Istria Adventure: A Three-Day Getaway

  1. Day 1: Pula
    15 minutes (4.9 miles) from Pula Airport

    Discover the ancient Roman amphitheater, the Pula Arena and immerse yourself in history as you wander through centuries-old streets in this small coastal town. Take a guided tour of the amphitheater and other significant landmarks backed with historic narratives about the medieval past. Indulge in some authentic Istrian cuisine at Konoba Batelina known for their seafood dishes. End the day watching the sunset from Kamenjak Peninsula, a rugged coastal area located at the southern endpoint of Istria.

  2. Day 2: Rovinj
    38 minutes (29.7 miles) from Pula

    Soak in the charm of colorful architecture in Rovinj, located on the Adriatic coast. Climb up to the top of the St. Euphemia Bell Tower for a picturesque view of the old town and sea. Don't miss the chance to explore the diverse art collection at the Batana Eco-Museum, emphasizing sustainability and cultural heritage representation throughout the region. Head to the waterfront for a boat tour to the nearby island, Red Island, perfect for swimming and sunbathing on the beaches. End the day with a stroll across Balbi Arch, an iconic stone arch bridge that is a hallmark of Rovinj.

  3. Day 3: Motovun
    45 minutes (25.5 miles) from Rovinj

    Escape the waves and head inland to the rural hills for a day-trip to the picturesque town of Motovun. This place is well-known for its world-class truffles. Start the day with a truffle hunt organized by Karlic Tartufi for the thrill of finding the most exquisite species of truffles in the forest. Afterward, a leisurely walk along the ancient stone walls offers a divine view of the Mirna River valley. Enjoy the beautiful sunset with a glass of wine at Motovun Hilltop Restaurant. If time permits, head to Grožnjan, a small, artsy town located along the way to Poreč.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Pula Arena Guided Tour (1 hour, 100 HRK)
  • Konoba Batelina (2 hours, 250 HRK)
  • Kamenjak Peninsula (2 hours, free)
  • St. Euphemia Bell Tower (30 mins, 20 HRK)
  • Batana Eco-Museum (1 hour, 40 HRK)
  • Red Island Boat Tour (2 hours, 300 HRK)
  • Motovun Truffle Hunt (2 hours, 300 HRK)
  • Motovun Hilltop Restaurant (2 hours, 200 HRK)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 1,210 HRK (~$200 USD)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, take a day-trip to the town of Poreč, where the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Euphrasian Basilica is located. Of course, there are various other activities such as horse riding, cycling, kayaking, and golfing that are tailored to your preference and convenience. For those on a tighter schedule, you may want to remove one location and focus more on the other two locations, or choose different locations closer to each other depending on your interests.

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