May 30, 2022 - Istria is one of the most fascinating regions of Croatia, and while most are more familiar with its magical seaside towns like Pula, Rovinj, Umag, or Poreč, the many medieval towns in Central Istria are just as impressive and definitely worth being explored.

In recent years, Istria has shown its might as a tourist destination, defying the surreal circumstances caused by the coronavirus pandemic by being easily reached by land from other European countries. But Istria is not at all a consolation prize for its proximity, quite the opposite. The largest peninsula in the Adriatic is home to spectacular towns, world-renowned wines and olive oils, unique cuisine, numerous beaches, five-star hotels, and a wealth of culture and history.

But not everyone comes up with an idea of this region beyond the sea, the islands, and the beaches, something that happens similarly in Dalmatia. Some forget that much of Istria's magic lies (not so) far from the coast. With this in mind, here we show you some of the best destinations you can visit in Central Istria. Warning: Not to be confused with Central Istria as a public administration, since it only covers some districts. In this article, we will mention destinations on the Istrian peninsula that are not located by the sea.

Pazin

Located right in the heart of Istria, Pazin is known for medieval Pazin Castle, the former residence of the Istrian margraves. The intensity of life here is pretty much the same in winter and summer, with the monthly exception of every first Tuesday, when a flood of curious buyers from all over Istria runs into the town to visit the traditional Pazin Market. Pazin is very rich in culture and history due to the presence of different civilizations, empires, and governments throughout time. Be sure to visit the Pazin castle, the Pazin abyss, the Franciscan monastery, the Memorial Center of Union and Freedom, the state archives, and more. Learn more about Pazin here.

Image: Tourist Board of Central Istria/Official Website

Motovun

Motovun sits on top of a hill towering over the valley of Mirna, the biggest Istrian river. The location was settled since Celtic times, but the town we know today was mostly built under Venetian rule in the Middle Ages. Its centuries-old walls and buildings are the best preserved in Istria, giving the place a unique charm. Yet Motovun is more than its quaint architecture and breathtaking view. It is the Croatian capital of truffles and hosts a famous film festival, which will take place from July 26 to 30 this year. Learn more about Motovun here.

Photo: Mario Romulić

Hum

Often referred to as the smallest town in the world, Hum is a town situated on a hilltop above the source of the Mirna River. It is located in the vicinity of Buzet and Roč. The towns of Roč and Hum have been connected through a shared history and culture since ancient times, and are now also connected by the famous Glagolitic Alley. Hum has just 20 inhabitants, and therefore its well-known name as the smallest town in the world. Learn more from Hum here.

Image: www.valamar-experience.com

Labin

Labin is the biggest town in the otherwise not-so-populated and not-so-popular eastern Istria. In the past, the town was known for its coal mines. Nowadays, all the mines have been closed, and there are no more miners. The community is turning more and more towards tourism - but is far from being overwhelmed by it. Its old town, sitting on top of a hill, is among the most beautiful ones on the peninsula. Although it's not located by the sea, and exactly because of that, Labin has a stunning view of Kvarner bay. Learn more about Labin here.

Image: Labin-Rabac Tourist Board/Official website

Vodnjan

Vodnjan is situated near Pula, where excellent olive oil is produced, and its surroundings have the largest number of kažun houses, dry-stone houses in the Mediterranean. The largest church in Istria –Parish Church of St Blase was built at the end of the 18th century, with the 63-meter-high bell tower. The church holds a valuable collection of sacral art and preserved bodies of saints, the so-called Vodnjan mummies, due to which it is visited by around 16000 people a year. Learn more from Vodnjan here.

Image: www.visit-croatia.hr

Buje

The area of ​​the town of Buje is located in the northwestern part of the Istrian peninsula. Approximately 5,300 inhabitants live in an area of ​​103.40 km2. The town of Buje is located between the rivers Mirna and Dragonja. In the north, there are the hills of the Upper Buje, and in the south the Adriatic Sea in Kanegra and the Piran Bay. It is a rolling and hilly area covered with vineyards, olive groves, and arable land dotted with oak, cherry, and pine forests, a karst belt full of interesting geological phenomena, and meadows of Mediterranean vegetation, among which thyme and spruce predominate. Learn more about Buje here.

