Istria is the green, heart-shaped peninsula at the top of Croatia’s Adriatic coast. Venetian-style harbour towns, pine-fringed coves and hilltop villages sit within an easy drive of each other, and the food, from truffles to olive oil and Malvazija wine, is some of the best in the country.
We offer 28 Istria hotels across 9 resorts, from family-friendly beach hotels in Poreč and Umag to stylish stays in Rovinj.
Where to stay in Istria
Most hotels sit on the west coast between Umag and Rovinj, with Rabac on the quieter east side and Medulin near the southern tip.
Poreč
Istria’s busiest resort, with a walled old town, the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica and large hotel complexes set in pinewoods along the coast. Great for families.
Rovinj
The most romantic town on the coast, with pastel houses tumbling down to the harbour, cobbled lanes and some of Croatia’s most stylish hotels.
Umag
A relaxed resort in the north-west, known for its tennis tournament, rocky beaches and family hotels a short drive from Slovenia and Italy.
Rabac
A former fishing village on the east coast with pebble beaches, clear water and the hilltop town of Labin above it.
Pula
Istria’s largest town, home to one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world and a short hop from the airport.
Novigrad
A small walled town on a peninsula, quieter than Poreč, with a pretty harbour and good seafood restaurants.
Medulin
Near the southern tip, with shallow sandy bays that are rare in Croatia and close to the wild Kamenjak nature park.
Top-rated hotels in Istria
The highest TripAdvisor-rated hotels we offer in Istria, spread across different resorts. Every one can be booked with flights and transfers as an ATOL-protected package.
Hotel Monte Mulini
Perfect for adults · Beachfront location
Grand Park Hotel Rovinj
Perfect for dining · Ultra-stylish interiors
Isabella Island Villas Valamar Collection
Panoramic views · Great for Relaxation
Valamar Collection Marea Suites
Close to the beach · Stunning infinity pool
Grand Hotel Brioni Pula – A Radisson Collection Hotel
Stunning seafront location · Luxury spa
Girandella Valamar Collection Family Hotel
Seafront location · Fantastic splash park
Travel guides for Istria
Our hand-picked guides to help you choose: compare the best hotels by style, budget and who you’re travelling with.
Where to Stay in Croatia: Dubrovnik vs Split and Hvar vs Istria
Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar or Istria? Compare Croatia’s best areas, with our top-rated hotels in each, then book your ATOL-protected holiday.
The Best Hotels in Istria: Rovinj, Poreč and Croatia’s Foodie Peninsula
The best hotels in Istria, from five-star Rovinj to family resorts in Poreč, Rabac and Medulin. Where to stay, compare and book.
All 28 Istria hotels, by resort
Istria has 28 hotels to choose from: 4 all inclusive, 3 five-star and 14 with family facilities. Ratings shown are TripAdvisor scores out of 5.
Porec 10 hotels
Rovinj 5 hotels
Umag 5 hotels
Pula (Resort of) 2 hotels
Rabac 2 hotels
Lanterna 1 hotel
Medulin 1 hotel
Novigrad 1 hotel
Savudrija 1 hotel
When to go to Istria
The beach season runs from May to September, with July and August the warmest and busiest months at around 28°C. June and September are warm, quieter and ideal for exploring the hill towns. Autumn brings the white truffle season around Motovun.
Getting there and getting around
Flights to Pula take about two and a quarter hours. Transfers are 30 minutes to around an hour and three quarters, depending on the resort. A car is the best way to see the inland hill towns such as Motovun and Grožnjan, and day trips to Venice run by boat from Poreč and Rovinj in summer.
Istria holiday FAQs
Where is the best place to stay in Istria?
Poreč has the widest choice of family hotels, Rovinj is best for couples and food lovers, and Umag suits a quieter beach holiday.
Does Istria have sandy beaches?
Most Istrian beaches are rocky or pebbly with crystal-clear water. Medulin, in the south, has some of the few shallow sandy bays.
How long is the flight to Istria?
Flights to Pula take about two and a quarter hours from the UK.
Can you visit Venice from Istria?
Yes. In summer, fast boats run to Venice from Poreč and Rovinj, taking around three hours each way. You will need your passport.
More holidays in Croatia
Plan your Istria holiday
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