocoa and almonds from Rovinj. The original Gianduia was named after one of the masks of the Italian Commedia dell’arte, and its recipe contains exclusively hazelnuts, as we can testify even today, thanks to the local brand Atelier Ecostyle that made the chocolate created in homage to Antonio Bazzarini, the great creator of everyone’s favourite dessert. The name of the collection of chocolate products inspired by the original recipe from the 19th century is the Gianduia of Rovinj – Gianduia rovignese. This new chocolate perfection is a blend of well-roasted almonds, wheat, and lupine, just as the original recipe calls for. Enough of a reason to visit Istria this spring? We thought so.
And how does every spring adventure in Istria begin? By booking your accommodation at Maistra.
Holidays in Istria
You will find endless opportunities for exploration and fun as soon as you set foot in the most modern family hotel in Croatia and your children see the big blue climbing net and immediately embark on an adventure. The Family Hotel Amarin is located on a green peninsula in a Mediterranean park with playgrounds for outdoor entertainment. Most of the 280 rooms offer great views of the sea or the town of Rovinj. Explore the beaches around the hotel, check out the fun and educational programmes of the unique Amarin Kids Club, and try the spa treatments for children and adults.
The Grand Park Hotel Rovinj provides a holiday experience that comes to life. It is harmoniously situated on Rovinj’s eastern shore, offering remarkable vistas of its old town and a revitalising wellness & spa experience. The Grand Park hides many small pleasures. Take time to discover them. The fragrances and flavours of Istria can be experienced at the Albaro Wellness & Spa, as well as at seven restaurants and bars, including Michelin-recommended Cap Aureo and the two-Michelin-starred Agli Amici Rovinj.
This chic boutique hotel is located in Rovinj’s historic centre and is entirely inspired by art. Every part of the hotel is decorated with art by Croatian artists made exclusively for the hotel. And if you feel inspired to create a piece of your own, the view of Rovinj’s rooftops from your room is an excellent motif with which to start.
A unique hotel with a charming atmosphere located in Lone Bay, in the shade of the fragrant Golden Cape forest park. With first-class service and a long tradition of individual approach to every guest, you can relax to the fullest with our Mediterranean beauty treatments and fragrances of Istria at our wellness and spa centre or stay active by playing tennis, swimming or cycling.
Combining a unique and functional design over six floors, located by the sea and the centuries-old Golden Cape forest park, this hotel is a year-round leisure and business destination. Just like a contemporary art museum, every detail of the Hotel Lone, awakens your desire to explore.
Enjoy the carefully curated cuisine in one of three high-end restaurants, soak up the sun at the Beach Club with a refreshing cocktail in your hand or simply relax in our boutique wellness and spa designed to offer you pampering for the body and relaxation for the mind. Monte Mulini, an adults-only experience that will revitalise you in true hedonistic fashion.
Located on top of a hill in the stone pine forest after which it is named, the Pineta Hotel offers a unique view of the old town of Vrsar, the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding islands. With numerous bike trails in the area, the hotel is well equipped for cyclists. Fans of active holidays can also enjoy trekking, tennis, diving, swimming, and other sports in the area. In parallel with your active holiday, take a break in the intimate atmosphere of the Wellness & Spa centre.
The Island Hotel Istra, located on the island of St Andrew, has everything you need for a relaxing holiday: miles of beaches and promenades, a swimming pool complex, and a Wellness & Spa oasis with a Mediterranean garden. La Serra Restaurant, Anno Domini 547, located in the same building which was once Baron Hütterott’s summer residence, offers a modern take on traditional Mediterranean specialities.
Enjoying sweeping views of the sea and the islands of the Rovinj archipelago from our modern suites, followed by breakfast in a historic villa – can you think of a better way to start your day? To top it off, treat yourself with a visit to Island Wellness & Spa for maximum relaxation. With miles of promenades and beaches as well as restaurants and bars, this is one place you will want to come back and visit again.
The modern rooms are located right by the sea, ascending along a gentle slope with a beautiful view of the 18 islands of the Vrsar archipelago. In just a few minutes of easy walking along the seafront promenade, you will reach the centre of Vrsar, or explore the surroundings by bike. You can relax and have fun on the natural beaches or at the large swimming pool with a water slide in the centre of the resort.
Maistra’s largest campsite, Polari, is located in a serene bay near the town of Rovinj, where you can wake up surrounded by the sea, centuries-old olive trees, rows of cypresses and a fragrant pine forest. The campsite features numerous sports and entertainment activities for the whole family, a large pool complex and spray park, natural beaches, and bars and restaurants for quick refreshments during the day, or dinner savouring the local specialities. Rovinj is only 3.5 km away and can be reached by bike or on foot along the coastal cycling and walking trail.
