Istria – from lazy sunbathers to frantic families

The Istrian peninsula has grown immensely popular among holiday-seekers from all over Europe, as it has everything it takes to satisfy the whole family: Clear blue waters for the kids, sun and shopping for the teenagers, culture and good food for the parents. And all at a more affordable price than in, let’s say, Italy. Here’s our tips to the best places for the whole family in Istria.

The towns are on a smaller scale than its Dalmatian peers like Split and Dubrovnik further to the south, but that makes them more manageable for families, that want to make a trip for lunch or dinner. And there are many towns to choose from. Here are the

Top5 best seaside towns in Istria for families

  • Cosy Piran in the north, the only town on our list to be in Slovenia
  • Impressive Pula in the south with a 2000-year old Roman amphitheatre but crazy parking issues
  • Lazy Rabac in the east with the old town of Labin hovering over the sea and looking down on the lazy sunbathers
  • UNESCO classed Poreč in the west with its World Heritage listed St. Eufemia Basilica
  • The most beautiful seaside town of Rovinj, with the old town concentrated on a small peninsula

Being popular, it comes as no surprise that there are many tourists in the high season which spans from mid-July to the end of August. Too many. But hey: if you’re here, you’re a part of the frantic masses and there’s only one way to make it work: be considerate, patient and good-humoured. After all, this is your vacation.

Keep your head out of the sun and a cool beer in your hand. Sit down and enjoy that you’ve got nothing to do and nowhere to be. Except here. Right now.

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