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Where to go in Istria? From hill towns to sleepy villages to coastal resorts and Roman ruins, this lush peninsula in Croatia's northeast corner is crammed with attractions. To see a lot in a short stay, it's best to rent a car and follow one of my recommended Istria itineraries. A good base to launch your Istrian discovery is romantic Rovinj on the coast. Here are the 20 best sights to see in fascinating Istria. (Map below).
One of Istria's most delightful hill towns is just a short hop from Rovinj.
Zebras in the Adriatic? They were brought to this National Park to amuse Tito.
Replete with Venetian architecture, this hill village is an easy jump from Umag.
A sleepy town amid dramatic scenery and known as the truffle capital of Istria.
Another lovely hill village known as a classical music training ground in summer.
An appealing hilltop town on Istria's eastern coast.
This drowned valley makes a great boat trip.
A small town and resort just south of Opatija on the Istrian coast.
A walled, old stone town tucked onto a peninsula with a superb marina.
A quiet town that makes a good base for exploring Istria's interior.
Splendid swimming coves and plenty of hotels and camping near Labin.
Not just for windsurfers or lighthouse lovers, it has a real windswept charm and a fabulous resort hotel.
Worth a trip for the eerie mummy collection in the local church.
A medieval town and one of Europe's largest naturist camps.