Camping on the beach in Istria

Idyllic bays, clear water and Mediterranean flair await camping holidaymakers along the 500 km long coastline of the Croatian peninsula of Istria. Due to the excellent water quality, many beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag. Active guests can take advantage of the extensive range of water sports on offer or go hiking through the pine forests. The fascinating coastal towns also have a lot to offer in terms of culture.

Top tips

• A campsite on the beach in Istria is ideal for a beach holiday: in summer, the sea warms up to 28 degrees in sheltered bays. The excellent Lanterna Premium Camping Resort on the northern west coast of Istria is located on a perfect bathing bay. Two lagoons are just a few minutes' walk from the Zelena Laguna campsite in Poreč.
• The west coast of Istria is home to numerous campsites with great bathing spots and exciting water sports facilities. The Bi-Village campsites in Fazana and Brioni Sunny Camping, both near the southern Istrian town of Pula, offer shady pine forests for hiking as well as canoes, pedal boats and windsurf boards for water sports. On the beach, beach volleyball and football round off the leisure activities on offer.

Activities and excursions

The holiday resorts on the Istrian coast impress with wonderful beaches and cultural highlights.

From the beach to the cultural highlights

When camping on the beach in Istria, you are guaranteed not to be far from one of the many idyllic coastal towns that line the west coast in particular. Porec, for example, is known far beyond Croatia's borders for the magnificent Euphrasian Basilica, whose tower rises high into the silhouette of the old town. The fascinating mosaics in the interior are well worth seeing. Istria's capital Pula also enchants visitors with relics from the past. The amphitheatre and the Arch of Augustus in the colourful pedestrian zone date back to Roman times.

Discover Istria's dream beaches

If you are planning a beach holiday in the north of Istria, Katoro Beach near Umag is just the place for you. Large concrete plateaus invite you to sunbathe. The sandpits in between are an attraction for families. This stretch of coast is also popular for the two pools, which guests can use free of charge, and the sports facilities such as the volleyball court. Those seeking peace and quiet are drawn to Cape Kamenjak in the far south. The nature reserve boasts unique flora: more than 20 species of orchid grow here. Romantic bays by the sea invite you to swim. The brave dare to jump from the metre-high cliffs in Velika Kolombarica bay.

Island paradise off Istria: Brijuni National Park

Off the west coast of Istria lies the Brijuni archipelago, which is part of the national park of the same name. The 14 islands can be reached by ferry from Pula or Fazana. The large island, Veli Brijun, is open to visitors, while the smaller islands, most of which are only a few hectares in size, are privately owned or closed. There is a safari park and a golf course on Veli Brijun, and the flat and partly wooded island is also ideal for hiking.

Events

Wine fair, film festival and open air festival: camping holidays in Istria attract numerous events.

May

• Vinistra Porec wine fair: The Vinistra wine fair in Porec attracts guests from the beach to the sports hall. Cookery shows, expert panels and tastings of regional varieties are not just for wine lovers.

June - August

• Rabac Open Air Festival: From the opening with the colourful summer carnival to the closing festival, the Rabac Open Air Festival offers an exciting entertainment programme for the whole family. Concerts and theatre performances are free of charge.

July

• Pula Film Festival: Cineastes can enjoy a very special film experience at the Pula Film Festival in the historic amphitheatre. Croatian and international films are shown as well as productions for children.