Just because September is almost here doesn’t mean that the summer is over. On the contrary, September has become a great month for traveling to the seaside due to milder temperatures, less crowds, and more affordable accommodation. And this September, Istria is the place to be. All over the Istrian peninsula, events are taking place throughout the month of September. From events showcasing Istrian culture with food and drinks to a short film festival. You can enjoy the festivities, immerse yourself in the local culture, and spend more time by the sea before fall.
To help you plan one last great summer adventure, we’ve curated the 7 best events in Istria in September. We’ve also paired each event with a beautiful villa to make your stay one to remember.
1. Day of Istrian breweries, Sveti Lovreč, September 21
Sveti Lovreč is a small historic town in Istria with a lot of remnants of its Roman history. Here you’ll be transported back to the past as you walk along the narrow streets. Explore the city walls and city gates that date back to the Republic of Venice as well as the old square with a pillar of shame.
When you decide to take a break from sightseeing, a great stop would be to attend the Day of Istrian breweries. There you’ll be able to taste some of the best Istrian craft beers. What makes them so special is the ingredients used in their production. From beers made with a mix of Slovenian hops to those containing an ingredient almost synonymous with Istria: truffles. Enjoy the beer and spend the day surrounded by locals to experience their unique way of life.
Where to stay: Villa Aryana, Sveti Lovreč (September 15 – 22; 1.890 € → 1.701 €)
Villa Aryana is a beautiful stone villa in Sveti Lovreč, so you’ll be able to walk to the festival. The villa has a large garden with a swimming pool and a relaxation area, ideal for spending time outdoors. The interior of the villa combines tradition with modern functionality, and offers you all the facilities for a pleasant vacation. The villa has 4 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 8 people. You can also bring up to 2 pets with you, who can enjoy the spacious and fully fenced garden.
2. Tunalicious Street Food Festival 2024, Poreč, September 12 – 14
If you enjoy seafood and fishing, you must visit the Tunalicious Street Food Festival in Poreč. This food and entertainment experience is all about tuna, also known as the “Queen of the Adriatic”. In addition to the seafood, during the festival you will also be able to choose from a selection of great wines, cocktails and other drinks.
For everyone looking for an adventurous experience, a big game fishing tournament will also be held during the festival. You can watch boats trying to catch tuna in the morning or join the daily catch weighing at the waterfront. There you’ll get to see if anyone catches some of the bigger tuna, weighing over 100 or 200 kilograms.
Where to stay: Villa Alves, Perci, (September 7 – 14; 2.100 € → 1.890 €)
Villa Alves is located in Perci, a small village halfway between Novigrad and Poreč, which is a great location if you want to explore Istria during your stay. The villa has 4 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 8 people. It is modernly furnished and has a swimming pool as well as an outdoor relaxation area. There’s also a playground for children, so if you’re travelling with family, this might be the villa for you.
3. Summer atmosphere with music and local traditions, Rovinj, September 8, 11 and 13
Once a small fishing town, Rovinj has become a great destination for everyone who enjoys exploring historic cities. Take a stroll down the narrow cobblestone streets and visit small shops dotted around the peninsula. Or enjoy the sunset on a beach, when the old town becomes a golden skyline against a bright blue sky.
When the sun goes down, head to the Riviera Square for a fun night out. Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from June to the end of September, visitors can enjoy local seafood and wine, while learning more about Rovinj and its history. There are concerts with traditional Rovinj music, film screenings about the city’s past and present, and various workshops. You’ll be able to learn how to mend nets or braid bottles and fishing nets.
Where to stay: Villa Palmeta, Bale (September 7 – 14; 2.450 €)
Villa Palmeta is located in Bale, a village in the interior of Istria, just a short drive away from Rovinj. This villa has 3 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, making it an ideal retreat for up to 8 people. You can enjoy a refreshing swim in the outdoor swimming pool and then relax on sun loungers by the pool. The covered patio offers a great place for group gatherings and an electric grill allows you to prepare quick and easy meals. If you’re traveling with the family, your children will surely enjoy the game room with a PlayStation game console.
