If you want to experience Istria beyond the main roads, an off-road buggy ride is the way to go. Tours start right next to Camp Bi-Village in Fažana, so it’s easy to join whether you’re staying along the coast or in nearby Pula.

From there, you’ll follow hidden trails through olive groves and vineyards, stop at breathtaking viewpoints, and get a taste of Istrian culture along the way. With professional guides leading the way, you’ll hear fascinating stories behind the monuments and landscapes you pass—making the adventure more than just a ride.

Local Tip: Tours usually last 1.5–3 hours. Wear something you don’t mind getting dusty, and don’t forget sunglasses, a hat, and your driver’s license. Even outside peak season, the sunset rides are popular—so book early if you want that golden-hour glow.

Tour options with Istra Buggy:

Classico – Our signature tour, a great choice for beginners, combining a ride through rugged terrain with stops at scenic viewpoints.

Istrian Escape – Go beyond the basics with a longer route that takes you deep into Istria’s off-the-map gems and secret spots.

Sunset Tour – Chase the golden hour as the sun dips over the Adriatic.

Terra Magica – Tailored for history and culture enthusiasts, this tour highlights medieval towns and hidden activities.

Olive Sunset – Combine adventure with flavor: a sunset ride followed by an olive oil tasting at a local estate.

‍

While the coast often steals the spotlight, inland Istria is a hiker’s paradise—rugged, green, and full of surprises. Trails wind past rivers and waterfalls, climb over rolling hills, and open up into untouched landscapes that feel worlds away from the busy beaches.

A favorite among hikers is the Seven Waterfalls Trail near Buzet. This 13-kilometer loop takes you past emerald streams, wooden bridges, and, of course, seven picturesque waterfalls. It’s not overly difficult, but long enough to feel like a true adventure—especially in spring and autumn, when the waterfalls are at their most impressive.

For those who love a climb with a reward, Učka Nature Park is a must. The trail to Mount Vojak, the highest peak in Istria at 1,401 meters, opens up to incredible views that stretch across the Adriatic and, on clear days, all the way to the Alps. The paths lead through protected nature rich with wildlife, from soaring eagles to rare plant species found only in this part of Croatia. Every turn brings a new perspective, until the landscape finally opens up to that unforgettable view from the top.

Local Tip: Marked trails in Istria often pass right through tiny villages — keep a few euros in your pocket for a cold drink at a local konoba along the way.

Best season for hiking: September & October for mild weather and fewer crowds

September is one of the most rewarding months to explore the underwater world of Istria. The summer rush has passed, yet the Adriatic is still warm and calm. With water temperatures hovering between 23–25°C and visibility often reaching 15–20 meters, conditions are ideal for both beginners and experienced divers.

Beneath the surface, you’ll find colorful reefs, dramatic underwater cliffs, and fascinating wrecks. The most famous site is the Baron Gautsch, a passenger ship that tragically sank in 1914 and is often called the “Titanic of the Adriatic.” Resting at around 40 meters depth, it is one of the most impressive wreck dives in the Mediterranean.

If you prefer shallower waters, snorkeling in Istria is just as magical. Around Premantura and Cape Kamenjak, the sea feels like a living aquarium, with schools of fish, sea stars, crabs, and the occasional octopus hiding in the rocks.

Diving info: The only way to dive the Baron Gautsch wreck is with a licensed guide. You can sign up through dive centers in Fažana, Pula or Rovinj, which run regular trips and know the best conditions for exploring this legendary site.

Best snorkeling locations: Premantura, Rt Kamenjak, Duga Luka, Rt Ubac & Cape Savudrija

Local Tip: For the best dives in Istria, head out in the morning when the sea is calmest and visibility is crystal clear. And also always check the winds: jugo (south wind) makes the sea rough, and bura (north wind) drops the water temperature fast. If either blows strong, wait it out!

Ask any local adventurer, and they’ll tell you: to really feel Istria’s energy, you have to go vertical. 😉 Rock climbing and ziplining are two of the most exciting ways to explore the region’s inland beauty. Both activities are easy to reach, suitable for beginners as well as thrill-seekers, and best enjoyed in the cooler days of spring and autumn.

Rock Climbing at Lim Bay (Limski kanal)
‍
Lim Bay is one of Istria’s best-known climbing spots, with limestone cliffs rising directly above the sea. The area offers more than 60 equipped routes, ranging from beginner-friendly climbs to challenging overhangs for advanced climbers. September is a great month to climb — the weather is cooler, the rock is dry, and the views from the top stretch across pine forests and the sparkling Adriatic below.
‍
👉 Gear can be rented in nearby towns like Rovinj or Poreč, and local climbing clubs often offer guided climbs for newcomers.

Ziplining in Pazin

‍In the heart of Istria, adrenaline seekers can experience the Pazin Zipline, which runs above the Pazinčica canyon. The setup includes four separate lines, with a total length of about 500 meters, and speeds that can reach up to 50 km/h. As you glide across, you’ll see the medieval town of Pazin perched above the canyon and untouched nature stretching away below — a unique blend of culture and wilderness.

👉 No prior experience is needed, and even children (depending on age/weight) can join under instructor supervision.

What to bring: Sports shoes and comfortable clothes for ziplining; climbing shoes (or rentals) if you’re heading to Lim Bay.
‍
Local tip: After your climb, treat yourself at the oyster and mussel farms along Lim Bay — a favorite stop for locals. And if you’re ziplining in Pazin, combine it with a visit to Motovun or Grožnjan, two medieval hilltop towns perfect for winding down after an adrenaline-filled morning.

An activity often overlooked by tourists is exploring Istria’s caves! From easy, family-friendly tours to adrenaline-filled canyon adventures, these caves offer a mix of geology, history, and thrill that’s perfect to explore in early Autumn.
‍
Baredine Cave

‍The best-known cave in Istria, Baredine is famous for its underground lake, dramatic stalactites, and even the rare olm (proteus), a cave-dwelling salamander. Guided tours run all year, lasting around 40 minutes and covering 300 m of walkways through five chambers.

Feštinsko Kraljevstvo

‍Also called the Feštini Kingdom Cave, this is one of Istria’s easiest caves to visit. It has safe paths, good lighting, and curious rock formations with playful names like the “Wizard’s Hat” — making it especially popular with families and children!

Mramornica Cave

‍One of the largest underground halls in Istria. Famous for its massive red-and-white stalactites and impressive size. Its location near Brtonigla makes it easy to combine with local wine or food experiences.

What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes with good grip; bring a light jacket as cave temperatures stay around 14 °C.

Pair it with wine: After visiting Mramornica Cave, many travelers stop at nearby Brtonigla wineries — a classic local combo of nature and flavor.

Every path leads to a new adventure — some on land, some at sea, and some hidden underground. From scaling cliffs and diving into history, to gliding above canyons and uncovering caves, each activity reveals a different side of the peninsula.

What makes Istria so special is the variety packed into one region — in a single trip, you can touch the mountains, the sea, and the depths of the earth.