Unless you arrive via Venice or Trieste, Pula will be your first glimpse of Istria. It’s the region’s capital and home to the only international airport. It’s also another Croatian city with an Ancient Roman legacy, best seen in one of the most magnificent first century amphitheatres in Europe. Not an instant heartbreaker in the style of Split or Dubrovnik, explore a little deeper in Pula and there’s plenty of charm to be found in the medieval old town, classical monuments and lively waterfront district.

• Don’t miss: the Arena of Pula Amphitheatre; the Twin Gates and Giardini Square; Historical Museum of Istria; Istrian Museum of Contemporary Art.
• Verudela Peninsula, 20 minutes drive south of the city, is best for beaches; resort hotels; restaurants and water sports.
• Sail to Veli Briju for the day. This gorgeous island is part of the Brijuni Islands National Park, just 6km from the coast of Pula and car-free.

Istria’s famous holiday resort has been welcoming visitors for over a century. Despite its popularity, Poreč town has managed to hold on to much of its traditional fishing port character. The skinny alleys, grand facades, cobbled streets and pretty restaurants tucked under colonnades are enchanting on a summer evening. And, overlooking the Adriatic, brightly painted buildings against the monumental backdrop of the Basilica of Euphrasius are an iconic Istrian image.

• Don’t miss: UNESCO World Heritage Basilica of Euphrasius; the 15^th century Gothic Palace; Marafor Square.
• Plava Laguna, just 3km south of Poreč, is one of the area’s main beach resorts and best for family hotels, pretty coves, safe swimming and end to end water sports and summer long events.
• Zelena Laguna, 5km south of Poreč, is another good resort for families with a wide range of activities, large resort hotels and blue flag beaches.

The historic town of Umag is just over an hour’s drive north of Pula. Its charming historic quarter is a sleepy delight of sun-baked cobbles, tiled roofs, golden stone walls and intriguing churches. By complete contrast, Umag’s equally famous for a sleek marina, sporting reputation (the Croatia Tennis Open’s held here every year in July) and glamorous resort hotels.

• Don’t miss: the Church of Saint Roche; Umag Town Museum; Savudrija Lighthouse; Gallery Marin; Umag Town Walls.
• The waterfront district is the place for restaurants, cafés and hanging out on warm summer evenings.
• The 20km long Umag Riviera has some of the region’s prettiest beaches, peaceful little coves, charming villages, self-catering holiday homes and outstanding family campsites.

Until the late 18^th century Rovinj was an island and, although it’s part of the mainland today, still holds on to that sense of exclusivity. The town’s one of the most instantly recognisable in Istria thanks to the impressive tower of Saint Euphamia Cathedral staring out over the Adriatic from its circle of colourful waterfront buildings. Just half an hour from Pula, Rovinj has some of the loveliest beaches on Istria’s west coast.

• Don’t miss: Saint Euphamia Cathedral; Rovinj Old Town; Rovinj Aquarium; Ulica Grisia Open Air Art Festival in summer.
• Rovinj is one of the most visited towns in Istria but it’s still a working fishing port and seeing the morning catch coming into the harbour’s great fun for kids.

Medulin may not be the most historic of Istria’s coastal resorts but a friendly, easy-going atmosphere makes it a popular choice for families. If you want heritage, Pula is just 20 minutes drive away, and Cape Kamenjek is another near neighbour for outdoor adventuring.

• Pretty beaches on the Medulin Riviera, a lively harbour district and plenty of local activities and water sports.
• Wide choice of affordable family hotels and self-catering holiday apartments.