ISTRIA - accommodation, hotels, apartments, villages, homes

Blue Istria makes the eastern and western coast of Istria, comprised by a beautiful sea, beaches with amazing numerous bays, which brought to a development of tourism in Istria, and where most accommodation in Istria is located, such as hotels, apartments, private houses, residence, vacation villages, camping, bungalow, and others. Most structures offer sport amenities, a rich gastronomical offer, and a variety of other amusing contents.

Amphiteater in Pula

surely one of the most significant cultural and historical inheritance in Istria, from the Roman age. The amphiteater in Pula was built in the first century, from the time of the emperor Vespazijan, and by its size is the 6th in th World. During that time, the amphiteater was used as a theater for gladiator fights, whereas today it is used as stage for various cultural events, mostly concerts.

National park Brijuni

3 bigger and 12 smaller islands make the archipelago of Brijuni, located in the south-west coast of Istria. Brijuni are particular for their dense Mediterranean vegetation, and a safari park with inhabitated by rare animals. Furthermore, the islands of Brijuni have many archeological remains from the Roman, or more specifically the Byzantine, era. Because of its specificity, Brijuni was a tourist destination in the beginning of the 19th century for politicians and aristocrats. Today, Brijuni offers cultural events, such as opera in the open, and others.

Green Istria represents the inland of Istria, the area deep in the green of nature, and surrounded by the ancient of the cities and medieval villages. All these things have influenced the growth of rural tourism, where it is possible to have a quiet vacancy, such as being in one of the farmhouses and discovering the culture, customs, and typical foods of the Istrian inland. You can visit small cities and medieval villages located on the hilltops.

Agrotourism

the inland of Istria has a large offer of agrotourism for those who wish to have a quiet vacancy, surrounded by the green of nature. There you can stay in the typical Istrian taverns, called konoba. In the area there is also the possibilty for hunting. The hosts will welcome you with Istrian ham and cheese, as well as good red wine, called Terran, or an excquisite white wine, called Malvazija. You may also accompany paesants during the grape harvest, or olive harvest, as well as during the pasture of animals.

Roads of olive oil and wine

Istria is known for olive growing and viticulture. Both olives and good wine are part of the Istrian gastronomy as well as the mediterranean diet. In fact, an old Istrian sayings goes Bread for the body, wine for the soul, representing the wine as a healthy part of living, love, and culture. The red soil and the vicinity of the sea insure a tasty and unmistakable wine. Extra virgin olive oil was being produced in the ancient Istria by small local grinders. Olive oil in Istria represents the symbol of good diet, and it is characteristic for its bitterish essence. There are many roads of olive oil and wine in Istria with purpose of exposing oil mills and cellars to the people.

Country's suburbs

sare small medieval cities located on one of the many area's hilltops. These small cities are surrounded by antique walls, mostly Roman, of cities and towers, with breathtaking views. By walking through these suburbs you will have the impression of going back in time.

Festival of the cinema in Pula

this is the oldest festival of the cinema in Croatia, which has been presented since the half century. It takes part in the amphiteater of Pula, Arena. During the last years it has seen famous guests, such as Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Miloš Forman, Sam Peckinpah, John Malkovich, Jeremy Irons, and others.

Festival of the cinema in Motovun

it is a festival that shows small movie productions, mostly on a national level. It takes part in Motovun, a small medieval town situated in the heart of Istria.

Biker days

it is a bike reunion, which takes part every year in Istria. It takes place usually in the evenings, and it continues through the night. There are very interesting happenings during that time, such as the biker competition, the wall of death, the hand made bikes show, and many others. The event is entertained by local bands.

Concerts

many concerts are organized mostly during the summer season . The most important ones take place in the amphiteater, in Pula. Many national and international guests come to these events, such as Pavarotti, Carreras, Anastasia, Maksim Mrvica, Boccelli, and others.

The Collegium Gladiatorium Cultural Society and Traditional Fighting Club

it has been established to direct attention to the culture and history of the once-prospering ancient Roman Empire by performing gladiatorial fights as spectacular shows. They recruit new members on an annual basis, usually twice, but they accept applications of people interested in this antique martial art at all times of the year. Tour Operator Uniline together with Tourism Office Pula, are the sponsors of Gladiator Nights, an event which is held from 22/05/09 to 24/05/ in Arena.