Grožnjan

The nearby Motovun might be the quintessential Istrian hilltop town, but Grožnjan is also well worth visiting. As is the case with many Istrian towns, it was settled during the Roman times, built under Venetian rule in Middle Ages, and well preserved up to today. The place was almost deserted after World War II, but in 1965 a group of artists decided to turn the town into an art colony, which remains up to the present. It’s a great accommodation spot for those who don’t need the sea, and it makes for a good base for exploring the hilly part of Istria. Learn more about Grožnjan here.

Photo: Mario Romulić

Pićan

Sometimes it is not easy to follow the traces of Pićan in historical sources because it hides under various names. The origin of the name Petina is attributed by some to the assumption that the Diocese of Pićan was the fifth in the world, with the word five (pet, in Croatian) having Celtic roots. Pićan is certainly inhabited in distant prehistory. The oldest parts of the Istrian hillfort were located on the hill of Calvary, north of today's settlement, and then it is assumed that the Celtic tribe Secusa lived there. In Roman times, probably in the same strategically well-chosen place, there was a military stronghold and the settlement of Petina. Learn more about Pićan here.

Image: Pićan municipality/Official website

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January 31, 2022 - The Central Istria Tourist Board director has revealed that digital nomads in Pazin are the best way to extend the season, with many renters showing interest in advertising their accommodations. 

Villas with swimming pools or holiday homes in central Istria have been a hit for years now. However, Croatia's largest peninsula wants to bring their popular accommodations closer to digital nomads, reports Jutarnji List.

Following the example of larger Croatian cities, the Central Istria Tourist Board recently launched the campaign "Live and work in Central Istria," which wants to attract digital nomads to Pazin and its surroundings this year. According to the Tourist Board director, Sanja Kantaruti, about 30 renters have already shown interest in hosting digital nomads who would extend their season. But why should digital nomads come to Pazin and its surroundings outside of summer?

"Facilities in central Istria operate throughout the year - from restaurants to museums and other facilities. We are constantly looking for ways to extend the season and become a year-round destination. Very often people who come on holiday to Istria also work. On the other hand, central Istria is different from the already established destinations of digital nomads, such as Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik," Kantaruti believes.

He adds that they could be attractive because they are not larger and busier environments. That is why they recently held a conference for all tourism workers and especially explained to renters what digital nomads are looking for - above all, a comfortable place to work.

"Every day, new landlords contact us who would like to join the project. The only problem so far is that the prices of our villas and holiday homes are quite high even out of season, and yet this is a long-term lease. We are also cooperating with our development agency Srce Istre in Pazin. They equipped the co-working space and organized gatherings. And that attracts digital nomads."

Therefore, Kantaruti expects significant interest, as was the good interest of visitors to several gastronomic events out of season. 

Namely, in the winter months, from November 1 to March 1, the number of overnight stays in central Istria increased! In 2016 and 2017, there were 4502 overnight stays and 6180 in 2019. However, they believe that various events can achieve more than that.

"This winter, we had the 'We love winter while there is a hood' event, now in February, the Days of Honey delicacies begin. On the weekends, restaurants and taverns are full, and even the caterers told me that they had to turn people away because there is simply no space," says the Tourist Board director.

The Central Istria Tourist Board was the first to function on the principle of an association. These associations of smaller and unprofitable tourist boards have been discussed in Croatia for years to be efficient and reduce costs. But now, most of them are deciding on a project association, which would be the first step towards the formal tourist board. The Central Istria Tourist Board includes Pazin and eight surrounding municipalities - Cerovlje, Gračišće, Karojba, Lupoglav, Pićan, Tinjan, Sveti Petar u Šumi, and Sveti Lovreč. Although it seemed complicated at first due to different political options in other municipalities, it proved to be successful. 

Thus, last year, they expanded their cooperation and teamed up with nearby Buzet, Barban, Žminj, Kanfanar, and Svetvinčenat. They worked together to promote enogastronomy and came out with a new promotional video, "Authentic Istria - Good mood / Good food," directed and produced by the Labin company Level 52. It will first be promoted on the domestic market, the second most important after Germany.

