Very popular team sports
When it comes to soccer stadiums, Italy had its heyday at the end of the last century. In recent years, Slovenia and Croatia have made regular appearances in the final rounds of major competitions. The Croatians have even made it as far as the World Cup, without ever having won it. While soccer is very popular in Croatia and Italy, the real common ground between the three countries that make up Istria is basketball. Italy, Slovenia and Croatia are three excellent basketball nations, while handball is more of a passion for the Slovenes and Croats.
The Istrian coastline is also home to an increasing number of water polo grounds. Italy and Croatia shine at the highest level. Croatia won the Olympic title in 2012 and went on to win the World Championships in 2007, 2017 and recently in 2024.
Enjoying the coastline
Sport in Istria means, above all, enjoying a superb view of the sea. The coastline is ideal for all kinds of water sports (jet-skiing, kitesurfing, sea kayaking, sailing, etc.), but it's scuba diving and snorkelling that attract the most visitors. Thanks to professional diving clubs, the Adriatic Sea, on the Croatian and Slovenian sides, has become one of the most popular diving spots, with a specific attraction: the discovery of wrecks of military vessels or cargo ships sunk during the Venetian era or World War II, such as the Austro-Hungarian ferry Baron Gautsch off Rovinj. True sanctuaries for aquatic fauna! The Adriatic has low tides and average salinity for the Mediterranean. The transparent blue water offers excellent visibility up to 30 m. The temperature is very pleasant from June to September, while the rest of the year it doesn't drop below around ten degrees.
In Brijuni National Park, only snorkeling is permitted, with mask and snorkel. Approaching the Kamenjak nature park from Medulin or Pula is full of surprises as you approach the cliffs, tunnels and underwater caves.
In Slovenia, from Piran Bay to Strunjan, divers have also spotted impressive underwater coastal features. In addition to the flora and fauna, there are also wrecks to be discovered, as in Croatia.
Discover the inland
Inland Istria is a paradise for walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts, with well-marked hiking trails such as the Stjepan Hauser trail (Slovenia), the Seven Waterfalls trail near Buzet or the Grdoselo trail from Pazin (Croatia). Horseback riding can be enjoyed with a riding club, such as Ranch Istra Star, near Medulin. In short, there's everything you need to enjoy Green Istria, an appellation contrôlée that includes hilltop villages, the wine route through countryside and forests, hiking and cycling trails. Cycling enthusiasts will love the Parenzana greenway (130 km from Trieste, in Friuli-Venezia Giulia) to Poreč, via the Slovenian coastline. Not always an easy route, to be completed over several days, but a guaranteed nature and discovery vacation. It's a popular itinerary for touring, mountain biking and bicycle touring.
For climbing enthusiasts, Istria is best visited in spring and autumn, to take advantage of the mild climate. One of the most popular and impressive climbing spots is Veliki toran, on Mount Učka near Vranjska draga. But you'll also find interesting walls in Pula, on the Limski Kanal near Klostar or in Rovinj. In Slovenia, climbers mainly head for the village of Osp, on the Italian border. For the more adventurous, head for Pazin to meet the Zip Line Pazinska jama team. In complete safety, you'll zip-line over a 55 m canyon and an overgrown castle. The whole family is welcome!
