Istria, the precious gem of Croatia, is known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque hills, and delicious wines. But it gets an exceptional shine in autumn when the leaves change color and gently fall to the ground. This is when the Istrian peninsula becomes one of the most beautiful places on Earth.‍

Autumn is an idyllic season in Istria. It is warm enough to sit on the beach (the bravest will even jump in the sea) and enjoy the outdoors while visiting small Istrian villages and vast vineyards on the hillsides. The vibrant colors of Istria will make you feel like you are in a fairytale kingdom.

So, if you are looking for an unforgettable autumn getaway, you are more than welcome to visit Istria! And here are five reasons why it is one of the best destinations in Croatia during the autumn months.‍

Hike or Bike on the Parenzana Trail‍

Parenzana is a 123-kilometer-long route that runs on the territory of three countries: Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. It is fully paved and included in the network of cycle routes for recreational cyclists and hikers to enjoy. The trail passes numerous tunnels and viaducts offering stunning views, and you can also refresh at many resting places and lookout points. But be aware that you are bike riding on Parenzana at your own risk.‍

Visit the Well-Preserved Roman Amphitheater in Pula‍

Pula is one of Croatia’s most attractive seaside destinations during the summer, but it also thrives during the fall when you can take full advantage of its pleasant climate. The city on the Istrian Riviera has plenty of historical landmarks, including an amphitheater built in 27 BC. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pula Arena is considered one of the oldest and best-preserved amphitheaters in the world and is a great place to spend a day sightseeing.‍

Explore the Wine Roads‍

Set aside a day or two for exploring Istrian wine roads. The wine roads are lined with vineyards and wineries, but there is also delicious regional food and rich culture to explore in quaint Istrian villages.

Here are some of the top-rated Istrian wineries you will stumble upon on your route: Kozlović Winery, Matošević Wines, Coronica, Clai, Radovan, Rossi Winery & Distillery, Poletti, Matijašić Winery… Depending on your arrival to Istria, you may witness or even participate in grape harvesting to produce a superb white or red Istrian wine

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Truffle Hunt – You Either Love or Hate Truffles‍

The so-called Istrian Bermuda Truffle Triangle, between Pazin, Buje, and Buzet, is an ideal place for a white and black truffle hunt during the truffle season in the autumn months. As they look for truffles, hunters walk around the forest with dogs trained to sniff them. Once they find one, they usually dig it up with their hands or a small shovel because, contrary to popular belief, truffles are not mushrooms that grow above ground but underneath the surface.

Truffles are an outstanding Istrian culinary delicacy that you either adore or can’t stand. If you are one of those who like them, plenty of products utilize the power of truffles – truffle chocolate, truffle honey, truffle olive oil, truffle cream, or chopped and ground truffles to use during cooking.‍

Visit Grožnjan, the City of Artists‍

Grožnjan (Grisignana) is a charming historical hillside village that overlooks the beautiful river valley and the sea between two nearby towns, Novigrad and Umag. The medieval urban complex of Grožnjan is a flourish of artistic expression – the Chapel of St. Kuzma and Damian, the Baroque Spinotti Palace, the 16th-century Venetian lodge, and the Fonticus City Gallery.

We invite you to fall in love with Istria as soon as this fall!

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