Istria, Croatia

Istria, Croatia, has been ranked in May 2019 among the top 10 regions on Lonely Planet's Best in Europe list. "Istria has something for everyone, beaches, history and great cuisine". For several years already, Istria has been ranked as one of the top destinations and most highly recommended places to visit in Europe and in the World. 
 
Istria is also the most popular region in Croatia among tourists and 2018 was a record year for tourism in Croatia. One of the reasons is that it is a very family friendly and safe place to be whether on holiday or year round. Travel & Leisure also recommends Croatia for women who travel solo. Croatia is also listed as one of the Most Beautiful Countries in the World by the Rough Guide 2019. Similarly the readers of Travelbook voted Croatia among the 20 most beautiful countries in the world.
 
Istria has been called "Croatia's Tuscany" many times, for example by the New York Times. Luxury Travel Magazine called Istria "Croatia's undiscovered jewel". Rough Guides recommended visiting Pula, the capital of Istria, in an article called "Why Pula should be your next Croatian city break". 
 
As a result, investing in Istria, Croatia is a great idea, something that the Huffington Post already recommended in 2017. Especially before everyone else does! The real estate market in Isrtia, Croatia in 2019 is very active and real estate prices are increasing. More and more people feel drawn to not only visiting Istria, but to owning real estate here, whether a holidy house, a holidy apartment or to build a dream home for living or retiring here full time.
 
The main places in Istria are:
 
Umag. Umag is a small seaside town recognized for its tennis schools and tournaments. 
 
Buje. Buje is called "the guard of Istria“ due to its strategic position. 
 
Grožnjan. Above the once Venetian port of Bastia, the former centre of the northern Venetian part can be found, lies the romantic town of Grožnjan. 
 
Novigrad. Novigrad is situated on its own green peninsula, which up until today has been protected by walls from the middle ages. 
 
Motovun. Close to sunrise, under the veil of the mist, one can make out the outline of beautiful Motovun, a proud town that is located on the top of a solitary hill. 
 
Buzet. Fresh air, a great view and woods full of small waterfalls, cascades and pools decorate this town. 
 
Hum. According to legend Hum, the medieval town also known as the smallest town in the world, was founded completely by chance. 
 
Poreč. Today Poreč is a most attractive destination, as much as for its historical sights, as for its abundant daily and nightly entertainment in the summer. 
 
Pazin. Pazin is located in the heart of the Istrian peninsula whose shape reminds of the symbol of life and love. 
 
Vrsar. The one time famous summer spot for the lover Casanova, today provides a picture of the Mediterranean soul of Istria. 
 
Rovinj. Distinctive because of its microclimate and original because of its looks, Rovinj is the most visited town in Istria and Croatia. 
 
Svetvinčenat. Svetvinčenat (San Vincente) lies at the crossroads in the heart of Istria. 
 
Labin. The city of Republicans, the fighters of free speech, and the Labin Revolution make Labin historically notable. 
 
Rabac. Rabac is a famous Croatian seaside resort which is located just 5 km from the medieval town of Labin. 
 
Barban. Barban is a small historical village situated on a plateau separating the areas of Labin and Pula. 
 
Marčana. Marčana is located on the way towards a part of the Adriatic Sea with still largely untouched fjords and bays. 
 
Vodnjan. The town of Vodnjan was during the Roman times a large urban center and is a very interesting cultural destination. 
 
Fažana. Discovering a small town is truly a great challenge. It completely fits into the reflection of its harbour, lying between the two lighthouses. 
 
Brijuni National Park. Brijuni (Brioni in Italian) are a group of fourteen small islands in the Croatian part of the northern Adriatic Sea, separated from the west coast of the Istrian peninsula by the narrow Fažana Strait. 
 
Pula. The largest city in Istria was once an important Roman stronghold and later a military port of the Austrian Empire.
 
Medulin. Medulin is a well-known tourist place located just a 10-minute drive from Pula. 
 
Premantura. Voted as one of the top 10 hidden beaches by Lonely Planet, Premantura is surrounded by nature not many places can boast of.