Visit Istria

31/03/2026

[JAZ by Ana Roš Brings The Celebrated Chef’s Concept To Istria]

The new Istrian restaurant by Ana Roš, named the world’s best female chef and holder of three Michelin stars, offers high gastronomy in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. ⭐️

Following the success of JAZ in Ljubljana, this vibrant dining concept has arrived in Poreč, bringing a fresh take on fine dining - one that follows the rhythm of the day, from breakfast to dinner, and focuses on sharing, simplicity and enjoyment.

Located in the heart of the old town, within the elegant Jadran Heritage Hotel Valamar Collection, JAZ by Ana Roš - Poreč celebrates local ingredients and long-standing partnerships with Istrian producers, connecting land and sea, tradition and creativity.

A lively, welcoming space for both visitors and locals - and a new must-visit spot on the Poreč waterfront.

👉 Discover more about Istrian gastronomy:
https://www.istra.hr/en/gourmet

30/03/2026

[Istria is Europe’s #1 cycling destination!🏆]

Istria has been ranked the best cycling region in Europe for 2025 according to the Global Cycle Tourism Index (CTI) — based on insights from over 50 million users.

With top scores for route quality, infrastructure, safety and bike-friendly services, Istria leads ahead of world-renowned destinations, confirming its position at the very top of European cycling. 🙌🏻

And it’s not just about summer, based on attractiveness of a region during each specific season:
🌸 Spring & Autumn – 2nd in Europe
❄️ Winter – 3rd in Europe
☀️ Summer – #1 in Europe

From scenic coastal roads to inland trails through vineyards, olive groves and hilltop towns - every kilometre tells a story!

👉 Discover why Istria is one of the world’s leading cycling destinations.

https://www.istria-bike.com/en/bike-trails/interactive-trails

16/03/2026

[Istria on the cover of The Cultured Traveller]

The British travel & lifestyle magazine The Cultured Traveller has featured Istria as the cover destination of its latest issue, presenting the peninsula as a place rich in history, culture and distinctive character. 💫

In the story “Istria – The Beautiful Croatian Peninsula Brimming with History and Culture”, readers are taken on a journey from the hills of Motovun and truffle forests of the Mirna valley to iconic sites such as the Euphrasian Basilica, P**a Arena and the charming streets of Rovinj Old Town. 🙌🏻

Discover the full story and see why Istria continues to inspire travellers around the world!

👉 Read more:

Presented as a destination with a strong identity, rich history, and a cohesive cultural landscape, Istria takes centre stage in the magazine’s

25/02/2026

[Teranino Festival - Bale Valle – A Toast to Istria’s Sweetest Secret!]

One of Istria’s most beloved and distinctive liqueurs takes the spotlight at a festival dedicated to Teranino – the seductive ruby-red blend of Teran wine, Istrian brandy and secret spices.

Discover its rich flavours, enjoy tastings, and celebrate alongside other traditional spirits like medica and biska. 🍷

Explore the world of Istrian spirits 👉 https://www.istra.hr/en/gourmet/spirits

Turistička Zajednica Općine Bale Comunità Turistica del Comune di Valle

05/02/2026

[Nova Eroica Istria - Truffle Tour 2026]

From gravel paths through vineyards and olive groves to dynamic hills and shared moments along the way, Nova Eroica Istria invites you to experience the peninsula at its authentic way.

Gravel paths between vineyards and olive groves, quiet hills, good food, shared moments and stories worth remembering.

🗓️ May 1–2
📍 Novigrad, Istria

Early bird registrations are now open!

Find out more: https://www.eroica.cc/en/events/nova-eroica-istria/

30/01/2026

HolidayCheck Award 2026: Seven Istrian Hotels Recognised

Seven hotels in Istria have received the HolidayCheck Award 2026, based on guest reviews highlighting comfort, high service quality and well-designed amenities. Out of 11 awarded hotels in Croatia, seven are located in Istria, confirming the region’s strong reputation among travellers.

📍 Award-winning hotels in Istria:

Rabac – Valamar Bellevue Resort | Valamar Girandella Designed for Adults | Valamar Sanfior Hotel & Casa
Poreč – Hotel Parentium Plava Laguna | Marea Suites, Valamar Collection | Valamar Parentino Hotel
Funtana – Maistra Select All Inclusive Resort Funtana

These awards once again confirm that Istria delivers experiences guests love, recommend and return to.

Find out more: https://www.istra.hr/en/top-news/holidaycheck-award-2026

Labin Rabac Tourist Board Poreč Tourist Board Funtana Tourist Board

Seven Istrian hotels have been honoured with the prestigious HolidayCheck Award 2026, based on guest reviews that highlight comfort, high service qual

28/01/2026

[Brtonigla Adventure Trek]

Enjoy the landscapes above the Mirna River valley as you move through forests, vineyards and olive groves of north-western Istria, across rolling hills and past picturesque towns. All races start and finish in Visit Brtonigla Verteneglio, while the start of the Ultra category, reached by organised bus transport - remains a well-kept secret. 😎

This is a trail running and trekking race that combines elements of orienteering and adventure running. The course is unmarked, with only control points indicated, and participants choose their own fastest route using a race map. 🗺️

Categories: Ultra 45–50 km | Challenger ~25 km | Fun&Run 10–12 km

Find more info at https://www.istra.hr/en/events/26699

Istra Outdoor Brtonigla Adventure Trek Trickeri Pazin

19/01/2026

Five New Stars for Poreč: Jadran Heritage Hotel – Valamar Collection
Jadran Heritage Hotel, part of the Valamar Collection, will soon open on Grad Poreč - Parenzo’s iconic waterfront, bringing refined luxury, contemporary comfort and a strong focus on gastronomy to the heart of the old town. 🤩
One of the defining features of Jadran Heritage Hotel is its gourmet experience, thoughtfully curated for every guest. The hotel will be home to JAZ by Ana Roš - Poreč, a bistro by one of the world’s most influential chefs, winner of the World’s Best Female Chef title and holder of three Michelin stars.

