On holiday in Istria, Croatia

4 July, 2023

The ACSI FreeLife TestTour 2022 in Croatia was carried out by four Dutch teams with a car-caravan combination or motorhome through Istria, the most northwestern region of the country. Now that you can watch their adventures on YouTube and read about them on acsifreelife.nl, the culture enthusiasts, bon vivants, active holidaymakers and novice motorhome owners look back at an unforgettable ‘working holiday’.

There is good reason for Istria being such a popular holiday destination. After all, the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea has everything. From peace and quiet in the green hills of the interior to the extensive tourist facilities along the coast. Wherever you go, breathtaking views of the crystal-clear sea with its countless hidden beaches are never far.

Cultural gems Pula, Motovun and Grožnjan

For culture enthusiasts Jan Kees and Tineke, Istria is a true paradise with its picturesque villages and medieval cities. Pula is the largest and most southern city in Istria with a rich history that goes back to the Roman times. Here you find a mix of ancient monuments and a lively atmosphere with plenty of cafes, restaurants and shops. The city’s biggest attraction is the Roman amphitheatre, which is certainly a match for the Colosseum in Rome.

Poreč, about in the centre of the peninsula’s coast, is the tourist beating heart of Istria. The Euphrasian Basilica from the sixth century is certainly worth a visit. Several kilometres inland from Poreč is an oasis of green and peace and quiet. In the midst of the unspoilt countryside lies the picturesque, medieval village of Motovun, built on a hilltop, and just a bit further away the charming artistic community of Grožnjan.

Romantic Rovinj and Vrsar

The novice motorhome owners Ronald and Janine parked their Sunlight T68 motor home just a bit further south, in the photogenic city of Rovinj, an old city that extends over a hill in the sea. It has been called the most romantic location in Croatia. “This looks like a miniature of Saint-Tropez,” declared the test team.

In the sleepy port of Vrsar, which has a true ‘love story’, bon vivants Silvia and Walter stood suddenly eye to eye with the seducer Casanova, who once stayed there. Inviting pop-up theatre in a real film decor of old streets and squares with a view of the bay.

Canoeing, exploring caves and mountain biking

If you are tiring of lazing about in your camping chair, outdoor activities are never far away in Istria. Active holidaymakers Alie and Nellie got on their mountain bikes in the hilly interior for a ride on the Parenzana Trail, a former railway that is a total of 123 kilometres, from Trieste, Italy, to Poreč, Croatia. The route can be followed in section and is also suitable for hikers. You cycle past a succession of gorgeous views of old villages, extensive woods, vineyards and olive groves and, in the distance, the Adriatic Sea. “This is what you want when you go mountain biking,” shout the duo from the Dutch peninsula Urk.

Alie and Nellie put on their hiking shoes for a seventeen-kilometre-long hiking tour that goes past seven waterfalls. Unfortunately, due to the dry, hot summer of 2022, there was no water falling from the rocks. And yet, the Seven Waterfalls Trail, which goes past steep rock walls and old coal mines, is well worth the effort even when ‘dry’. And a short but steep climb is rewarded with a fantastic view.

For some adventurous kayaking, the active holidaymakers travelled with their Bürstner campervan down to the rugged and unspoilt Cape Kamenjak peninsula, a water sports Valhalla in the south of Istria. They paddled past the jagged rocky coast with clear blue bays. At a cave hidden in the rocks, the duo discovered a magical natural indoor swimming pool. The daredevils jumped from the cliffs into the crystal-clear water.

Istria has several cave to explore. One of the most famous is the Jama-Grotta Baredine. Novice motorhome owners Ronald and Janine descended past impressive stalactite sculptures on steep stairs down to a depth of sixty metres. They couldn’t believe their eyes. “We are more interested in nature above ground, but this was fascinating!”

Brijuni, an island of beauty

Just before the coast by Pula lies the national park Brijuni, a group of fourteen islands. The largest island is open to the public and you can take the fifteen-minute journey on a ferry from the harbour of Fažana to visit. Ronald and Janine landed in a green oasis with beautiful Mediterranean countryside, magnificent beaches, Roman and Byzantian ruins, a safari park, golf and polo. “A surprisingly versatile island with an impressive history. The golf clinic with a view over the Adriatic Sea was fantastic!”

Tasting Istria

For the bon vivants, Istria is really something else. The region is proud of its olive oil, which comes from large areas filled with olive trees. In Flos Olei’s opinion, the ‘green-yellow gold’ from Istria, the second-best extra virgin olive oil in the world, is a ‘bible’ for olive oil producers around the world. While at Chiavalon, an olive oil crafter, Silvia and Walter learned that tasting olive oil requires a special technique.

Of course, testing the delicious wines on the terrace of the Veralda winery, with a view of the expansive vineyards, was “pure enjoyment” for the bon vivants. “By naming one place as a favourite, we fail Istria,” concluded the pleasure lovers. “Actually, we can recommend the entire coast and enjoy everything from close by!”

The ideal holiday destination

All four of the test teams agree: Istria is an ideal region for an amazing camping holiday on the Adriatic Sea. The rich cultural heritage and the numerous places of interest mean you need not be bored at all. And the sports-loving campsite visitor is catered to here as well, both in the interior and on the water. If you enjoy tasting local products on your holiday, you can indulge yourself in Istria, since the region guarantees the most delicious wines, olive oil and delicious dishes with fish and meat.

Find a great campsite in Istria

Can you see yourself here during your next camping holiday? You will find even more interesting information and inspiration for a camping holiday in Croatia. Or perhaps you have already been to Istria and can give some more good tips. We would love to hear them.

This article was written in collaboration with ACSI FreeLife magazine.