Istria, one of the most beautiful and diverse regions in Croatia, is a peninsula in the northwest of Croatia and is often referred to as Terra Magica, which means Magic Land. Where this name comes from is immediately clear. When you visit Istria, you feel as if you have landed in a fairy tale. Magic must have been involved to create such beautiful natural landscapes.

Your dream villa by the sea in Istria

Istria is the ideal combination of the crystal clear Adriatic Sea and idyllic green landscapes in the hinterland. The picturesque inland villages, often situated on hilly landscapes, offer the best of Istria in addition to unforgettable views. In addition to the breathtaking nature and extensive cultural heritage dating back to the times of the Roman Empire, you will also find a variety of gastronomy, numerous activities for an active holiday in Istria and much more. In our offer we have picked out the most beautiful villas by the sea in Istria for you to enjoy a relaxing holiday in this breathtaking region. Whether you are looking for a luxury villa, traditional furnishings of a rustical villa or a family villa where you can really relax together with your children - with us you will find all this and much more.

A culinary delight for all tastes

As one of the world's best olive oil regions, Istria offers culinary delights for every taste - from truffles, which you can search for and discover yourself during a truffle hunt here, to numerous wine-growing areas and wine cellars where you can taste homemade wine, to the numerous taverns where every meal offers an unforgettable combination of sea and greenery - Istria offers something for everyone. Be sure to taste Istrian prosciutto and enjoy a refreshing glass of Malvasia - one of the most famous white wine varieties in Istria. Wherever you look and whatever you do, one thing is clear - an unforgettable holiday awaits you in Istria and should you decide to spend your holiday in Istria, we have provided a suitable villa for you to choose from in every corner of Istria.

Combining family villas in Istria and endless history

The history of Istria is marked by various influences and historical events. Already during the ancient times, Istria was conquered by the Roman Empire and integrated into the mighty empire. The traces of this era are still visible today in numerous places along the coast, where you can admire imposing buildings such as the amphitheatre in Pula. This Roman amphitheatre is the sixth largest amphitheatre of antiquity and one of the best preserved in the world. Today, the arena, which is now almost 2000 years old, is considered a landmark of the city of Pula and is one of the most popular sights in all of Istria. It is also a very popular venue for various concerts and festivals. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the rulers changed in Istria, which fell into the hands of the Republic of Venice after the influence of the Byzantine Empire. This exerted a strong influence on the culture of the region, which can still be seen today in the narrow streets, buildings and monuments of many towns along the coast, such as Porec and Rovinj.

Did you know that thousands of years ago Istria was home to many species of dinosaurs? It is the only region in the Mediterranean where dinosaur bones have been discovered. For example, you can admire real footprints of this extinct species on the island of Brijuni, Cape Kamenjak and the small island of Fenoliga. If you are travelling with your family and want to enjoy an unforgettable family holiday in Istria, a trip to the Funtana Dinopark is a good idea. This amusement park offers 80,000 m2 of entertainment for the whole family. In addition to life-size dinosaurs, the park offers numerous attractions such as a petting zoo, pony rides and numerous playgrounds. Explore our range of family villas and choose a villa where you can enjoy your well-deserved holiday together with the whole family to the fullest.

Explore Istria and enjoy villa with pool

Istria is best known for its picturesque coastline (500 km long) and green interior landscape. This means that in Istria you will find many hidden bays, beautiful beaches, small villages and coastal towns, all connected by a common feature - unique nature and culinary specialities. Istria is bilingual - this means that you will find most of the place-name signs in Croatian and Italian, and most of the inhabitants speak Italian as well. In the tourist areas, German and English are also often spoken.

Best time to visit Istria

As with the rest of Croatia, the ideal time to visit Istria is between May and October. The high season is in July and August. However, if you want to avoid the crowds of tourists, spring and autumn are recommended as ideal for a relaxing holiday in Istria. Especially in the interior of the region you will find numerous idyllic villas surrounded by lush greenery that offer everything Istria is known for. The majority of our villas in Istria are equipped with a pool. Explore our huge range of different luxury villas in Istria and find your ideal villa with a pool, where you can enjoy your well-deserved holiday with plenty of water fun and the children will also get their money's worth. If she pool at your private villa should not be enough, visit on of the two waterparks in Istria – Aquacolors and Istralandia. Istria is also characterised by its very good transport connections. So you can get to the sea in no time, even from deep inland. However, if you want to be closer to the sea and are looking for a villa with a sea view, you will also find numerous villas by the sea in our offer, where the Adriatic Sea is always within reach.

Top destinations on the coastline 

The most famous destinations in Istria are located on the western coast, but in the interior of the country there are also worth seeing small towns on hilly landscapes that you should definitely visit during your holiday in Istria.

Umag

In the far north on the western coast lies Umag, a town that will delight you with its endless waterfront, beautiful beaches and historic old town. If you're here in July, you can also take the opportunity to cheer on world-renowned tennis stars at the ATP Croatia Open Umag. Explore our offer of unique villas in Umag.

Novigrad

A little further south is Novigrad. Here you can admire the well-preserved medieval old town, stroll through the narrow streets and gaze from the impressive town walls into the endless blue of the Adriatic Sea. The sunset in Novigrad is truly unique. Don't miss the delicious fish dishes in one of the many restaurants right by the sea.

Poreč

Poreč is primarily known for its historical sights. You can admire mosaics from the 5th century in the Euphrasius Basilica, which has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. You will also find endless promenades along the lively coastline in Poreč, ideal for a relaxing evening stroll after spending the whole day on one of the many beaches. Taste traditional Istrian dishes such as local prosciutto, truffle dishes and fresh fish from the Adriatic Sea in one of the many restaurants. In Porec and its surroundings we have many private villas with pools where you can enjoy a relaxing holiday with your family or friends.

Rovinj

Rovinj is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and picturesque towns in Istria. In the pictures you will see of the town everywhere, the pastel-coloured houses that seem to be immersed in the sea are very impressive. See for yourself the endless beauty of the town, enjoy a carefree walk through the narrow Roman streets and take a detour to one of the many art galleries. Rovinj is also an ideal base for an active holiday. Explore our activity villas in Rovinj and leave boredom behind.

Pula

Pula, the largest city in Istria, is located in the very south. Pula is famous for its amphitheatre, which is one of the few completely preserved amphitheatres in the world. Numerous events and concerts await you here throughout the summer. You will also find numerous historical monuments, museums and sights here. As an insider tip, we can recommend the aquarium near the city - here you can admire rare and interesting inhabitants from the underwater world of the Adriatic.

Top destinations in the inner part of Istria

Grožnjan

After you have completed the destinations along the coast, you should definitely also look into the interior of Istria. On a hill in the heart of Istria lies the small town of Grožnjan, which will enchant you with its indescribable charm. As you stroll through the cobblestone streets, you can admire numerous artists, while pleasant jazz music sets the right mood.

Motovun

This medieval town, also perched on a hill, is a must on your list of places to visit during your holiday in Istria. From the city walls, there is an unforgettable view of the endless green landscape and the valley of the Mirna River. In the forests surrounding Motovun, you can also go truffle hunting. This unique pilsner is the main ingredient on the menus of almost all restaurants in Istria. Be sure to try it! In keeping with the medieval charm, you will find numerous rustic villas with pools in our offer, where you will feel like a local. Explore our offer and find your ideal villa!