The heart-shaped peninsula of Istria is the westernmost part of the Croatian Adriatic. It is the largest peninsula in Croatia and offers plenty for yachties who charter a boat. Green rolling hills, and rocky coastlines with a Mediterranean climate, and an eventful history make it one of the top tourist destinations in Croatia.
Istria is beautiful in every way, in every season. The red soil, green meadows, calming landscapes and picturesque mediaeval towns define it. Inland you will find nature unspoiled, culinary delights and authentic rural tourism.
Yacht charter in Istria is an interesting way to explore Istria because of its lovely coast lined with pine trees, and the clear blue sea that draws sailors to bays, coves, marinas, cities and numerous small islands. A sailing charter in Istria is pleasing way to spend a summer holiday.
Read what Croatian National Tourist Board says about Istria - here.
Istria has a coastline of over 445 km, with the western part being an ideal place to sail a boat. From Savudrija in the north to the Pomer in the south, there are over 20 marinas, numerous bays and anchorages. This makes Istria one of the top nautical destinations for boat rentals in Croatia.
For sailors, the Lim Channel which cuts into the west coast is an interesting sailing destination and there are a number of smaller islands dotted between Porec and Rovinj. In the south is the fascinating Brijuni National Park, a group of 14 small islands and one of the best national parks in Croatia. You can sail along the Istrian coast, reaching Kvarner and its islands or sail down to Dalmatia. You can rent a sailboat, rent a motorboat, or rent a catamaran in Istria.
Besides the Brijuni National Park, the pride of Istria is its Roman Amphitheatre named Pula Arena. The Arena is the sixth largest amphitheater in the world and was built in the 1st century in the city of Pula. Today it is the centre of many musical and cultural events, an open air stage that makes any occasion special.
The ancient towns of Porec and Rovinj are attractions by themselves. Charismatic and charming, these old towns are at the centre of the summer tourist resorts. Busy and buzzing in high season, it is an area that attracts many tourists. On the eastern coast of Istria is Rabac, a former fishing village with a beautiful pebbly beach that is a popular destination. There is plenty to see during a charter vacation in Istria.
Italian influence throughout its history is visible in Istrian culture, and for this reason Istria is also a bilingual region.
Your boat rental in Croatia would not be complete without trying the local delicacies and Istria has a reputation for its excellent cuisine. During a yacht charter in Istria, not to be missed is the smoked ham and cheese as well as the delectable local olive oil.
In the spring, asparagus is in season, and in the autumn, its truffles. These ingredients are included in a variety of dishes such as omelet, risotto, and homemade pasta. All year round fish, crab and clams from the Lim Fjord are available and prepared in a thousand ways with the flavours of the Mediterranean.
In winter, heart-warming traditional foods like sauerkraut with sausages, Istrian soup, Ombolo, and Jota are on the menu. There are a lot of vineyards and fine wines in the Istria charter region. Malvasia, Teran, Burgonja or Refosk are the recommended wine labels to taste. All these wines are made from indigenous grape species.