Istria & Kvarner

Istria is one of Croatia`s most interesting regions ready to delight anyone, from history lovers to wine lovers from foodies to avanturists . Beautiful coastline stretches 445 km and is indented with bays, beaches and many small towns like Rovinj, Poreč and Pula. Istria is very unique because the culture was heavily influenced by Italy with whom Istrian history intertwined in the past.
Brijuni national park is a mandatory stop on the route. The region is worldwide famous as a gastronomy and wine oasis.
PULA
City bulit by the Romans 3000 years ago and which main attraction is the Great Roman Amphitheater, built in 1st century for Gladiator fights. The architectural monuments in the town present the influence from Italian culture as well as the mentality of the local inhabitants. Unlike other Istrian destinations, Pula has a flourishing life apart from the tourist business. It’s an important shipbuilding centre, an industry that dates back to the days when it was an important naval port under the Austro-Hungarian empire. Even the Romans liked Pula’s position and made it their administrative headquarters.
CRES
The islandis the second largest in the Adriatic, covering 155 square miles, and is long and spindly in shape. The main resort is Cres town, which reminds of an Italian village due to previous Venetian rule, and much of the town dates from the 15th and 16th century.
The famous round Venetian tower is the only one from four towers that has been preserved. The tower dates back to the 15th century and it is placed in the northwest of the city. During your stay in Cres you should also visit the remains of the city walls. Cres was walled already in the Middle Ages. Those walls have been renovated in the 16th century and the inhabitants of Cres lived solely inside the city walls until the end of the Venetian era. Don’t miss visiting the 8 kilometre long Roman bridge at the city entrance which goes over the canyon. This is the only Roman bridge on the east coast of Adriatic which has been fully preserved.
Beautiful beaches, the preserved environment and clean sea are the main tourist attractions of the island. On the island of Cres you can find all kinds of beaches, you can chose between small, big, stone, pebbly, shingle or sandy beaches, depending on what kind of beach you prefer.
KRK
Among 1185 islands only one of them is considered golden one, the Insula Aurea or the island of Krk. Situated in the middle of Kvarner bay it is considered one of the most attractive tourist destinations. Its mild Mediterranean climate, excellent geografical position and variety of natural beauty gave it, even in the ancient times, the name “golden island”. Its cultural herritage has given it another name- the cradle of Croatian culture. Since ancient times it is belived that the destiny of the island is connected to number seven: it was inhabited by Croatians in 7th century, it survived pirate attacks 7 times, the seventh nobleman from Frankopan family was the last Prince of Krk.
Discover Krk cruising through its beautiful and varied landscape and breathe in the feeling of wellbeing whilst walking along the romantic pathways by the sea. Krk is an island you will definitely enjoy.
RAB
The island of Rab, which was called Felix Arba (happy island) by the Romans, belongs to the Kvarner Gulf. Active vacation lovers can enjoy 100 km of hiking and cycling trails that lead through the magnificent forests and parks and to the hidden bays that inspire every visitor of the Rab island. Even in the high season, when the island is full of tourists, you can always find a peaceful place for yourself on one of the secluded beaches, in parks or cobblestone lanes of the historic city of Rab.
With 30 sandy beaches Rab is really a Happy island with a lot of tiny pittoresque coves recognised by tourists from all over the world almost 125 years ago. To this day, due to the crystal clear, warm and shallow sea Rab is just perfect for a family holiday. It is one of the most insolated islands in Croatia with 2200 sun hours per year.
ROVINJ
Rovinj is a city on the western coast of Istria and it is together with Porec one of the leading tourist destinations on the Adriaticthanks to its healthy, mediterranean climate. According to research, Rovinj has the best microclimate thanks to which tourism started developing in the 19th century. Rovinj, as well as the Rovinj Archipelago which has 22 islands and islets, is a place with a beautiful coastline, clean sea and an abundance of protected green areas. Rovinj manages to combine, in a very interesting way, its rich tradition with the modern life. The square at the foot of the Church of St. Euphemia is the favorite gathering place of artists from around the world. Rab is one of the most romantic destinations in Croatia.

ITINIERARY PROPOSAL – ROUTE SUGGESTIONS
| Day 1 | Saturday | Pula |
| Day 2 | Sunday | Ilovik island |
| Day 3 | Monday | Susak island |
| Day 4 | Tuesday | Krk island |
| Day 5 | Wednesday | Cres island |
| Day 6 | Thursday | Rab island |
| Day 7 | Friday | Brijuni national park |