If you ever feel like spending time in Istria, Porto Sole Campsite is open throughout the year. You can stay on pitches by the sea or in mobile homes embodying the special ambience of a winter holiday surrounded by nature. Explore the charming town of Vrsar not far from the camp, or roam around the beautiful countryside cycling along the attractive nearby trails. Besides the diving club and outdoor fitness zone, the campsite offers a wide range of sports amenities by the beaches and pools.
Valkanela Campsite is situated in a beautiful bay with a view of Vrsar and the islands. Here you can find a unique offer of amenities and entertainment for a great family holiday. Choose from accommodation on well-positioned spacious pitches or in comfortable mobile homes with a shared pool or private hydro-massage bathtub on the terrace. The campsite features attractive natural beaches, a pool complex, and restaurants and bars right by the sea and pools.
Visit the campsite situated in a peaceful bay with the most beautiful pebbled beach, just five kilometres from Rovinj. Choose from well-equipped pitches up to 140 sq. metres in size and comfortable mobile homes with a terrace. Alongside diving, an aqua park and an array of water sports, the campsite also offers a large swimming pool complex and a spray park. The attractive locations by the beach and the pools feature restaurants and bars serving local specialities and your favourite beverages.
Camp at this top-quality resort with natural beaches in the shade of fragrant pine trees overlooking Rovinj, and enjoy all the amenities on offer. Choose from spacious pitches with electricity, water and drainage hook-ups, comfortable mobile homes with private terraces, and 20 glamping tents. There are also three outdoor swimming pools by the sea, and restaurants and bars for refreshments. A fantastic entertainment programme for children and teenagers, as well as an excellent choice of sports on land and water, will make your holiday at this campsite fulfilling and revitalising.
The modern rooms and apartments are located right by the sea, ascending along a gentle slope with a beautiful view of the 18 islands of the Vrsar archipelago. In just a few minutes of easy walking along the seafront promenade, you will reach the centre of Vrsar, or explore the surroundings by bike. You can relax and have fun on the natural beaches or at the large swimming pool with a water slide in the centre of the resort.
A favourite destination for families with children, surrounded by vegetation and near the sea, with an unforgettable view of the old town of Rovinj. The spacious apartments and rooms with balconies provide you with plenty of peace and privacy. When you decide to swap relaxation for fun activities, you will be delighted by our many sports and entertainment options, all-day entertainment programmes for all ages, and numerous restaurants and bars.
Petalon Resort is situated on the green peninsula between the town of Vrsar and the protected landscape of Lim Bay. Enjoy miles of bike and hiking trails, natural pebble and rocky beaches, swimming pools, tennis courts, a diving school, and other sports activities.
Villas Rubin Resort is located on the protected Rovinj coastline overlooking the islands. In addition to cycling and hiking trails, numerous sports and entertainment activities, and swimming pools with slides, there are a large number of natural pebble and rocky beaches. You can choose from a variety of restaurants and bars in the charming woodland overlooking the sea.
Located at the entrance to beautiful Lim Bay, Koversada Uncovered Naturist is the campsite in Europe with the longest tradition in naturism. Surrounded by greenery and beaches, this is a paradise for relaxation, with accommodation options in mobile homes and on pitches. Explore the local flavours of Istria in our restaurants and bars, and enjoy a forest oasis designed for yoga and meditation. Feel the freedom offered by Koversada Uncovered Naturist Campsite!
Koversada Naturist Park Apartments are located at the entrance to the beautiful Lim Bay, surrounded by pristine Mediterranean scenery, the sea, and natural beaches. Discover local flavours of Istria in our restaurants and bars and enjoy an active holiday with numerous sports and entertainment activities.
Koversada Rooms in the newly renovated Koversada Covered Campsite are intended for clothed guests. Surrounded by green olive groves, they are located near the sea and the islet of the same name – Koversada. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, explore local specialities in our restaurants and bars, and add some sporting and fun activities to your holiday. Everything here is about unspoilt nature and relaxation!
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Visit Golden Cape forest park.
Also known as Punta Corrente, the Golden Cape is one of the most significant nature parks in the northeast Adriatic.
Only a 15-minute walk from the centre of Rovinj and spreading over an area of 52 hectares, the forest park hides a world of unbelievable diversity, numerous plant species and deep shade that provides cool shelter during the long summer days.
Dubrovnik’s city walls are considered one of the largest and best-preserved medieval fortification systems.
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