Istria
Istria (Croatian: Istra) is the north-westernmost county of Croatia. In a triangular shape, it is bounded in the north by Slovenia, east by the Kvarner region of Croatia and on the south and west by the Adriatic Sea. History: Previously part of the Venetian realm this region has seen many empires such as Byzantine, Roman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslavian (Communist). The cultural inheritance of Istria is thus very rich and diverse.
After conquering the Illyrian Histri clan the Romans settled in the cape and left a large heritage, making
Pula into an significant administrative hub and erecting villas, amphiteatres and temples. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the central land remained a feudal region occupied by Slavs, Frankish and finally Austrian Habsburgs, at the same time as the seaside fell under rule of the Republic of Venice in the 13th century. Since 1797, the Croatian residents of Istria struggled for autonomy and were severely oppressed both by Austrians and Fascist Italy (after World War I), in the end ending with revenge from Yugoslav partisans after the World War II. A small ethnic Italian population still lives in the coastal towns. comparatively spared from the Yugoslav Wars,
Istria is now a flourishing region. Recent years have seen a increasing regional sentiment and a reunion with its previously conflictive Italian character. Nature: The centre is unspoiled and mountainous with very old walled cities on the top of hills with surrounding lush fields. The
Istrian seashore is possibly the most developed holiday-maker target in Croatia. Although
Pula is the main town,according to population and culture, relatively rural Pazin is the governmental centre of the peninsula. The Southern end of Istria is arguably the best area for biking. Croatian is the official and most common language, but in these previously Venetian lands Italian is almost universally spoken. There is still an Italian ethnic community in a lot of coastal towns. German is also very widely spoken. A good number of restaurants in the main town also have an English speaker or two on staff.
Tourist Sights in Istria
The old Venetian town of
Rovinj. St Euphrasius Basilica in Poreč. Brijuni (Brioni) Islands - private playground of General Tito including an international zoo, dinosaur footprints and Roman and Byzantine ruins. Hill-top villages of Groznjan and Motovun, populated by artist brilliant frescoes of Our Lady of the Rocks chapel in Beram. Visit Lovran, Istria, near Opatija, for the Days of Cherries Festival in June. Attend a music or folklore performance in the exceptional atmosphere of the
Pula Arena. Motovun Film event Motovun, Istria (On the main road between Buzet and Buje). Visit Groznjan and its jazz Festival.
Istrian cookery is known by its massive diversity.
The most famed vineyard area is Kalavojna, on the Eastern coast. Regional liquor grappa is widely produced in here, with several varieties available.
Other destinations in Istria: Beram Groznjan, Hum, Limski kanal, Vrsar Vegetation
Istria is the largest green haven of the North Adriatic. The coast and the islands are covered with pine forests and easily recognizable lush macchia. The main specimens of macchia are holm oak and strawberry trees 35% of Istria is covered with forests. [google-maps width=580 height=535]
http://www.croatiaholidaydeals.co.uk
People visiting Croatian islands can find good quality accommodation in Korcula. Booking your holiday in Korcula is probably easiest online. For accommodation in Korcula, you can make your pick from a range of hotels and private apartments. Hotels are spread almost throughout the island while private apartments are available mainly in Korcula Town. Marko Polo Hotel, Hotel Liburna, and many others offer a luxurious stay. Book a room at Hotel Horkyra, Hotel Poseidon or Hotel Adria in Vela Luka if visiting archeological site Vela Spila, prehistoric cave dwellings, or any of the alpine tree filled beaches. Consider Villa Sunce in Vela Luka if a private apartment with seaside view is your choice of accommodation in Korcula. Blato is another small town worth visiting. Several hills surround the valley village, as if to protect it. Getting into the island is through any one of the regular ferry services from Rijeka, Split, Drvenik, Dubrovnik, or Mljetc. During summer, there is also regular ferry from Bari. Rent a bicycle or a car to discover the areas known for grape vines, olive trees and orchards. Enjoy breathtaking scenic views from atop the hills that slant towards the sea. Among several hills, the biggest are Klupca and Kom. Accommodation in Korcula gives you great opportunities to enjoy one of the largest islands of the Adriatic sea. Remember Korcula Holidays the next time you are looking to book online. 
