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The most magical region in Croatia

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Food & wine

Istria’s rich culinary heritage makes it one of Croatia’s most exciting regions for food and wine lovers. From world-renowned truffle delicacies and award-winning olive oils to family-run wineries, Istria offers a true feast for the senses.

Couple relaxing on a terrace with Motovun in the background

Taste the best of Istria


Food in Istria

Shared charcuterie platter with wine at outdoor table

Istria on a plate

Istria’s gastronomy is a celebration of Mediterranean flavours, local ingredients and age-old traditions. Join a truffle hunting adventure deep in the Istrian forests, where you’ll search for this prized delicacy alongside expert guides. Explore the region’s culinary gems with guided tastings of Istrian olive oils, cheeses and cured meats, where every product reflects its unique regional identity. From rustic taverns to elegant wine terraces, Istria invites you to indulge.

Explore Istrian gastronomy

Traditional Istrian dish with shaved truffles

Truffle hunting

Join expert hunters and dogs to find Istria’s famous truffles.

Truffle hunting
Traditional Istrian dish with shaved truffles

Step into the peaceful forests of Istria for an authentic truffle hunting adventure. Led by experienced local hunters and their highly trained dogs, you’ll search for prized black and white truffles, known for their rich aroma and culinary value. Along the way, discover the history and techniques behind Istria’s truffle traditions and how these treasures have shaped the region’s cuisine. After your hunt, enjoy a tasting where freshly shaved truffles enhance local specialities, offering you a true flavour of Istria’s gourmet heritage.

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Traditional Istrian hospitality in a local kitchen

Home-cooked meals

Experience authentic Istrian hospitality with a traditional dinner at a local home.

Home-cooked meals
Traditional Istrian hospitality in a local kitchen

In Istria, the best stories, friendships, and flavours are born around the table. During this intimate dinner experience, you’ll be welcomed into a local family home, where your hosts will prepare a delicious four-course meal featuring traditional Istrian specialities made with homegrown ingredients. As you dine, you’ll savour local wines and brandy, while learning first-hand about Istrian culture, customs, and culinary heritage. It’s an authentic, heart-warming experience that lets you taste, feel, and live Istria like a local.

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Olive oil and wine tasting at a local farm

Olive oil and traditional food

Discover the heart of Istria through authentic local flavours.

Olive oil and traditional food
Olive oil and wine tasting at a local farm

Discover the essence of Istria through its award-winning extra virgin olive oil and local delicacies. Visit the renowned Chiavalon Family Farm, named Best Oil Hospitality 2024 and winner of the Olive Oil Oscar. Learn how top-quality olive oil is produced and how to recognise true extra virgin oils. Sample Chiavalon’s finest oils, paired with Istrian cheeses, cured meats, and Malvasia wine, all while hearing the family’s inspiring story. This delicious and educational experience offers a true taste of Istrian hospitality.

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Wine in Istria

Wine tasting on a terrace overlooking Istrian hills

Istria in a glass

Istria’s sun-drenched hills and fertile soil create the perfect conditions for producing exceptional wines. Discover the region’s iconic wine estates, where family traditions blend with innovative techniques to craft award-winning vintages. Take part in wine cellar escape adventures, where tastings turn into playful challenges. Sample Malvasia, Teran and Muscat wines in atmospheric cellars and open-air terraces. For a unique twist, enjoy a distillery tasting, where local spirits complement the wine experience.

Explore Istrian viticulture

Rows of vines at Kozlović estate near the coast

Kozlović winery

Sample wines at a celebrated estate with stunning vineyard views.

Kozlović winery
Rows of vines at Kozlović estate near the coast

Perched on a hill surrounded by rolling vineyards, Kozlović Winery offers a stylish yet authentic tasting experience. Sip award-winning Malvasia and Teran wines while enjoying panoramic views and a selection of local olive oils, cheeses and cured meats. Learn how this historic family estate balances innovation with tradition to create elegant, expressive wines. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply soaking up the scenery, Kozlović’s sun-drenched terrace provides an idyllic setting to experience the best of Istrian hospitality and craftsmanship.

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Bottle of wine and charcuterie board

Wine cellar escape adventure

Solve puzzles and taste wines in a unique cellar escape challenge.

Wine cellar escape adventure
Bottle of wine and charcuterie board

Part tasting, part treasure hunt - this interactive wine adventure blends fun and flavour. Set in a historic Istrian wine cellar, you’ll sample local wines while working together to solve clues, unlock puzzles and crack the code to unlock a treasure chest. It’s a playful way to explore Istria’s wine heritage, offering hands-on insight into the region’s rich winemaking culture. This is the perfect activity for groups looking for something beyond a traditional tasting – all while enjoying some of the region’s finest wines.

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Two women enjoying elegant Istrian wines

Matošević winery

Taste elegant wines at a renowned winery in central Istria.

Matošević winery
Two women enjoying elegant Istrian wines

Set in the rolling hills of central Istria, Matošević Winery is renowned for its elegant wines and beautiful setting. Explore the vineyard as you taste their signature wines, each crafted with respect for nature and local traditions. Learn how winemaker Ivica Matošević blends innovation with heritage to produce wines celebrated across Croatia and beyond. The tranquil vineyard setting, warm hospitality and exceptional wines make this an unmissable stop for visitors keen to experience the soul of Istrian winemaking.

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Valamar Riviera d.d. has accommodation facilities in the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Austria, where it operates through its branch Valamar Riviera d.d., Zweigniederlassung Austria, Gamsleitenstraße 6, 5563 Obertauern, FN 583355 a (Landesgericht Salzburg), VAT ID: ATU 78289647. Additionally, Valamar is a management company that, based on contracts, manages the tourism segment of the business and offers accommodation services in the facilities of Imperial Riviera d.d., Republic of Croatia, Rab, Jurja Barakovića 2, OIB: 90896496260 and HELIOS FAROS d.d., Republic of Croatia, Stari Grad, Naselje Helios 5, OIB: 48594515409. The term Valamar properties includes accommodation facilities of Valamar Riviera d.d., in Croatia and Austria, as well as accommodation facilities of other companies it manages.

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