"We were founded in 2007, and in 2020 we joined the project. There are 14 municipalities and cities in it. We are the coordinator of all activities, and we have invited other tourist boards, those from the surrounding area, to join us because we have the same product. Tourists are not interested in the boundaries of the municipality. So this is the question for mayors and mayors. Some have already shown interest, but that remains to be seen. This year, all of us in the tourist boards are expecting changes," Kantaruti points out.

However, central Istria will inevitably see good results this year. The first significant wave of tourists is expected for Easter.

For more news and features about digital nomads in Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.  

September 2, 2021 - While the large cinema chains are open to the public throughout the country, Drive In Cinema has become a popular option in times of social distancing, and the latest region to include them is Central Istria, whose Tourist Board has prepared an interesting program on the weekends of September.

Watching movies from the comfort of your own car is often shown in American movies, and for all of you who have dreamed of this new and different way of watching movies, there is good news. Following a successful organization by the Tourist Board of Central Istria and a warm reception from the public in the summer months, Turističke Priče announces that the Drive In Cinema will also take place on the following weekends in September.

The Tourist Board of Central Istria, as an overture to the tourist season, during two weekends in September, organizes free Drive In Cinema in Tinjan, Sveti Petar in Šuma, Pazin, and Sveti Lovreč.

Tourist Board of Central Istria

All screenings will start at 20:00 and are free for all visitors, but the number of cars is limited to 50. Therefore, arrival must be announced by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the obligatory indication of the desired location and car model, and license plate. Car entry is possible from 19:20. The films will be shown on a 12-meter screen, and visitors will be able to watch the sound of the film via their in-car radios, which will be adapted to the temporary radio frequency.

In Central Istria you can visit many cultural and natural sights and outdoor attractions that will fill the day, as well as many restaurants, taverns, agritourism, and family farms with indigenous food for all gourmets among you. At the end of the day, you have the opportunity to enjoy free movie screenings at Drive In Cinema. Is there a better opportunity to organize a weekend trip?

You'll find everything you need to know about Istria and Central Istria cities and towns on Total Croatia, check all of our guides in your language HERE. 

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June 1, 2021 - Central Istria Tourist Board COVID-19 testing is available for tourists starting Wednesday, June 2!

At the initiative of the Central Istria Tourist Board, the Istria County Teaching Institute for Public Health will perform COVID-19 tests for guests in the region from Wednesday, June 2, 2021, reports HRTurizam.

Testing will take place at the COVID test point in Pazin, in the parking lot at the back of the Memorial House, at Šetalište Pazinske gimnazije 1, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 am to 12 noon, only with prior notice, no later than the day before by 3 pm to e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. It is necessary to submit the name and surname, date of birth, passport or identity card number, and mobile phone number, and e-mail address to the e-mail.

The price of the rapid antigen test will be HRK 100.00, and the PCR test HRK 375.00. The results of the rapid antigen will be known two hours after testing, and the PCR test within 24 hours. Testing can be paid in cash in kuna or by card, during the testing itself, and the test results will be delivered to the e-mail address. Test results will be available in Croatian and English.

“As part of the preparations for the tourist season, on Friday, May 28, 2021, the first vaccinations of renters who had previously applied for vaccinations at the TZSI office were performed. Landlords' applications are still being received," said the Central Istria Tourist Board.

The Central Istria Tourist Board area, from January 1 to May 28, achieved 3,606 arrivals, i.e., 133% more compared to the same period last year and 115,790 overnight stays or 90% more than in the same period last year. Of this, 66% of overnight stays were realized by foreign guests and 34.00% by domestic guests. The share of overnight stays by country from January to the end of May was: Germany 40%, Croatia 34%, Slovenia and Italy with 5% each, and Serbia with 3%.

An excellent indicator of how this year, as well as in the future, the interior of Istria will be well filled.

To learn more about the Central Istria region, follow our Total Croatia page.

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March the 17th, 2021 - The Central Istria Tourist Board has outdone itself with its fascinating promotional video, winning two prestigious international awards and attracting a lot of attention to this truly beautiful part of the country.

