Istria is completely different during the colder months than it is in summer. There are no traffic jams or queues to see popular sights; the whole region feels like it is yours alone. Still, if you decide to take a family holiday in the off-season, bear in mind that rain can spoil a day or two between October and March. Or can it?
We’ve picked out five trips that are made for rainy days.
A quick note before we begin: many sights and attractions have reduced winter opening hours or require advance notice. We found the information on official websites, but it’s still worth checking again or calling before you visit the sights.
1. Aquarium Pula
Aquarium Pula is the most visited aquarium in Croatia. You might expect a modern glass building, but this aquarium is housed in the Austro-Hungarian fortress Verudela. It is about 3 km from the city centre and is home to around 200 animal species. Children are especially fascinated by the sharks, jellyfish and seahorses, but be sure to show them the lovely sea turtle rescue centre, too. If the rain stops for a moment, take a walk along part of the promenade on the Verudela peninsula.
The fortress has several levels, so allocate at least an hour and a half for your visit. The aquarium is open year-round, but its opening hours vary by season.
2. Pula Fort Center
Use a rainy day to discover the network of fortifications that once defended Pula. As the main naval port, Pula was an important military and strategic centre of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. The Pula Fort Center is housed in Kaštel Fortress, within the Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria.
After exploring the Centre, head underground. Pula has the network of tunnels known as Zerostrasse. They were excavated during the First World War as shelters from air raids. All of Pula’s shelters could accommodate up to 50,000 people; almost the entire population of the city. Thanks to carefully designed ventilation, the temperature in the tunnels stays between 14 and 18°C all year round.
From 1 October to 30 April, Kaštel and Zerostrasse are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A ticket costs €8 for adults and €3 for children aged 5 to 16; children under 5 enter for free. You can also check opening hours on the official website: Pula Fort Center – Activities.
A rainy day, all planned out: visit the aquarium in the morning, take a lunch break in the old town, then explore Pula Fort Center and the tunnels in the afternoon.
3. Baredine Cave near Poreč
Near Nova Vas, between Poreč, Višnjan and Tar, you’ll find Baredine Cave. In about 40 minutes, a guide will lead you down 270 steps and through five chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites. See if you can spot the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the shepherdess Milka and a snowman the torchbearer. With a little luck, you may also see the olm, an endemic species of the Dinaric karst. The temperature inside stays at 14°C, so bring a jacket regardless of the weather outside. The paths are lit and protected by railings. Small dogs are allowed, but they must remain in their owner’s bag or a special carrier throughout the visit.
The cave is open even in bad weather. From 1 November to 31 March, you need to book your visit at least one day in advance. Last winter, tours ran daily at 11 a.m., and the cave was closed on Mondays.
4. Truffle Hunting near Buzet
If you’d rather face the rain than hide from it, choose a truffle-hunting experience. In the village of Paladini near Buzet, the Karlić family has been hunting for truffles since 1966. The tour lasts around three hours and must be booked in advance. It starts with a short introduction to the history of Istrian truffles, followed by a walk into the Motovun Forest with dogs, and ends with a tasting. A visit to Croatia’s first truffle museum is also included. Even if the kids aren’t truffle fans, they’ll have plenty of room to run around and enjoy the fresh forest air.
A light drizzle is no reason to cancel. Just put on rubber boots and a raincoat, and you’re ready to go. If it’s raining heavily, confirm the tour with your hosts first. Read about our own truffle-hunting experience if you need some inspo.
5. Pazin Castle
Overlooking the heart of Istria is Pazin Castle, the largest and best-preserved medieval fortress on the peninsula. It was first mentioned in 983, and today it houses the Ethnographic Museum of Istria and the Museum of the City of Pazin. On the ground floor are an old blacksmith’s workshop and a carpentry workshop; upstairs you’ll find a traditional Istrian kitchen, folk costumes and tools from rural life.
Winter opening hours apply from 16 October to 14 April. The museum is open Tuesday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Mondays. Tickets cost €6 for adults and €3 for pupils.
Pazin is right in the centre of Istria. From here, Motovun and Buzet are just a short trip away, so truffle hunting can easily be combined with a visit to the fort.
Bonus: A Rainy Day in the Villa
There’s nothing wrong with preferring to spend rainy days curled up under a blanket. Let Istria come to you. Make Istrian fuži pasta with the kids using flour, eggs and water, play board games, and listen to the rain outside. If you choose a villa with a heated pool or a playroom, you’ll be ready for any weather.
Three Villas for a Winter Getaway
After a rainy day, the most important thing is to return to a warm, comfortable villa. We’ve picked three villas that can also be booked during winter.
Villa Pinea, Poreč
If you’re looking for a villa made for rainy days, Villa Pinea is a great choice. It has four bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and underfloor heating. The indoor wellness area includes a Finnish sauna and a hydromassage pool for four people, and children will love the playroom and foosball.
Villa Aida, Pula
Villa Aida is located in peaceful Galižana, just 7 km from Pula, so Aquarium Pula, Zerostrasse and Kaštel are practically next door. The house has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The rainy hours can be filled with foosball, table tennis and darts.
Villa Dominika, Motovun
Surrounded by olive groves and woodland, with views of Motovun and Mount Učka, Villa Dominika is an ideal base for truffle hunting and a visit to Pazin Castle. Each of its three bedrooms has a private bathroom. For rainy days, there are board games, gaming consoles, foosball and darts. Pets are welcome for an additional fee.
Rainy days happen now and then, but with a little planning, that very day can become an adventure the children will talk about for years. Browse our family-friendly villas and find the perfect place for a wonderful holiday at any time of year.
