Villa Libera

Villa Libera is located just a 14 minute walk from Rabac’s beautiful beach. Rabac is a peaceful resort with an excellent choice of gourmet restaurants, a beautiful, bustling promenade and its stunning Girandella Beach which is set in a sheltered cove and proudly waves a Blue Flag. The beach boasts cafes and restaurants and a wonderful choice of watersports including jet-skis and banana boats. It also offers a fun inflatable iceberg sea playground which is a great hit with youngsters. Boat trips sail from the harbour to the island of Cres where you can see a 120-strong school of wild dolphins playing in the water.

Cres Island enjoys an intoxicating wild, natural allure. The northern half of the island is cover with dense hornbeam, oak, elk and chestnut forests. It also boasts a craggy coastline of soaring majestic cliffs, hidden coves and ancient hilltop towns including the Medieval village of Lubenice. There is an excellent visitor centre in Beli where you can see giant griffon vultures.

Just above Rabac is the charming hilltop town of Labin. Labin is divided into two parts, the Old Town which is a network of winding, cobbled streets and quaintly restored pastel houses overlooking the Kvarner coast and a new town which is brimming with independant shops at the bottom of the hill. If you climb up to the Fortress Fortica at the top of the town you will enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the rocky Cres Island and Rabac. Labin enjoys a wonderful selection of coffee shops, fine seafood restaurants and a rich cultural life including summer concerts and festivals, wonderful jazz and classical music.

From Villa Libera you can easily visit Pula along the main road. Pula is situaed in the valley of seven hills. The town is a warren of pretty cobbled streets meeting fascinating Roman buildings. Its famous ampitheatre was built between 27-68AD and rivals Rome’s Colosseum. It is the only remaining Roman ampitheatre in the world with a complete circle wall. Pula is also famous for its amazing, electric festivals including Dimensions and Outlook.

The gorgeous Venetian Old Town of Rovinj is another popular excursion where you can wander among the artist’s workshops and galleries on Grisia Street, enjoy coffee stops and delight in the brilliant views from St Euphemia’s Cathedral. Rovinj was originally an island but 250 years ago the narrow channel was filled in. The town is an active fishing port so you will see the fishermen come in if you are there at breakfast time.

Read more about Istria

Nestled along Croatia’s enchanting Adriatic coastline, Istria welcomes visitors with open arms and a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be unraveled. Whether you're seeking adventure in nature, indulgence in culinary delights, a glimpse into history and culture, or simply a warm and inviting atmosphere, the peninsula of Istria has it all.

Istria's diverse and unspoiled landscapes will be the first thing to capture your attention! The region is renowned for its lush green hills, rolling vineyards, and enchanting coastline: the stunning scenery is a playground for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and beachgoers alike.

Offering a remarkable 445 kilometres of pristine coastline, including tranquil coves and sandy beaches, visitors can find plenty of secluded spots to soak up the sun. The clear, azure waters of the Adriatic are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving, making it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy an active day of water sports.

Venture inland and you'll discover picturesque villages set amidst rolling hills and verdant forests. Istria is home to over 30 nature reserves - an absolute haven for hikers and cyclists, with an abundance of well-marked trails to explore. The Učka Nature Park, in particular, stands out as a hiking and nature lover's paradise, offering waterfalls, historic villages, and breathtaking panoramic views of Istria's outstanding scenery.

Istria's rich history is woven into the fabric of its towns and cities. An ever popular choice for tourists is the impressive port city of Pula, full of quaint town squares and local restaurants, and home to one of the most well-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. This ancient arena, known as the Pula Arena, is a testament to Istria's Roman heritage and hosts numerous events, including concerts and film festivals.

The medieval towns of Rovinj and Motovun enchant visitors with their cobbled streets and historic charm. The Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning example of early Christian art and architecture.

Istria's culinary scene is a treat for the taste buds: the region is famous for its truffles, particularly the elusive white truffle, and you can savour dishes infused with this prized delicacy in charming local restaurants across the region. Wine and olive oil lovers will find joy in Istria's vineyards and olive groves, offering tastings and insights into traditional production methods. Fresh seafood, often served with a Mediterranean twist, is a staple that you can enjoy at quaint waterfront eateries along the coastline.

One of the most enduring memories visitors take away from Istria is the warmth of its people. The locals are known for their friendly, welcoming nature and their willingness to share their traditions and stories with tourists. You'll find yourself immersed in the local way of life, whether you're exploring ancient towns or enjoying a meal in a family-run tavern.

Istria is easily accessible, with Pula Airport serving as a major gateway. Once you arrive, navigating the region is a breeze with well-maintained roads connecting major towns and villages. Language barriers are minimal, thanks to the widespread use of English, Italian, and German, alongside the local Croatian language.

Istria’s unique blend of pristine landscapes, rich traditions, and warm-hearted locals creates an experience that will linger in your memories long after you've returned home.

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