Autumn in Istria: 9 Ideas on How to Spend a Day in Istria

The summer is over, and you are looking for an idea of how to spend a free day in Istria? We are bringing you 9 ideas and suggestions on what to do, where to go, and what to explore.

The same story every year: before you know it, autumn creeps up on us and we have to say goodbye to summer. Although, we must admit that we just love the autumn in Istria. Especially the early autumnal days. Temperatures are gentler, days are still sunny, and it’s the perfect time to explore all the hidden corners of the green peninsula. We picked out 9 ideas on how to spend a day outdoors in Istria:

1. Participate in a grape harvest
2. Explore the wine roads
3. Explore the olive oil roads
4. Go on a truffle hunt
5. Discover the speleologist within you
6. Go hiking in your own arrangement
7. Visit Istrian distilleries 
8. Participate in one of many races or other sports events
9. Enjoy the discounts as part of World Tourism Day 2021

1. Participate in a grape harvest

It’s the time of grape harvesting in Istria, so why not spend a free day in the most Istrian way possible: in a vineyard? It’s not important whether you are an experienced harvester or you have never held scissors in your hands: we are sure that any help is welcomed in a vineyard. Provided lunch, good company, delicious grapes… And probably a glass of wine as a reward! A true Istrian day, if you ask us. 

2. Explore the wine roads

However, if you decide to spend the day relaxing, head on down the wine trails. There are plenty of wine roads in Istria, and the doors of wine cellars and tasting rooms are always open. Among the wine tasting and pairing with food, Istrian winemakers will be happy to tell you stories about the vineyards, terroir, history of Istria and Istrian soil. All that with a view of vineyards and hillocks… Just be sure to have a driver who prefers eating to drinking. Begin with the wineries we offer: we personally guarantee their quality, and when you get home, you can order all the beautiful vintages that fascinated you on the wine tastings, from the comfort of your own home. 

3. Explore the olive oil roads

Extra virgin olive oil is a part of history, culture, lifestyle, and the Mediterranean definition of Istria. Even in the Ancient Roman and Greek times, olive oil from Istria was known as an oil beyond compare, and it has the same reputation again today, when it wins awards and recognitions all around the world. So, go on a journey and explore the olive oil roads, meet the best olive growers and their cellars and let them teach you all about the liquid gold. 

4. Go on a truffle hunt

Who didn’t dream of a treasure hunt as a child? In Istria you can experience such an adventure. Accompanied by experienced hunters, dogs, through the woods, embark on a hunt for valuable gems hidden in Istrian soil – white and black truffles. Their season just began in September. Istrian producers live every day in truffle hunting – let them take you to this unforgettable adventure. 

5. Discover the speleologist within you

Istria, due to the type of soil, hides magnificent halls, lakes, streams, craters, archeological sites, fossils and curious inhabitants in its underground. You can visit some of these locations without equipment and speleology knowledge, and for some, even if you are not a professional but enjoy a bit of adrenaline, you can sign up for a speleological adventure. The beautiful halls of Baredine Cave and its most famous inhabitant – olm (proteus) – are known to nearly everyone. If you decide to go on a speleo adventure in the Pazin Cave, an underground zip line awaits you. Cave Kingdom of Festini and attractions around the cave will enlighten even the youngest visitors. There are also Romuald's Cave, Mramornica Cave and many, many others. Walk into an underground world and discover a whole new Istria.

6. Go hiking in your own arrangement

Istria abounds in beautiful and marked hiking trails. Take a walk along the path of medieval roads nearby Vodnjan, explore the Kontija forest in Vrsar, take a peek at the Monfiorenzo quarry or climb the Monkodonja hill near Rovinj and greet the sheep that graze quietly around the remains of the ancient settlement. It is also a good idea to visit one of the Istrian waterfalls (Seven Waterfalls, Zarečki krov, Sopot), take a walk along dry-stone wall trail near Kringa, or embark on exploring Pula's fortifications. There are plenty of ideas and curiosities, it is only important to choose your path, get the sandwiches ready and start a journey.

7. Visit Istrian distilleries

On the other hand, tasting rakija (homemade brandy), liqueurs and other spirits is surely better in the ambiance of a tasting room or a restaurant, on the terrace and in good company, than in an unfamiliar forest. For good health and good luck, before and after meals, for welcomes and farewells – Istrian rakija is a symbol of Istrian hospitality, and to try to list all the types of it is practically meaningless because, in Istria, rakija is produced from – everything. Take a look at what Istrian distilleries offer and discover a part of this aromatic and, don't get tricked, very heady world. 

8. Participate in one of the many races or other sports events

When temperatures drop, Istria turns into a real oasis for athletes. The October calendar is full of sporting events, and there is something for everyone. Trekking fans, runners, cyclists, hikers, triathletes, and even those who like to have a drink along with running and cycling, will come into their own. Show your sportsmanship and get involved in one of the many races and sports competitions. 

9. Enjoy the discounts as part of World Tourism Day 2021

October is the month in which World Tourism Day is commemorated, as part of which tourist boards offer numerous benefits. Activities you've never even thought about, places you've never seen, locations you've been putting off visiting, dishes you haven't tasted: all this for free or with a 50% discount. Dedicate the first weekend of October to yourself and treat yourself, with promotional and special offers, to a completely new experience! 

However, if you are still far away from Istria, don't worry – Terramagica also offers special discounts celebrating the World Tourism Day! Follow us on social networks and find the promotional code, with which you can fill your Istrian shopping cart.