Labin Old Town — Perched on a hill above the coast, Labin's old town is a maze of cobbled streets, Venetian palaces, and art galleries. Once a coal-mining centre, today it's one of Istria's liveliest cultural towns, with sweeping views over the Kvarner Bay from its highest point, Fortica.

Rabac — Just a few kilometres downhill, Rabac is a charming seaside resort known as the "Pearl of Kvarner." Its pebble beaches, crystal-clear water, and seafront promenade make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and evening strolls.

Pula — About an hour's drive away, Pula is home to one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. The Arena, nearly 2,000 years old, still hosts concerts and film screenings, alongside other Roman landmarks such as the Temple of Augustus and the Arch of the Sergii.

Central Istria & hilltop towns — Inland Istria is dotted with medieval hilltop towns. Motovun, surrounded by vineyards and truffle-rich forests, hosts a renowned summer film festival. Nearby Grožnjan is a town of artists, while Hum is famously the smallest town in the world.

Pazin — In the heart of the peninsula, Pazin is known for its dramatic castle and the Pazin Chasm, an underground abyss that inspired Jules Verne.

Poreč & Rovinj — Along the western coast, Poreč is home to the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica with its stunning Byzantine mosaics, while Rovinj enchants visitors with its baroque old town and the hilltop church of St. Euphemia.

Brijuni National Park — Off the coast near Pula, this archipelago combines Roman and Byzantine ruins, a safari park, and centuries-old olive groves — a unique blend of nature and history.

Nature & gastronomy — The Učka Nature Park offers hiking trails and panoramic views, while Istria's countryside is celebrated for its truffles, olive oil, prosciutto, and indigenous wines such as Malvazija and Teran.

Photos: TZ Labin-Rabac, TZ Pula, © Deborah Lynn Grbešić, holiday-link.com