Discover more about the hotel 👇🏻
Poreč Tourist Board

Jadran Heritage Hotel 5*, part of the Valamar Collection, is a new boutique hotel set on the Poreč waterfront, with its opening planned for February

07/01/2026

[Winter weekend in Istria]
Looking for ideas for a short winter escape? Our weekend itineraries are made for slow mornings, fresh air and discovering Istria at your own pace. 🤩

👉 Find inspiration on the link below!

Winter in Istria is peaceful, pleasantly cold and it invites you to discover it. In addition to the exquisite gastronomic offer, we recommend the vis

24/12/2025

Wishing you the very best! 🎄🎉

22/12/2025

[The Golden Goat Award]

The Golden Goat – Capra d’Oro Awards once again recognised those who set the highest standards in Istrian tourism – outstanding individuals, projects and teams whose work contributes to the long-term quality, visibility and sustainability of the destination. 🌿

Established in 1995, the Golden Goat – Capra d’Oro has, for nearly three decades, stood as the most prestigious recognition in Istrian tourism, celebrating excellence, innovation and best practices across the sector.

At this year’s ceremony, held at Grand Hotel Brioni P**a, A Radisson Collection Hotel, the Istria County Tourist Board continued this tradition by honouring achievements that strengthen Istria’s reputation and long-term competitiveness as a distinctive and forward-looking destination.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to mr. sc. Ante Vlahović for his outstanding contribution to the development and promotion of Istrian tourism. 👏🏻

The Green Goat – Capra Verde awards were presented to:
• Agency for Rural Development of Istria (AZRRI - Agencija za ruralni razvoj Istre) and the Istrian Goat Breeders’ Association for the project Naša istarska koza – La nostra capra istriana
• Valamar Riviera Hotel & Residence for sustainable practices through the project Path to Sustainability: Valfresco Direkt

Golden Goat – Capra d’Oro 2025 winners by category:
• South Istria Cluster for Camino South Istria (Tourism Product)
• Hook and Cook Festival and Turistička Zajednica Općine Medulin for Hook & Cook Festival (Innovative Product)
• North-West Istria Cluster (Colours of Istria) for the promotional video Where Is My Cat (Visual Communications)
• Fantastic Tech Ltd. for organising the Fantastic Gaming Show (Events)

Special recognitions were awarded to representatives of Intours DMC for their exceptional contribution to positioning Istria on the international MICE scene:
• Miro Hribar – for outstanding support to the development of incentive tourism
• Miha Kovačič – for strengthening international strategic partnerships
• Ana Popović – for operational excellence in delivering incentive programmes in Istria

The Young Talent of Istrian Tourism award was presented to Gaia Zec (Ponte Porton), a young chef from Umag, recognised for her creativity, passion for gastronomy and promising contribution to Istria’s culinary scene. 👏🏻

Congratulations to all award winners, and thank you to everyone who, through their knowledge, dedication and passion, continues to build the success story of Istrian tourism. 💛

The full text and additional photographs are available at the link: https://www.istra.hr/hr/top-news/odrzana-dodjela-nagrada-zlatna-koza-capra-doro-2025

18/12/2025

[Istria Shines in Rome at the Flos Olei Promotion]

The new edition of the world’s only global guide dedicated to extra virgin olive oils was unveiled in Rome at a prestigious ceremony. 🙌🏻

The 2026 edition provides an impressive overview of global production, featuring 761 olive oils and 500 producers from 57 countries across five continents, once again confirming its status as the most authoritative international quality benchmark in the field of extra virgin olive oils.

The ceremonial promotion in Rome, which over two days brought together the global olive oil community, was of particular significance for Istria. ☀️

Olive oil producers from the Istrian peninsula once again excelled on the world stage: 68 Istrian olive growers were included in Flos Olei 2026, earning Istria, for the ninth time, the title of the region with the highest number of producers among the global elite. 🍀

This remarkable continuity underscores Istria’s long-standing commitment to quality and sustainable olive growing, as well as the internationally recognized reputation of its extra virgin olive oil. 🫒

In the guide’s most prestigious category, Hall of Fame, which honours producers achieving the highest possible score of 100/100, Istria once again stood out: for the third time, Uljara Mate earned the title, being the only Croatian olive producer to ever receive this distinction. 💯

In the The Best category, which recognizes excellence in specific stylistic and technical classifications, Istrian olive growers also excelled. In the The Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blended - Medium Fruity category, the award went to the olive oil from OPG Rheos. 🏅

Read more about Flos Olei in the link below!
https://www.istra.hr/en/gourmet/guides/flos-olei