Surroundings

Brijuni

The Creator intended to shape a part of the Earth to the image of Heaven. That is how Istria came into being, like a garden covered with magnificent trees and vast meadows, washed by the deep blue sea, appealing people to a happier life. But the jealous devil destroyed his work by tearing the bag in which the angel was carrying the unused stones. Thousands of rocks scattered around the Istrian land making it a land of contrasts, gentle and rough, fertile and barren, sunny and cloudy. The desolated angels gathered the pieces of Heaven remaining among the scattered rocks and protected them by the sea waves and created Brijuni.

Total area of Brijuni National Park is 3.395 ha. Total area of submarine is 2.651 ha and land 743 ha. Length of the island's coast is 47 km, length of sea border - 23 km.

Having a mild Mediterranean climate, lots of sun and warm weather, plenty of humidity creating a rich vegetation, the islands guarantee an extremely pleasant stay.

"When on the Istrian island of Brijuni all the yet unexplored and mostly inaccessible monuments from all ages, from the early periods of the pre-Roman Istria until the 16th century, will be discovered and made accessible to research then this beautiful island will be a unique museum rich in architectonic inventory of high artistic and historic importance. To all the cultures, which settled through history on the northern Adriatic coast, will be possible to ascribe at least one monument of architectonic heritage or some other artefact witnessing its presence." A Gnirs, 1911.

The archipelago of Brijuni is an extraordinary blend of natural, historical and cultural heritage. The mild climate and the favourable geographical conditions, deep retracted bays and easily defendable elevated fortifications, have secured a continuum in the human activity on the island from a pre-historic age until the present day. On a relatively small archipelago, of an area of around 7km2, have been registered some hundred sites and buildings of archaeological and cultural-historical value and which comprise the period from the first Neolithic settlements, the dugouts in the bay of Soline, until the creation of an elite summer and health resort at the beginning of the last century and the presidential residency visited by statesmen from one third of the world’s countries in its 25 years of existence (1954-1979).

This concise curriculum vitae of the island, which carefully preserves the traces of 5000 years of human history, makes the legend of its creation even more real and when arriving to the island a part of Heaven discloses in front of our eyes in the unique harmony of the island’s flora, fauna and heritage. A unique bland of the green islands sank into the turquoise-blue sea whose bays and hills are laced with the white Istrian rocks. The Brijuni Archipelago is today certainly one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Croatia. The paleontological findings of the dinosaurs, the magnificent "horrible reptiles" which ruled planet Earth for more tan 160 milion years (from Late Triassic period, about 220 milion years ago, to the end of the Cretaceous period 65 million years ago when they went extinct)

Istria

Istria is the largest Croatian (and the Adriatic sea) peninsula. Located in the northern Adriatic sea and territoriality divided up between three countries: Croatia (holds 90% of territory), Slovenia (holds 9% of territory) and Italy (holds less than 1% of terrritory). Peninsula's location makes it the closest Mediterranean destination to countries of Central and Western Europe.
Istria is (geologically) divided into three parts:

• Red Istria (west seaside of Istria) where red-brown soil prevails

• Grey Istria (central Istria) where gray clay prevails

• White Istria (slopes of mountain Učka and the eastern part of the peninsula) where rocky soil prevails.

West seaside of Istria is more indented and has numerous shallows in comparison with the east part o Istria that is steeper and less populated.
Today's tourist Istria offers plenty of different tourist accommodation capacities and activities. From those in its coastal region to those, that are becoming more wanted and more popular, in it's inland, rural areas. Beside already known stationary tourism in many hotels, tourist resorts, camps and private accommodation, Istria has steady grow of nautical tourism, conference tourism, hunting and fishing tourism, ecotourism, cultural tourism and sightseeing tours, wine and gastronomy tourism, sport and recreational tourism, diving tourism and equine tourism.

Tourist Istria is divided into two parts:
• Blue Istria ( or Istrian seaside with large number of hotels and apartments categorization from 1 to 5 stars and with a wide range of sport, recreation, catering and entertainment capacities).
• Green Istria (inner part of Istria, with it's characteristic stone architecture and small towns situated on hills). In the coastal area are typical Mediterranean cities, where as green inland of Istria has numerous cultural, historical and natural sights and hilly villages with a panoramic view of the stunning surroundings. The Green Istria will greet you with a rich rural households and nature.

If you choose Buje, Buzet, Motovun, Grožnjan or any other place in the inland of the peninsula, you will find privacy and tranquility, fortified medieval cities and meet excellent gastronomy and wine.

Summer is important part of the tradition and tourist activities in ''Blue and Green Istria''. It's time when many traditional festivals take place and offer experience and possibility to learn more about folklore of Istria – traditional music, dances, costumes. It's also a great opportunity to experience the spirit of Istria and to try local cuisine specialties.

The first known inhabitants of Istria were Histri from whom originated the name Istria. Numerous nations and cultures, starting from the ancient Romans to today's inhabitants, have left testimonies in every aspect of culture- in architecture, wall paintings and rich church architecture.

Rich cultural and historical heritage is a witnesses of Istria's turbulent history. Visiting Istria you will see Roman amphitheater and triumphal arches, early Christian churches, Byzantine mosaics, Romanesque basilica, medieval towns on the hills, Renaissance frescoes, towers and city walls, Gothic cathedrals , baroque palace, etc.

The Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč was built in 553rd year and is part of UNESCO's universal cultural heritage. Pula's ancient monuments and medieval frescoes in the small churches, works of local masters, are also waiting to be listed as part of UNESCO's universal cultural heritage.

Looking at today's demographic picture of Istria, the Croats make about 75% of the population, while minorities make about 25% of the population, of which 7% are Italians and the rest various other nations.
Important cities and municipalities in Istria: Pula, Pazin, Poreč, Rovinj, Opatija, Umag, Novigrad, Labin, Buzet, Motovun.
Because of peninsula's mild Mediterranean climate, Istria is ideal vacation destination all year.
Summers are hot and dry, whereas winters are mild and pleasant. Spring and autumn are ideal to enjoy in the natural beauty of inland of Istria (farms, wine routes ....), while summers are a true oasis for visitors who want to enjoy the sun and the sea.

The sea is pleasant for swimming from May until the end of September.