Villa K is the ideal departure point for day trips, perfect for getting to know the largest Croatian peninsula- Istria and ending the day sipping a glass of wine overlooking the sea. Istria is really easy to navigate so you can enjoy your stay at Villa K and do day trips to other towns. It takes about one hour to drive to any other popular destination in Istria.
Istria is a hart shape peninsula on the Adriatic Sea, just south of Trieste in Italy. It is an area rich in natural beauty, incredible history and brimming with amazing restaurants just waiting to be explored! Istria amazes many with its mixture of scenic landscapes, summer resorts and old medieval towns and fortresses. No wonder it is compared for beauty, culture and history to Tuscany. The peninsula belonged to Italy between World War I and II and has a deeply rooted sense of the Italian culture. Before Italy, the peninsula was Roman, Byzantine and Venetian, as well as Austrian and Slavic, among others. Located at a crossroads between the main European cultures, the multicultural mix of its past has shaped the region’s architecture, gastronomy and traditions.
History buffs will love Pula with its Roman amphitheater. Rovinj meanwhile, flaunts its Venetian roots. If you are into history you will love Poreč with its Euphrasian Basilica, the only example of early Byzantine art in the Mediterranean as well as Umag for its greatly preserved town walls and towers which date back to Roman times. On the other side, Opatija was the most fashionable seaside resort for the elite during the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Empress Sissi often holidayed in these elegant buildings, now refurbished and serving as luxury hotels. All these above mentioned Istrian towns have natural wonders, stunning beaches and cultural heritage.
The Brijuni Islands are also a great day-trip option. Declared a national park for their striking natural wealth, the islands are home to more than 680 plant varieties and 250 bird species. Visited by holidaymaking aristocrats for more than a century, the islands boast more than 40km of beaches.
Most tourists in Croatia focus on the coast. For a dash of variety, one can head inland to check out the beautiful small hill towns: Motovun, the medieval town with sweeping breathtaking views; Groznjan, the charming town better known as a “village of artists” or Hum, the world’s smallest city.
In almost every place there are sites to see as well as plenty of sporting and recreational activities, not to mention dishes offering a rich selection of traditional flavors. And, no experience of Istria is complete without a glass of wine from the local vineyards, or one of those pricy truffles that are very popular in this area. For an authentic taste of Istria, try a white wine made from the indigenous Malvasia grapes or a local red wine Teran. Olive oil is part of the culture in Istria too, it is simply indispensable. Because of the organic soil, it has this exceptional aroma of fresh grass and olives that makes the taste truly unique.
All these make Istria an ideal destination for any type of vacation.
