Villa Annika

Villa Annika is located in Liznjan, close to the town of Pula. It is the largest city in Istria County, Croatia, and is located at the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula. It’s hard to do justice to Pula, a place of many blessings. Not only will you enjoy the sublime natural beauty of Croatia, which includes its lovely beaches and gorgeous waters, but you’ll find much of historical and cultural interest here too.

The area is known for its ancient Roman architecture – most notably is the Pula Arena, a preserved Roman amphitheatre – during the summer months, festivals are held here so you may wish to attend. You may question whether you’re in Croatia or Italy, although of course the two countries share much in common.

Pula is renowned for its long-standing traditions. Here, shipbuilding, fishing and wine making are staples, as is tourism, and once you visit, you’ll see why. The area is blessed with a mild climate and a gentle sea, making it a family friendly location.

If you’ve come for the sights, the many Roman buildings will transport you back to a distant time. Some key points of interest include the 1st-century AD triumphal arch, the Arch of the Sergii and the Temple of Augustus. You may also wish to see the Twin Gates – one of the few to survive after the city walls were pulled down. You can still see remnants of the old city walls. There’s also the Gate of Hercules which dates from the 1st century.

The city holds an old quarter which is distinctly European for visitors who may have come from further afield – here you’ll find enchanting narrow streets and pretty Medieval and Renaissance buildings.

There are a tremendous number of churches to explore as well as museums, most notably the Archaeological Museum of Istria. You can also take a trip to the Aquarium Pula, which is in fact the largest aquarium in the whole of Croatia, and is rather unusually housed in a fortress, Verudela. The surrounding areas contain fortresses, hill fort settlements and awe-inspiring beauty.

Pula calls a high volume of tourists for a great number of reasons, but it also hosts the nearby Brioni Island, otherwise known as Brijuni national park. For those who enjoy exploring the world beneath the waves, there are many opportunities to dive and fish, and you can partake in a number of wreck dives and explore World War I warships, as well as Roman galleys. The more adrenaline-fuelled may enjoy cliff diving and sailing – there are vast numbers of islands and unspoiled coves to enjoy.

Something else notable about the area? You may be able to track the footprints of dinosaurs on the seashore.

As for Liznjan itself, it’s a small but perfectly formed village with surprisingly high biodiversity. Notably, the church Crkva Majke Božje od Kuj, has a glass floor with a wonderful painting beneath.

If you wish to step back and try something else, there are a number of restaurants, taverns, dolphin excursions, the popular Benazic winery, historic castles and a striking series of tunnels and galleries initially serving as shelters in war.

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.

Download our Istria Travel Guide >>