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Croatia

Istria

Pula, Rovinj, and the truffle-and-olive-oil coast: for sailors who want the Adriatic with a Venetian accent.

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Introduction

Istria, known as the “heart of Croatia,” is a breath-taking peninsula that comprises of three regions: Pula, which encompasses the city of Pula and its surroundings; Rovinj, which encompasses Piran Bay; and the interior region of Istria. Each of these regions offers a plethora of natural beauty and activities to enjoy when not sailing.

Our Istria sailing itinerary will guide you through some of Istria’s top sailing spots and highlight other must-see attractions that don’t require a boat.

This itinerary is perfect for families with children and anyone looking for a relaxing sailing experience due to the shorter distances between stops.

Pula, dubbed the capital of Istria, boasts a strong Roman heritage, as seen in the well-preserved Roman Colosseum that stands out in the city’s centre. The Arena, which can be seen from almost any location in the city, is a must-see attraction in Pula and one of the best things to see.

The Route

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Pula → Medulin

    Day 1 of the Istria, full daily narrative coming as atlas extraction continues.

  2. Day 2

    Medulin → Ližnjan

    Day 2 of the Istria, full daily narrative coming as atlas extraction continues.

  3. Day 3

    Ližnjan → Banjole

    Day 3 of the Istria, full daily narrative coming as atlas extraction continues.

  4. Day 4

    Banjole → Brijuni

    Day 4 of the Istria, full daily narrative coming as atlas extraction continues.

  5. Day 5

    Brijuni → Rovinj

    Day 5 of the Istria, full daily narrative coming as atlas extraction continues.

  6. Day 6

    Rovnj → Poreč

    Day 6 of the Istria, full daily narrative coming as atlas extraction continues.

  7. Day 7

    Poreč → Pula

    The Bay of Medulin is particularly famous, with 11 uninhabited islets with untouched nature and beaches with pine forests, ideal for families with small children. Here you will find crystal clear sea, numerous bays and capes, and beaches rich in pine forests, which are ideal for rest and relaxation. Given the rich fishing tradition, Medulin can boast of a rich gastronomic offer, which is primarily based on dishes with fish. Don’t miss tasting crab salad, black risotto or brodette. You can also taste good Istrian prosciutto, various specialities with truffles, and a particular part of the gastronomic tradition are the widely known Istrian wines. This hidden corner of the sea and the indented coast, which plunges into it with rocks and gravel, will reveal the beauty of this 28-kilometre-long, undeveloped coast to anyone who wishes. The picturesque port will tell you that you are in a place that has lived from the bounty of the sea since ancient times. It’s no surprise that many captains sail to this city each summer. The town has alluring sights and experiences, from natural wonders to adrenaline-pumping activities like diving, biking, horseback riding, and kite surfing. Head to the Roman town of Vizace (Nesactium) near Valura and the St. Mary church near Lizjan to see well-preserved mosaics from the early Christian era. Banjole is a fishing village located on a small peninsula with a naturally protected harbour, ideal for lovers of the sea, sailing and fishing. Banjole is a hi

Practical Details

Plan Your Croatia Charter

Getting There

The best way to get to Istria is by flying to the Pula Airport, about 7 km outside the city. Travelling through Zagreb is the easiest option if you cannot fly into Pula directly. From Zagreb, it is about a 40 to 45-minute flight. Another option would be to fly into Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, or Sibenik and take a bus to Pula.

Weather

The best sailing weather for the Istria sailing itinerary is during the peak season of May to September, with the average high in May being 19°C and an average high in September of 24°C. July and August are the best for swimming as water temperatures will reach 25°C.

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