Travel Secrets May-June 2015 | Page 24

Istria, Croatia Continental Croatia meets the Adriatic at this 3600 sq. km heart-shaped peninsula, just south of Trieste in Italy. The coast—Blue Istria—is flooded with visitors during the summer. Sprawling hotels and resorts line much of the sea facing land, but the rocky beaches are pristinely clean and secret spots are still awaiting attention. The artsy travellers head up to ‘Green Istria’ and lose themselves in the tranquility of hilltop villages, rural hotels and farmhouse restaurants. Your taste buds won’t feel left out either—seafood, white truffles, wild asparagus, top-class olive oils and award-winning wines are served fresh with a sprinkling of old world charm. www.istra.hr 24  Travel Secrets May-June 2015