Istria : Croatian peninsula, Rijeka, Slovenian Adriatic

by Thammy Evans, Rudolf Abraham

Overview

Located at the head of the Adriatic, the Istrian peninsula is host to some of Croatia's most famous sites, including Pula's Roman amphitheatre, UNESCO protected Byzantine mosaics in Porec, picturesque medieval hill towns and frescoes, and the Brijuni Islands national park, home to Tito's former summer residence. Istria has much to offer the gourmand, the nature lover, the history buff, the water sports enthusiast and adventurer. Long overdue, this in-depth guide steers the enthusiastic traveller through its outdoor sports scene and fascinating hinterland with beautiful old hill towns, little-known villages, medieval frescoes, truffles, and festivals.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781841627519
Publisher:	Bradt Travel Guides Ltd
Publication date:	02/25/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	26 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Rudolf Abraham is an award-winning writer and photographer. Thammy Evans has travelled and lived abroad for over 20 years, and works in political analysis.

Thammy Evans has travelled and lived abroad for over 20 years, and works in political analysis.

Table of Contents

Introduction vii

PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION 1

Chapter 1

Background Information 3

Geography 3, Climate 4, Natural history and conservation 5, History 8, Government and politics 11, Economy 11, People 12, Language 12, Religion 13, Education 14, Culture 14

Chapter 2 Practical Information 18

When to visit 18, Highlights 18, Suggested itineraries 19, Tour operators 20, Tourist information 21, Red tape 22, Embassies 23, Getting there and away 24, Health 27, Security and safety 28, What to take 30, Money 30, Budgeting 31, Getting around 31, Accommodation 33, Eating and drinking 35, Public holidays and festivals 38, Shopping 41, Arts and entertainment 42, Outdoor pursuits 42, Media and communications 46, Business 48, Cultural etiquette 49, Travelling positively 49

PART TWO THE GUIDE 51

Chapter 3 Pula and Southern Istria 53

Pula 53, South from Pula 65, North from Pula 66, Brijuni Islands 68

Chapter 4 Rovinj 71

History 71, Getting there and away 73, Getting around 73, Tourist information 75, Where to stay 75, Where to eat and drink 77, Entertainment and nightlife 78, Shopping 79, Other practicalities 79, What to see and do 79, Activities 81

Chapter 5 Porec and the Northwest Coast 83

Porec 83, Novigrad 94, Umag 96, Savudrija 98, Buje 98, South to Limski kanal 99

Chapter 6 Opatija and the East Coast 101

Opatija 101, Lovran 105, Labin 108, South to Pula 110

Chapter 7 Inland Istria 113

Pazin 113, Around Pazin 120, South to Pula 122, Motovun 123, Around Motovun 125, Groznjan 127, Buzet 129, Around Buzet 132

Chapter 8 Rijeka 137

History 137, Getting there and away 138, Getting around 138, Tourist information 139, Where to stay 139, Where to eat and drink 140, Entertainment and nightlife 141, Shopping 142, Other practicalities 143, What to see and do 143

Chapter 9 The Slovenian Adriatic 147

History 147, Getting there and around 149, Tourist information 150, Koper 150, Izola 154, Piran 158, Portoroz 162, Postojna 164

PART THREE ACTIVITIES 169

Chapter 10 Hiking in Istria 170

Maps 170, Footwear and clothing 170, Trail markings 171, Huts and camping 171, Water 171, Lovran to Vojak (Ucka) 171, Raspadalica and Kuk 173, Pazinska jama 175, Pazin Waterfalls 175, Rt Kamenjak 177

Chapter 11 Biking in Istria 179

Bike rental, service and parts 179, Routes and maps 179, Groznjan to Livade on the Parenzana 180, Coast to the Mirna River and the Parenzana 182, Decumanus Maximus Agri 183, Mali Sv Angelo Observatory to the Limski kanal 184

Chapter 12 Diving in Istria 186

Planning the dive 186, Events 190, Diving centres 191, HMS Coriolanus 193, Koversada wall 194, Baron Gautsch 194, Banjole Spilja Cave 195, Rt Peneda, Brijuni National Park 196, Fraskeric Island 197, Nikolai's Cavern 197, Brsec Pinnacle 198

Appendix 1 Language 199

Appendix 2 Marinas and Sailing Clubs 207

Appendix 3 Further Information 210

Index 213

Index of advertisers 216