Set your sights on Pula and the Istrian Coast? What a choice! Now onto picking the resort for you… We’ll admit, most of these dinky spots feature a little bit of everything, so it’s hard to go wrong here, but just in case you wanted to be totally sure – here’s the lowdown on each resort in western Croatia!

Pula

Draped in history

Past and present collide at the biggest city on the Istrian Coast – Pula. Destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, like many other Croatian cities, this seafront town is draped in history. Wander its sight-stuffed Old Town before taking a seat at one of the many traditional restaurants. The waterfront is sprinkled with pebbly beaches if you tick off all the Roman arches, colons and churches. The most magical time of the day must be the golden hour though, so grab your binoculars and try to spot the just-over-the-water Italian coasts! Or simply enjoy the views with a glass of vino. That works too.

Rovinj

A real-life postcard

Another Italian-touched waterfront town, Rovinj will welcome you into its colourful embrace. That’s its signature feature in fact – the pastel-coloured waterfront buildings. Here’s a tip though, these postcard-perfect views look best when drenched in the sunset glow! Venture inland for Rovinj Old Town which is perfect for those no-plans kind of days. Get lost in its charming cobblestone streets, shop for souvenirs and other local knick knacks or simply wander the Adriatic version of Montmartre.

Umag

The perfect middle ground

Prefer your holidays peaceful and with a sprinkle of activities rather than an hour-by-hour itinerary? Umag is your place. Wrapped by 10th-century town walls, this coastal city is the perfect middle ground between a beach holiday and cultural escape. We’re talking churches, lighthouses and museums dotted around the Old Town, but a 20km shore for those beachy days is right there too. The best of both worlds? Uh-huh. Psst, it’s also super close to the Slovenian border – fancy ticking off another country from your bucket list, maybe?

Poreč

A little bit of everything

Just a hop and skip away from Venice, Poreč is an Adriatic neighbour of the floating Italian city. With terracotta-tiled roofs towering over the ancient streets and crystal-clear waters washing the Blue Flag beaches, this corner of Croatia offers a little bit of everything for its visitors. Travelling with an active bunch? The Parenzana hiking trail is especially popular around here!

Rabac

The dreamiest beaches

Consider yourself a true beach fan? On the Istrian Coast, head straight for Rabac. White pebbles, far-stretching horizons and azure-as-they-come waters… Yep, the coast here is lined with the dreamiest beaches in the region, scratch that, the country. But don’t just take our word for it – most shores here fly the Blue Flag too! Once you’ve worked up an appetite, follow your nose back to town – local seafood feasts go down a treat here!

Labin

Packed with hilltop galleries

Medieval, Mediterranean and modern all come together in this circle of terracotta rooftops, perched on top of a woods-covered hill. Prehistoric walls and ancient churches tick the medieval part, while the main bell tower (and symbol of Labin) reveals staggering views of the sea. Wondering where the modern part fits in? This dinky, hilltop town is packed with galleries, showcasing pieces made by a range of artists, both visiting and native to Labin.

Medulin

A rarity on the Istrian Coast

Home to the only sandy beach in the region, Medulin is a rarity on the Istrian Coast. The lively town features two pebbly patches too, if you were planning on spending the day in water or on a sunbed anyway. Away from the coast, Medulin’s quaint fishing village past shines through its newer, glitzy look. The we Roman-style waterfront promenade, lined with recently opened restaurants and bars is just one of the examples.

Novigrad

A blend of culture and coastline

It might translate to ‘New town’, but there are little things new about Novigrad – this charmer is cloaked in history! Stroll its quaint, narrow streets, visit the local galleries and museums or simply toss a towel on the pristine beaches – it has a couple of those too. Its main attraction has to be the pastel-painted houses along the marina though. The perfect, off-the-beaten-path escape with a blend of culture and coastline? We think so.

Vrsar

Prepare plenty of camera space

Go-slow atmosphere, family-focused amenities and majestic seaside… hello there, Vrsar! With its picturesque, Renaissance-style sights, plus magical culinary creations aplenty, this little town will have you snapping pics left, right and centre. Especially when you make it to its top – similar to Labin, Vrsar sits on a hill, so prepare plenty of camera space for the coastal views! Speaking of which, the coastline here is dotted with 18 modest-sized islands that you can easily explore on a boat tour. Some boast untouched beaches, others are completely covered in thriving greenery and the rest are inhabitable but make a pretty sight!