Istria Road Trip: Must-See Spots!

Istria captivates with its Mediterranean lifestyle, charming coastal towns, and wild natural wonders. This campervan route takes you to the region's most beautiful stops. In this post, we'll show you the ideal Istria itinerary starting from our Klagenfurt rental station, including highlights, insider tips, and practical information for your trip.

Itinerary:

• Klagenfurt
• Novigrad
• Poreč
• Rovinj
• Pula
• Medulin
• Premantura
• Vela Draga

Klagenfurt

Your journey begins at our Klagenfurt/Poggersdorf location – the perfect starting point for your Istria road trip. From here, you can reach the breathtaking Croatian Adriatic coast in about 3 hours, driving comfortably and leisurely along Slovenia's scenic roads.

You'll experience diverse landscapes, making the transition from the Alps to the Mediterranean coastal region particularly charming.

An important tip: A vignette is required for using motorways in Slovenia, which you can purchase online in advance or at rest stops. If you want to avoid the vignette, you can alternatively drive on well-maintained country roads – this way, you'll also enjoy scenic and quiet routes away from traffic.

Novigrad

Your first stop on the road trip takes you to Novigrad, a charming port town on Istria's northwest coast, enchanting visitors with its rich Venetian heritage and Mediterranean flair.

The town boasts a beautifully preserved historic old town, surrounded by imposing city walls, inviting you to stroll leisurely through narrow, cobblestone streets.

Along the picturesque marina, elegant yachts and colorful fishing boats line up, while the promenade invites you for a pleasant walk with views of the sparkling sea.

Novigrad has a lot to offer culinarily: In the numerous traditional konobas, you can enjoy freshly caught fish and regional specialties like olive oil and Istrian wine – a true feast for the senses.

For a refreshing break, the city beach Karpinjan is ideal, with its sheltered location and clear waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Whether you're looking for relaxed beach time or your first culinary delight, Novigrad is the perfect introduction to your Istria road trip.

Istria Road Trip: Campsites near Novigrad

• Aminess Maravea Camping Resort (formerly Mareda): In Novigrad, right by the sea. Highlights: Mobile homes, modern pitches, pool area, sanitary facilities.
• Camping Lanterna – Poreč Approx. 8 km south of Novigrad, right by the sea. Highlights: Themed villages, glamping tents, family water park, sandy beach, wellness area.
• Camping Park Umag Approx. 25 km northwest of Novigrad, right by the sea. Highlights: Large campsite with pitches and mobile homes, pools, sports facilities, restaurants.

Poreč

Just about 20 minutes south of Novigrad, you'll find Poreč, one of Istria's most culturally significant cities. Here, history, architecture, and relaxed coastal charm merge into a unique blend that attracts travelers from all over Europe year after year. The city is particularly known for its UNESCO World Heritage site – the impressive Euphrasian Basilica, a masterpiece of early Byzantine architecture from the 6th century.

But Poreč has much more to offer than its cultural highlights: The charming Old Town with its narrow streets, cafes, and boutiques still follows the Roman city plan. Particularly worth seeing is the ancient Decumanus, a Roman main street that runs through the historic center, telling stories from over 2,000 years of city history at every corner.

Just a few minutes' walk from the center, beach life begins: In Zelena Laguna and the neighboring Plava Laguna, you'll find crystal-clear water, numerous sports facilities, beach bars, and quiet sunbathing areas – ideal for a cool-down after sightseeing. Whether you're passionate about art, history, or sun and sea – Poreč offers you all of this in a harmonious package.

Rovinj

Rovinj is considered one of Croatia's most picturesque towns – almost too beautiful to be true. The old town, situated on a peninsula with its pastel-colored houses, cobblestone streets, and the majestically enthroned Church of St. Euphemia, creates a postcard-perfect scene. Especially in the early evening hours, when the golden light falls on the facades, Rovinj unfolds its unmistakable charm.

What makes Rovinj special? The creative atmosphere! Many of the small streets are lined with art galleries and studios – perfect for an inspiring stroll. Afterwards, a dinner with a sea view beckons: Directly on the promenade, you'll find numerous restaurants serving fresh fish, Istrian truffles, or seafood – accompanied by the sound of the waves.

Another highlight is a sunset boat tour around the Rovinj archipelago – pure romance and an unforgettable photo opportunity.

Pula

Pula, the largest town in southern Istria, combines ancient flair with urban vibrancy. The city's unmistakable landmark is the imposing Roman Amphitheater, one of the best-preserved in the world. Today, it serves as an open-air stage for concerts and cinema under the stars.

Besides the Arena, Pula offers many other Roman relics, including the Temple of Augustus, the Forum, and the Arch of the Sergii. The mix of history and modernity is also evident in the trendy street food markets, small boutiques, and hidden cafes in the city center.

Beach lovers will also get their money's worth: The famous Hawaii Beach with its turquoise water and the rocky cove Gortanova Uvala are just a few minutes from the center.

Medulin

Just ten kilometers south of Pula lies Medulin, a relaxed coastal town that stands out primarily for its long sandy beach (a rarity in Croatia). The shallow shores are ideal for families with children or anyone who simply wants to dip their feet in the warm water.

Here you can stay at camping or glamping sites directly by the sea – with the sound of the waves as a lullaby. A boat trip to the Medulin islands is particularly recommended, where you'll discover hidden swimming coves and crystal-clear lagoons.

In the evening, the promenade with its ice cream parlors, cafes, and small shops invites you for a leisurely stroll.

Premantura

Premantura is the gateway to one of Istria's most beautiful nature parks: Cape Kamenjak. This protected coastal strip is a paradise for nature lovers, those seeking tranquility, and active holidaymakers. Rugged cliffs, hidden swimming coves, and turquoise waters make up the charm of this wild landscape.

Highlights in Cape Kamenjak:

• Snorkeling & swimming in crystal-clear coves
• Cycling on well-marked nature trails
• A drink at the legendary Safari Bar, a rustic beach bar with palm trees and hammocks
• Dinosaur footprints, which can actually be found on hidden rock slabs

Tip: A vehicle entrance fee of approx. €10 is charged (as of 2025). Those arriving on foot or by bike pay nothing.

Vela Draga

To conclude your road trip, a detour into the green heart of Istria is worthwhile: Vela Draga, a spectacular rock gorge in the Učka National Park, is a true natural wonder – ideal for anyone seeking peace and fresh mountain air away from the coast.

What awaits you:

• A viewpoint overlooking the impressive limestone towers
• An educational trail through the canyon with info boards on geology
• Ideal conditions for climbing, hiking, or picnicking

Here you can take a deep breath and let your journey end in peace.

Istria Road Trip: Our Conclusion

Whether you want to walk in the footsteps of the Romans, swim in wild coves, or simply escape everyday life – this Istria road trip is the perfect blend of culture, nature, and coastal adventure. From the romantic streets of Rovinj to the quiet paths in the Učka mountains: Each stage brings you closer to a new piece of Mediterranean lifestyle.

Save your route now, book your camper – and discover Croatia's most beautiful peninsula!