Istria and the Kvarner Gulf in Croatia

Opatija is a beautiful resort town with a lovely waterfront that has a cement beach area and a nice swimming area in the Kvarner Gulf.  This area is popular area for Austrians and people in the Baltic countries.   All along the waterfront there is a cobblestone walkway which is 12 Km long.  A great area to stroll and many people walk their dogs.  It is easy to access the water all along the walk either for fishing, boating or swimming.  There are several small rock beaches with washroom facilities and areas for children to play. 



Night picture along walkway in Volostco.

On our second night in Opatija we decided to make the 30 minute walk to the town of Volostco which is a small fishing village.  The walk along the cobblestone walkway is very pleasant and well lite at night.  We chose to eat in a small restaurant that served fresh fish.  We ordered the grilled fish platter for two and had a great meal.  The fresh fish was Gill Fish and Sea Wolf.  The seafood was scampi in the shell with claws, mussels with barnacles, and four small calamari which were excellent.

 

Roman Amphitheatre early first century A.D.

Istria is a peninsula the north east side of Croatia towards the Adriatic Sea.  This area has been influenced by the Venetians and many people speak Italian and Croatian.  As each group had control of the Istria area.

Pula is the largest city in Istria and a major port city.  The Romans helped to develop this area and there is an excellent roman amphitheatre still standing.  From Pula we drove north to  Rovinj.  This was our first Old World town.  This town was part of the Republic of Venice for five centuries.  On a clear day you can even see Venice from the church's bell tower.  This area is popular with Austrians as the Habsburgs also controlled this area for a period of time.  Tito who was "president for life"  after the second world war  spent time in this area when he controlled Yugoslavia.  Porec (poh-RETCH) is the tourist capital of the world.  The beaches have beautiful crystal clear blue water.

Old Town in Rovini