Where To Stay In Istria, Croatia? 7 Best Towns In Istria

Istria is one of the most popular places to visit in Croatia, and for a good reason. I truly believe this coastal Croatian region has everything you need for a perfect holiday. From incredible beaches along the coast to vineyards and picturesque hilltop villages in the continental part.

But, with so many beautiful areas to choose from, where to stay in Istria?

I lived in Istria for over 15 years, and I’ve visited basically every corner of the region. Depending on when you’re visiting, you might actually enjoy certain areas more than others.

For a beach holiday, I’d pick Pula or Rovinj, while Motovun is a really cool option in the shoulder season. Keep reading to find the best town in Istria for you!

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My family lives in Pula, so I spent most of my time there. Overall, I’d say it’s the best place to stay, as it has an airport and is the biggest town, but I wouldn’t say it’s the most beautiful. It’s also quite far south, so you’ll end up driving more if you want to explore wineries, hilltop villages, or hiking spots inland.

If you want that classic postcard version of Istria, I’d look at Rovinj or Poreč instead. They’re prettier, more romantic, and probably the towns most people imagine when they think of the region.

For families, Medulin and Rabac are both solid picks. They’re very beach-focused, have lots of larger hotels, and just make for an easy summer holiday with kids.

Finally, we have Motovun and the surrounding area. It’s not on the coast, so it might not seem like the best option at first, but that’s where you’ll find all those beautiful stone villas with a pool. 

Best Towns In Istria

Istria might be small, but the region has a lot to offer. In fact, depending on where you stay, you could end up having a completely different trip.

Let’s get into the best places to stay in Istria, and why I think you’d like them.

Overall, I think Pula is the best base to explore the region. It’s especially convenient if you have a car, but I also think it works surprisingly well without one. You can take a bus from the airport to the city center, and once you’re there, it’s easy to get around on foot or by public transport.

Some of my favorite things to do in Pula are sightseeing and beach hopping. Pula has many different beaches to choose from, whether you like rocky or pebbled beaches. When it comes to sightseeing, if you love Roman monuments, you’ll love Pula.

Rovinj is also one of those places that works for almost everyone. I think it’s great for solo travelers, couples, friend groups, and families alike. In the summer, especially, the town feels really lively without being too overwhelming, like Dubrovnik or Split.

I actually used to go out in Poreč quite a lot when I was in university, so in my mind, it’s always been one of the livelier towns in Istria during the summer. At the same time, it also has some of the most beautiful beaches in the region.

Personally, I’d probably pick Poreč over Rovinj if you have a car and plan to explore more of Istria. What I like about Poreč is that it feels very balanced. You’ve got nightlife, beaches, restaurants, and plenty of accommodation options, but it still feels relaxed enough for a proper summer holiday.

One of my best friends lives in Medulin, so I spent a lot of time there over the years, especially in the summer. It’s one of those places that gets really lively during the season. Now, I wouldn’t call Medulin an authentic coastal town; instead, it’s a holiday destination.

I think Medulin works particularly well for families with kids, but the town caters to tourists overall. The beaches are very accessible, there are loads of activities nearby, and everything feels very holiday-oriented and convenient.

At the same time, the nightlife is surprisingly good, especially considering Medulin’s reputation as more of a family destination. So it kind of gives you the best of both worlds.

I’d say Umag is a good option if you want a slightly quieter coastal holiday while still having enough restaurants, beaches, and things to do nearby. It’s also well-located if you’re planning to explore northern Istria or even do day trips outside Croatia to Trieste or Slovenia.

Compared to Rovinj and Poreč, it’s definitely less picturesque, but it also feels less crowded and a bit more relaxed.

6. Rabac

Rabac probably wouldn’t be my first choice in Istria, simply because it’s on the calmer side of the coast. But one of my friends stayed there for a summer holiday one year, and after visiting, I could totally understand why people love it.

It’s generally more affordable than places like Rovinj, and it’s especially popular with people who truly just want to relax. Think beach days, calm walks along the coastline, and long dinners by the water.

The beaches around Rabac are honestly beautiful, and the whole town has a very peaceful atmosphere during summer.

That being said, I also visited in the low season, and let me just tell you — there’s a reason all hotels close over winter. It feels completely dead. So if you’re planning to stay in Rabac, I’d definitely recommend visiting during the warmer months when the town actually comes alive.

Where to stay in Rabac?

• TOP Pick: Girandella Resort
• Mid-Range Option: Sunny Rabac by Valamar
• Budget Option: Mimosa Lido Palace Hotel

7. Motovun

I absolutely love Motovun. I take all my friends who visit to see it because it’s genuinely one of the cutest places in the region. Once, we even stayed in a house at the bottom of the hill with a direct view of the old town above us. It was honestly so beautiful that it felt like I was living in a fairytale.

I think a lot of people overlook this part of Istria because it’s not on the coast, but the sea is actually much closer than you’d think. You can easily be at the beach in around half an hour, so you don’t really have to choose between a coastal and an inland holiday.

This is also where you’ll find all those fancy stone villas with pools that you see online, which makes the area a great option for larger groups or families traveling together.

That said, I wouldn’t recommend staying here if you’re visiting Istria without a car. Public transport in inland Istria can be pretty unreliable, so you might be stuck there.

Where to stay in Motovun?

• TOP Pick: ROXANICH Winery and Design Hotel
• Mid-Range Option: Villa Toro (this view is unbeatable!)
• Budget Option: Loggia Motovun

Summary: Where To Stay In Istria, Croatia

Istria might be small, but where you stay can completely change your trip. Personally, I’d pick Pula, Rovinj, or Motovun depending on the type of holiday. 

Pula is the best base for exploring, Rovinj is perfect for a romantic coastal getaway, and Motovun feels like living in a fairytale surrounded by vineyards and hilltop villages.

No matter where you stay, book early if you’re visiting in summer. The best hotels, apartments, and villas in Istria sell out surprisingly fast.

Are you still deciding between Istria and Dalmatia for your Croatia trip? Istria feels calmer, greener, and more food-focused, while Dalmatia is all about islands, historic cities, and dramatic coastline views.