4. Fisherman festival, Vrsar, September 20
From May to September, once a month, the Vrsar promenade becomes a place dedicated to fish and other seafood. Even if you just decide to take a walk on the promenade to enjoy the evening breeze, the pleasant smell of grilled fish will definitely lure you to participate in the festivities.
In addition to the culinary delights that await you on the promenade, you can also visit a fair with delicious local products or take your children to the children’s corner. In the evening you can visit the musical program, sit back and enjoy music with a glass of good Istrian wine.
Where to stay: Villa Moon, Funtana (September 14 – 21; 2.233 €)
Villa Moon is located in Funtana, a village right next to Vrsar, so you won’t be far from the festivities. This 3-story villa offers modern accommodation for up to 7 people, and it is only a 10-minute walk away from the nearest beach.
The villa offers a big garden and a covered terrace that is great for socializing. Inside, you can relax in the spacious living room, which is flooded with natural light from the panoramic windows. Or you can prepare a meal for the whole group in the fully equipped kitchen or on the electric barbecue on the terrace.
5. Pula Marathon: run through Roman history, Pula, September 21
If you want to go sightseeing on your vacation, but you also want to be active, why not combine the two? The Pula Marathon gives you the opportunity to run through the old streets of Pula at night and experience the city while being active.
This is an event for the whole family – on the 20th of September, children can participate in one of the two children’s races, depending on their age, and the adults can choose a race that suits their fitness level – whether that is a half marathon, a 10K or a 5K race. Whichever you choose, this is a great way to see the sights and get your blood pumping.
Where to stay: Villa Voliera, Vodnjan (September 15 – 22; 2.800 € → 2.380 €)
Villa Voliera is a great choice if you’re looking for a villa in a quiet location, but not too far from the city. It is located in Vodnjan, less than 15 kilometers from Pula, and it is full of greenery. So if you choose this villa, you will surely be able to fully relax during your stay. This villa has 4 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and it can accommodate up to 8 people. It has a large garden surrounded by lush greenery. So you can take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool and enjoy the view. Or you can make your wellness experience even better by using the indoor hot tub and Finnish sauna.
6. The Day of the Town of Buje and Grape Days, Buje, September 9 and 13 – 15
Buje is a town that dates back to Roman times and you can still see remnants of Roman, Venetian and medieval architecture in the town. Situated on a hill, it offers a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside. And it is only about 10 kilometers away from the sea.
The town really comes alive in September, on The Day of the Town of Buje and during the Grape Days. You can expect various festivities throughout the town, including concerts, wine tastings and various food stands. In addition to that, you can participate in some sports activities for both children and adults.
Where to stay: Villa Petar, Buroli/Buje (September 8 – 14; 1.548 € → 1.393 €)
If you’re looking for accommodation in the countryside with views of the surrounding nature from every corner, then Villa Petar is the right fit for you. It has 3 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 8 people. Spend your time in the villa on the covered terrace with great views or relax in the pool. There is also a wood-fired grill where you can prepare simple summer meals and enjoy them with your whole group.
7. International Short Film Festival, Novigrad, September 6 – 8
FMK Novigrad is a film festival dedicated exclusively to short format films. This festival showcases films that don’t usually make it into regular distribution. It is a great opportunity for film lovers to discover new stories, actors, and filmmakers. This year, a selection of 25 short films will be screened over 5 days, including 10 student films.
In addition to a film-filled program, you can also participate in workshops and entertainment activities. These include live concerts, karaoke sessions and a movie quiz. Tickets for film screenings can be purchased online or at the door. You can participate in additional activities for free, with the option to make a donation to support their work.
Where to stay: Villa Angelina, Novigrad (September 7 – 14; 1850 € → 1573 €)
Villa Angelina is a luxurious retreat in Novigrad. It is designed modernly and has a minimalist aesthetic. The villa is fully equipped and has everything for a great vacation. It has 3 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 6 people. The guests can enjoy in the large pool outside, light up the barbecue or enjoy the view of the surrounding countryside.
If you’ve reached the end of our list, but still want to keep exploring our villas, you should check out our villas with special offers. These range from small family villas to large villas for bigger groups, with special offers up to 20%! Don’t wait too long, your great September holiday in Istria is just a few clicks away.
