Istria – Special, Unique & Exclusive Locations
Restaurants
Traditional restaurants
Istria, heart shaped peninsula is famous for quality wine making, cheese and olive production and growing of truffles- unique tubers, completely hidden underground, impossible to be spotted but only traced by the smell by trained dogs. Meet Istria’s gastronomy and enology in one of many traditional restaurants in Pula, Rovinj and Poreč. Enjoy fresh seasonal foods from local producers, or a fusion of Mediterranean cuisine and typical Istrian flavors combined with exquisite list of domestic wines.
Modern restaurants
Besides traditional cuisine, one can find modern and chick restaurants in Istria. Especially attractive are restaurants by the sea and lighthouses offering pleasant atmosphere and unique experience.
Istrian “Stancija” the agro-tourism estate
“Stancija” is characteristic Istrian estate in the inland. Its houses are often turned into inns and offer accommodation together with authentic local dishes, with ingredients locally produced. Meals are prepared depending on the season, and some stancijas’ hosts offer to involve their guests in their daily activities like harvesting grapes, burning brandy, making homemade sausages or picking asparagus in the spring. In some stancijas it is possible to attend cooking classes and learn more about the traditional meals.
Historical Venues
Amphitheater
Initially the amphitheater in Pula was used for gladiator fights, hunting spectacles and public legal proceedings. Today it represents the biggest and the best preserved monument of ancient times in Croatia, astonishing visitors from all over the world. With its capacity, accommodating about 10.000 people it can be used for concerts, gala dinners or other special events.
Sacred Hearts
The church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary (Sacred Hearts), in Pula, after its refurbishment is designed as a multimedia venue. It can be used for conferences, concerts, different gatherings, movie projection and similar. Church is also very well adapted for persons with disabilities, while the surrounding area enables easy organization of various events.
Red Island
Red Island, only 15 minutes boat-trip away from Rovinj consists of two little islands-St. Andrew and Maškin. On the St. Andrew island there is an old Castle, previously used as a summer residence of the islands’ owners, while on the Maškin island there is Mausoleum. Both properties can be used for special events, gala dinners and other fine dining experiences.
Euphrasius basilica
Built in the first half of 6th century on the remains of an earlier basilica, Euphrasius basilica is the most valuable cultural monument in Poreč, inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Basilica is ideal for concerts and similar special events.
Nesactium
Nesactium represents the oldest town in Istria, living only through its ancient ruins. Today, on the southeastern slopes of the Istrian Peninsula, there is archeological park displaying preserved architectural remains of Nesactium. Location is ideal for open area catering, especially inviting for groups of archeologists, historians or architects, but equality interesting for all groups wanting to enjoy the combination of history and nature.
Roman Villa rustica
Found in Verige bay on the western coast of Brijuni, the remains of the Roman Villa are the most representative ones on the area of eastern Adriatic. Complex that consisted of several buildings, today can be used for various special events, concerts, caterings and similar.
Other Venues
Villa Polesini
Villa Polesini in Poreč is used for upscale wedding ceremonies, business meetings and gala dinners. This elegant venue, offers four fully equipped conference rooms with total capacity of up to 250 people; a garden ideal for cocktails for up to 300 people and a cellar tavern.
Adris Exhibition & Convention Centre
Located in the center of Rovinj, in the spaces of the former Tobacco Factory, Adris Exhibition & Convention Centre is completely renovated event venue of the highest rank. The complex features multiple galleries, concert hall, Tobacco Museum and several showrooms. The seating capacity of the main hall is 1800 people while the second largest has capacity of 1100 people. The venue offers a banquet accommodating 1 000 guests, and outdoor terraces used for various purposes.
Žatika Event Center
Built for the needs of 2009 World Men’s Handball Championship in Poreč, today represents multipurpose venue, ideal for cultural and entertainment activities and other special events, with capacity of 3700 people.
