Istrië
Istra is the largest Croatian peninsula.
The name derives from prehistoric Illyric people Histris who lived here in the Romans time. The Romans called Istria Terra Magica. Over the time the region has changed rulers - from the aborigines Histris, Romans, Goths and Lombards, Franks, the Venetian Republic, the Habsburg Monarchy, Napoleon, Austro- Hungarian Empire, Italy, Yugoslavia, and from 1991 Istria became the county within the independent Republic of Croatia.
Istria has about 208,000 inhabitants.
It is known for its natural beauty, cultural, sports and other attractions such as the Brijuni National Park, the Roman amphitheater Arena in Pula, the Euphrates' Basilica in Porec , nature park Ucka, the Lim fjord, the smallest town in the world - Hum, Baredine cave and many others.
The pleasant Mediterranean climate favors the cultivation of organic food , quality wines , olive and figs . Many people heard of Istria'st one of the most appreciated aphrodisiac - precious truffle mushrooms which are used to prepare many gourmet specialties.
Istria is the most important and most visited tourist region in Croatia.
