Croatia has been one of Europe’s success stories over the past decade or so, with its coastline and myriad islands becoming familiar to a new generation of travellers. Away from well-trodden Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian riviera, though, is Istria, a landscape of dramatic hilltop towns, wild forests and medieval citadels-on-the-sea. ‘Asterix would feel at home in the oaky-folky hinterland,’ says regular visitor Jordan, who dips in and out of its coves, villages and history, ‘but well-designed wine estates and hotels are appearing, and the region’s small-batch food and wine scene is gaining a reputation to rival Tuscany’s.’ This is a destination to be savoured.
Listen and subscribe to our ‘Escape Routes’ podcast episode on Istria on iTunes, Spotify or download on Android.