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Istria

Continental Croatia meets the Adriatic in Istria (Istra to Croats), the heart-shaped, 3600-sq-km peninsula in the country's northwest. The bucolic interior of rolling hills and fertile plains attracts food- and culture-focused visitors to Istria’s hilltop villages, rural hotels and farmhouse restaurants, while the indented coastline is enormously popular with the sun-and-sea set. Though vast hotel complexes line much of the coast and the rocky beaches are not Croatia’s best, facilities are wide-ranging, the sea is clean and secluded spots are still plentiful.
Vineyards outside Motovun in Istria. Daniel Alford/Lonely Planet

Vineyards outside Motovun in Istria. Daniel Alford/Lonely Planet

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Best Things to Do

With its centuries-old architecture and scenic coastline, sun-drenched Istria is one of the highlights of Croatia. Here are the best things to do.

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