A sensational day exploring the Istria Peninsula in Croatia. Called the Istrian Riviera, the coastline is spectacular and reminds me of European movies set in the 50's (think Talented Mr Ripley). It has the highest real estate costs in Croatia and the same climate, landscape and products as Tuscany, e.g. wine, olive oil. Who knew? Before this trip, my knowledge of Croatia included Dubrovnik and Plitvice National Park. What a gem Croatia is turning out to be.
I will leave it to the pictures to tell the story of Istria as my simple words would not do it justice. They say a picture tells a thousand words but I think a visit is truly required. (I suspect this may be the case for the remainder of my time in beautiful Croatia.)
While I am based in Opatija I haven't spent much time here. Today I headed first for Pula, then Rovinj. Pula is the largest city in Istria and is said to be older than Rome. Pula is best known for its ancient Roman buildings, best of all is the 1st century amphitheatre which is one of the six largest arenas in the world. I wasn't expecting to see anything like this in Croatia.
Pula Amphitheatre
Pula Amphitheatre
Rovinj (or Rovigno in Italian) is a popular tourist resort and fishing port and is officially bilingual, Croatian and Italian. Enchanting Rovinj rises out of the water with a distinctive Italian feel and screams to have photos taken around every corner and alleyway. Basilica of St. Euphemia is located at the top of the cobblestone streets and provides excellent views. But beware of the cobblestones as they can be very slippery underfoot.
Rovinj
Rovinj
Rovinj
Rovinj
Tonight is my last night in Opatija and I haven't really scratched the surface on this place. I paddled in its waters late this afternoon on a walk and realised how warm the water was. I was expecting it to be really cold. I'm now kicking myself that I chose a 1/2 hour break in the hotel room instead of racing down for a swim. Istria, I will have to come back one day to lounge on your daybeds and dip in your sea.
Opatija