Istria and Kvarner - mix of holiday, culture and pure nature
Istria and Kvarner (i.e. North Croatian littoral) is the westernmost county of Republic of Croatia. It consists of Istria, the biggest Croatian and Adriatic peninsula and Kvarner Gulf. Western Istrian coast is shallower and more indented, what makes it longer than the east coast, which is shorter, steeper and less inhabited. Based on specific soil characteristics, Istria is divided into three zones: Red Istria (dominates red soil), Grey Istria (dominates clay soil) and White Istria (minates rocky ground).
Kvarner Gulf or Kvarner Bay is the bay in the north-eastern Adriatic Sea. It is placed between Istria and Croatian littoral. Kvarner Gulf consists of several major islands (the two biggest are Krk and Cres), as well of minor islands and islets.
This area is also known for its rich historical and cultural heritage. In Pula you can visit Roman amphitheater named Pulska Arena. In Porec you can visit the Euphrasian Basilica (UNESCO site), known for its beautiful mosaics. The Basilica is one of the most preserved monuments of early Byzantine art on the Mediterranean. Or you can also take a trip to central Istria and visit Motovun –medieval Istrian town known for the Motovun Film Festival.
Besides crystal clear water and beautiful beaches (many of which have a blue flag), this area of the country is also known for the Brijuni national park and the Ucka nature park, which are protected natural resources worth visiting. On the island of Cres you can find Vrana lake (Croatian: Vransko jezero) – autochthonous freshwater lake. The lake is crypto-depression, what means that the bottom of the lake is below the sea level while its surface is above the sea level. But you have to be careful, there are two Vrana lakes in Croatia. You don’t want to confuse this Vrana lake with the Vrana lake near Pakostane, Dalmatia, which is protected as nature park.
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