Casa Dimas

The medieval town of Svetvinčenat lies on Croatia’s Istrian peninsula, around 30 minutes north of Pula. Its centrality makes it a fine base for exploring the wider region, and in recent years it has become something of an attraction in itself, as more people discover its appealing architecture, cuisine and cultural offerings.

As Croatian wines grow in popularity and stature, Svetvinčenat does its bit to promote the best of the region with an annual New Wine Festival each autumn. In July, it’s cheese which takes centre-stage, with the Svetvinčenat Cheese Festival hosting artisanal cheese makers from all over Croatia and neighbouring Slovenia too.

At other times of the year, you might come across a Medieval Festival, the International Dance & Non-Verbal Theatre Festival or, perhaps most intriguingly of all, the Selection of Miss and Mister Goat.

Svetvinčenat’s main square, Placa, and castle, Morosini-Grimani, are among its highlights, earning it a reputation as one of Istria’s best-preserved medieval towns. There is a small selection of nice eateries in Svetvinčenat too, including some good pizzerias.

While Svetvinčenat may have only recently attracted the attention of visitors, larger towns like Rovinj and Pula are better-known to tourists. Wonderfully picturesque, Rovinj lies on the peninsula’s west coast and is around 30 minutes from Svetvinčenat. The variety of beaches and some stunning countryside in the surrounding area are more than enough reason to visit, and it’s also the place to be for chilled out nightlife in Istria.

Pula’s star attraction is its Roman amphitheatre, right in the centre of town and a focal point for live entertainment in the summer months. The region’s largest city, it’s less crowded than Dubrovnik and becoming the go-to alternative for those in the know – go for the film festival, big-name concerts and enchanting, diverse architecture.

This heart-shaped peninsula was the birthplace of modern Croatian tourism, and it’s easy to see why. Its history has bestowed it with Italian sophistication, most obviously seen in pastel-painted coastal towns, like romantic Rovinj. But, tear yourself away from the Istrian coast, through the vineyards, olive groves, and dense forests, and you will discover brilliantly preserved medieval towns and villages, where cobbled streets reveal quaint galleries, sweet squares and sea-views.

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