Discover Istria
Once you’ve generally decided on Istria, the next question is exactly where. Pula, Medulin, Fažana, Vodnjan, Ližnjan, Rovinj, the east coast and inland Istria differ in pace of life, seasonality, transport, development and everyday property use. Here we compare areas by the criteria that actually affect a real decision: distance to the sea and main roads, winter life, schools, healthcare, shops, tourist load, building types and the character of the property market. A personal conclusion is shaped around your scenario, budget and must-haves.
South Istria
Istria's biggest city, its airport, and a long, swimmable southern coastline.
Pula · Medulin · Ližnjan
Fažana–Vodnjan
The ferry gateway to Brijuni, and olive-growing country just inland.
Fažana · Vodnjan
Rovinj region
Istria's most photographed harbour town, and the quieter villages around it.
Rovinj · Bale · Kanfanar
Poreč region
A UNESCO basilica, Istria's busiest resort coast, and a calmer inland edge.
Poreč · Funtana · Vrsar · Tar-Vabriga · Kaštelir-Labinci · Višnjan
North-West Istria
Closest to the Slovenian and Italian border, with a marina town known for tennis, and hilltop villages.
Umag · Novigrad · Brtonigla · Buje
East Istria
A former mining town turned artists' quarter, and its own seaside extension.
Labin · Raša
Central / Inland
Hill towns, truffle country, and Istria's administrative centre.
Motovun · Grožnjan · Buzet · Pazin · Svetvinčenat · Žminj · Barban