As Barbara Ban/Novac writes, the promotional film of the Central Istria Tourist Board has won two awards at prestigious international tourist film festivals. Great recognition came to the film from the 21st Golden City Gate 2021 International Tourism Film Festival - Tourism Multimedia Award, where it won second place in the Regions category. The film festival is part of the prestigious ITB Berlin tourism fair, the largest in the world, which was held online due to the pandemic. The second award for the same film came not long after from Russia, where the film won the commercial film category at the TRAVEL FILM International Film Festival.

The film was produced by the Labin-based company Level 52 back during the middle of last year. The authors moved away from their usual postcard-style videos, using the popular storytelling element instead. The destination is presented through the revival of legends, magical creatures, as well as by showcasing the actual residents of Central Istria and local products. Different stories are connected through the Central Istria Tourist Board´s promotional film with a unique narration and original music. Showing the known, but also the hidden, and highlighting multiple often overlooked destinations in this part of Istria makes this film stand out among the rest.

Authors Sanel Isanovic and Goran Nacinovic pointed out that this is a really important recognition for their hard work and that such awards encourage further work. Client trust and creative freedom allowed them to do something different, which was ultimately very well received.

The director of the Central Istria Tourist Board, Sanja Kantaruti, emphasised that this recognition is an enormous success, which they are extremely proud of, and that such promotion at international festivals is an immeasurable advertisement for Central Istria as a tourist destination. She emphasised that the plan is to continue this form of audiovisual promotion and numerous other projects aimed at promotion for tourism.

This bold and unconventional approach from the author's team, said the director of the Istria County Tourist Board, Denis Ivosevic, proved to be a winning tourist story.

Istria County is ready to look forward to the new season ahead of us, and these awards will certainly contribute to another successful season in Central Istria. So far, the film has been screened in the selection of the Amargos Tourism Film Festival and the Travel FilmFest International Festival. However, the award from Berlin is undoubtedly the most significant recognition that the film could receive, given that it is the world's leading fair, it is also worth noting that Germany is the main emitting tourist market for Istria.

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As Novac/Barbara Ban writes on the 10th of June, 2020, this week, the Tourist Board of Central Istria launched its very first promotional tourist video called "Dare to explore", directed and produced by the Labin-based company Level 52. The video presents Central Istria as a magical region with well-known and interesting locations and points of interest.

''In these rather challenging times for Croatian tourism, Central Istria strives to position itself as an ideal combination of specialties, which will keep old and continue to attract new guests - magical landscapes, cultural, historical and natural beauty, and indigenous products and flavours of tradition'' said the director of the Tourist Board of Central Istria, Sanja Kantaruti.

The Mayor of Pazin, Renato Krulcic, added that the first promotional film for the destination was branded a few years ago under the slogan "Central Istria - the original Istria" was designed and realised.

''There is a video slogan which invites viewers to explore the heart of the Istrian peninsula with scenes of undiscovered tourist gems such as the Sopot waterfall near Pican and Badavac near Karojba, but also new views of well-known places in the area of ​​Pazin and the municipalities of Lupoglav, Cerovlje, Karojba, Sv. Petar u Sumi, Sv. Lovrec, Tinjan, Gracisce and Pican, ie, the component of the Tourist Board of Central Istria,'' Krulcic emphasised.

The interior is different from the rest of Istria, so the destination had to get its own approach to promotion, the authors of the film emphasised.

''The goal was to tell our fairy tale that will entice visitors to explore central Istria, especially to locations that are somewhat hidden and out of the way,'' said film co-author Goran Nacinovic.

So far, such an approach has rarely been seen in the tourist promotion of Croatia as a whole, they point out. The video combines attractive locations in Central Istria with interesting characters, as well as with authentic Istrians who work diligently in their fields and live in harmony with nature.

''We wanted to make something different and innovative, aimed at the foreign market, and yet emphasise the uniqueness and beauty of Central Istria,'' says co-author Sanel Isanovic, who, along with Nacinovic, developed the story of the film and composed the music for the film.

Watch it below:

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Central Istria Tourist Board rang in the new year with a new brand to match: Central Istria. Authentic Istria.

Continuing our series on international classics filmed in Croatia, we bring you the story of an Istrian town and a Hollywood actor who, metaphorically and literally, returned to his roots