Istria is Croatia’s leading lifestyle region that offers modern properties for a laid back living

Hilltop residences surrounded by olive groves and wineyards

Istria has often been dubbed the Croatian Tuscany due to its excellent wine and olive oil production, laid back lifestyle and hilltop medieval towns engulfed in the lush green Mediterranean countryside. But that doesn’t do justice to the lifestyle on the peninsula on the west coast of Croatia that has so much more to offer. Especially in these pandemic times when all we crave for is privacy, less crowds, more open spaces, fresh air and clear water, outdoor trails, the sun and all the things that we used to take for granted. But now we value the most.

Coastal Istria and the countryside

Istria has two sides to its story: the coastal story, with the seaside towns, the beaches, historic old towns and history on every step and the countryside, the lush green Mediterranean side, homes perched on hilltops, medieval towns sitting above the morning mist like Motovun, the gourmet and wine hub of the central Istria. Istria just might be well known for its wine production and tens of dozens of wineries and cantinas you can find along the wine roads that zigzag the peninsula. But even more, Istria has been named the world’s best olive oil region for the 6th year in a row by an international panel of experts. No wonder, since making wine and extra virgin olive oil has been around since the Roman times here.

Countryside Istria often dubbed the Croatian Tuscany

Istria offers both the coastal and the countryside lifestyle and the homes you can find here are combination of the traditional Istrian architectural décor such as natural stone villas, green or blue shades or the elegant, modern residence that are surrounded with olive groves and vineyards. Some have spectacular views from the inland onto the coast and Italy.

Coastal Istria – homes with open sea view

Five regions to discover in Istria

Looking at a whole, Istria has five main regions to discover – the so-called green Istria, central Istria around Motovun, known for the wine and dine experience with the truffle hunting as the main attraction and delicacy. This region has excellent wineries and konobas (traditional restaurants) you can discover as well as biking roads and hiking trails. Homes and residences here usually sit on green slopes, engulfed by Mediterranean trees and bushes such as lavender with views of the inland or even the west coast and Italy. The north Istria is centered around Buje and Momjan regions, known for wine making, excellent local cuisine and forest hilltops with the view towards Novigrad and the northern coast.

Villa Polesini Poreč

The west coast is zoomed in and around towns of Poreč and Rovinj as the main tourist hubs with the vibrant coastal lifestyle, the marinas, top hotels and gourmet lifestyle. This blue Istria, often called, has the coastal lifestyle and cuisine with plenty of fresh fish and great local wines. Homes here tend to be modern residences as well as traditional Istrian homes with a modern twist. Check out this property in Poreč.

The largest preserved amphitheater after that in Rome

Amphitheater in Pula

Pula marks the south coast and is famous for the largest preserved Roman amphitheater in the world, second to that in Rome. Lots of sun and sea actives and cultural sights as well as natural parks such as the island of Brijuni to visit. The east coast is a laid-back region, less tourist hotspots, great for families, outdoor activities and lots of sun and the sea. Such is the Villa Delosia you can find here.

Located either at the coast or inland, all homes have swimming pools, spacious gardens and outdoor dining areas with traditional grill and many come with sports amenities such as tennis courts, multifunctional sports courts and kids playgrounds. Biking has been super popular in Istria in the last decade and hiking trails now follow the healthy lifestyle trend.

Whatever your lifestyle and healthy preferences might be, you can be sure we will match them with you dream home in Istria.

Contemporary villas in Istria