The Istria peninsula is situated at the very high point of the Mediterranean Sea, where the waters insinuate deepest into European mainland. The tourist region of Istria, comprising only the one County, the County of Istria, and it is the prime tourist region in Croatia. Although the mention of Istria prompts many to think first of numerous hotels and crowded beaches, the peninsula boasts a sizeable number of well preserved natural attractions and picturesque landscapes, not only in tits coastal parts but particularly in its hinterland. Owing to its position at the crossroads of diverse natural and cultural entities, Istria also stands out with its unique culture, music and gastronomy.

In a symbolic manner it beckons us to explore Istria and her three magical parts each named after the color predominant in the landscape: "red", "grey" and "white".

"Red" Istria, taking its name from the fertile red soil, mostly covers the flat areas along the western shores of the peninsula, dotted with old, picturesque towns. The majority of these are situated on the most prominent capes like, for instance town Novigrad, whose appearance has remained unchanged since the middle Ages.
"Red" Istria has a beautifully indented coastline, with many islands and isles. With the aim of protecting the natural environment, many parts of the coast and the islands have been spared by tourists. The most beautiful and most famous part among them are the National Park Brijuni, but there are also a number of islands off the coast of Rovinj considered by many to contain the most picturesque of Istria coastal towns.

"Grey" Istria occupies the central part of the peninsula, and gets its name from another type of fertile soil, the grey colored, a mixture of sandstone, clay and marl. The beauty of this part of Istria lies in its undulating landscapes, where the hilltops are decked with enchanting little towns and villages. In the heart of "Grey" Istria and the heart of entire peninsula, is Pazin capital of the County of Istria, whose vista is dominated by a medieval castle.

"White" Istria refers to the north eastern parts of the peninsula, where the high mountains of Ucka and Cicarija rise. For centuries these mountains have stood as a barrier between Istria and other parts of Croatia, and their impenetrability has ensured they have remained in their natural state. "White" Istria takes its name from the white limestone rock bound land that swoops steeply into the interior of the peninsula and the rugged eastern coastal area, which is far more sparsely populated and which attracts a lesser number of tourists than the western coast.

Istria region is well known for its preserved natural vegetation, folk culture, good food and wine but most of all for its preserved autochthonous architectural heritage. This specific architecture, blending so well into the landscape, is at its best in the small hill towns, where visitors to the noisy tourist resorts on the coast can find real peace and enjoy true harmony between man and nature.

Kvarner and Highlands

Bay of Kvarner is located between the Istria peninsula and Dalmatia in the south. It is the largest Croatian bay and its main part is that between the mainland, Cres and Krk islands. A smaller part situated between Cres, Krk, Pag and Rab islands is called the little Kvarner.

This tourist region is known as Kvarner and the Highlands.

The bay is notable for its depth, which allows for the city of Rijeka having a sea port for the largest ships.

Kvarner and Highlands region comprise by two counties Primorje - Gorski Kotar and Lika - Senj County. It is the region where the Mediterranean and Central Europe touch and its makes this area the richest in natural sites. In this region you can find three Natural Parks and two Nature Parks and other smaller protected areas.