Exploring Istria and Beyond
While the serene surroundings of Bolara Šešanta offer the perfect sanctuary to relax, unwind and while away the hours savouring exceptional food and drink, we’re also ideally situated for those eager to venture further afield.
Istria beckons with its wealth of treasures: medieval hilltop towns like Motovun and Grožnjan, where cobbled streets wind past ancient stone houses and artist studios (and a few cats!); the stunning coastal cities of Rovinj and Poreč, with their Venetian architecture and crystalline waters; and the region’s renowned truffle forests and award-winning wineries that dot the verdant countryside. The Roman amphitheater in Pula, one of the best-preserved in the world, stands as a magnificent testament to the region’s rich history.
Beyond Istria, Croatia’s diverse landscapes unfold within easy reach. The dramatic Plitvice Lakes National Park, with its cascading waterfalls and turquoise pools, offers breathtaking natural beauty, while the 19th century Habsburg resort of Opatija and the pristine islands of the Kvarner Gulf provide coastal charm and island adventures. Even the cultural riches of Ljubljana, Slovenia, and the romance of Venice, Italy, lie just a few hours away, making Bolara Šešanta an ideal base for discovering the broader Adriatic region.
When to visit us
Springtime splendour
Spring transforms Bolara 60 into a natural paradise. As the sun’s warmth returns, the wisteria blooms all over the house, our fruit trees burst into blossom, wildflowers carpet the meadows, and the forest turns vivid shades of green. Spring brings many foraging treasures: wild garlic for vibrant pesto, wild asparagus for our scrambled eggs, blackthorn shoots to make one of our house aperitifs, elderflowers for cordial, and finally young green walnuts in June for crafting traditional nocino liqueur.
Summer bliss
For the quintessential Mediterranean escape, visit Bolara 60 during July and August when endless weeks of deep azure skies stretch overhead. Spend your days cooling off in crystalline waters, then begin each evening with a perfectly made spritz or chilled fig leaf wine. Our garden, neighbours’ and local farmers’ markets overflow with summer’s bounty: fragrant melons, plump tomatoes, sun-warmed peaches, honey-sweet figs and so much more. Don’t miss the renowned Grožnjan Jazz Festival, set in the charming hilltop town just above us every July.
Autumn harvest
Autumn unveils Istria’s culinary crown jewels, particularly the prized white truffle, which is absolutely sublime when freshly shaved over handmade pasta. September marks the grape harvest, followed by the olive harvest from October to November. Chestnut, cheese, truffle, honey and prosciutto festivals enliven autumn weekends, celebrating the season’s abundance in hilltop villages throughout the region. The weather remains gloriously warm and sunny, perfect for leisurely country rambles, more energetic cycle rides or joining in the harvests.
Winter retreat
Ethereal morning mists drift through the valleys around Bolara 60, often lifting to reveal breathtakingly clear, crisp days when the dramatic bura wind sweeps down from the north. Winter becomes a time for traditional charcuterie making and invigorating frosty walks that lead to soul-warming fireside dinners such as rich wild boar stew paired with creamy, freshly ground polenta. Istria is serenely quiet in winter. The tourists are gone (but the best restaurants stay open).
Nearby attractions to experience during your stay with us
From a short walk out our front door to a beautiful 3-hour scenic drive, here are some of our favorite must-see places in the area to visit during your stay with us.
Grožnjan (10 mins or 45-min walk)
The enchanting labyrinth of cobbled streets in this charming hilltop town comes alive with creativity, hosting an array of art and music events throughout the balmy summer months. The town is perhaps most celebrated for its renowned annual Grožnjan Jazz Festival in July, where melodies drift through the ancient stone alleyways, whilst late September brings the exTempore art and cultural event, drawing artists and visitors alike. We highly recommend the walk up to Grožnjan, where you will be rewarded with stunning views and a cold beer.
Motovun (15 minutes)
This captivating medieval hilltop town, just a short drive from Bolara 60, is a delightful place to while away a leisurely afternoon. The birthplace of legendary racing driver Mario Andretti, Motovun invites you to wander through its maze of ancient cobbled streets, admiring the beautiful Venetian architecture with its honey-coloured stone façades and charming piazzas, whilst the stunning panoramic views from the remarkably preserved city walls sweep across the surrounding valleys and distant Adriatic coastline.
Oprtalj (20 minutes)
Some of the finest views in Istria are from this delightfully quiet hilltop village, where you will find charming antique shops, a good restaurant and narrow streets radiating from the elegant Renaissance loggia. The town’s elevated position offers sweeping vistas across the Mirna Valley’s patchwork of vineyards and forests. If you’re visiting in October, don’t miss the chestnut festival, a lively celebration of the autumn harvest complete with roasted chestnuts, local wines and folk music.
Novigrad (20 minutes)
We go to this charming fishing town for a refreshing swim, followed by a Campari spritz enjoyed as the sun sets over the sea. Pretty Novigrad, once a Byzantine island settlement connected to the mainland in the 18th century, still retains its medieval charm within remarkably well-preserved 13th-century Venetian walls. The town also has a farmers’ market, fishmonger selling the daily catch, and plenty of restaurants to choose from.
Baredine cave (30 minutes)
Take a guided tour through this treasure trove of stalactites and stalagmites, where nature has sculpted extraordinary subterranean formations over millennia. This remarkable geological monument descends 60 metres below ground, revealing five stunning chambers.
Buzet (30 minutes)
Situated near the Slovenian border, medieval Buzet is known as “the city of truffles” and hosts a truffle festival each autumn in honour of this prized local delicacy. Local truffle hunters offer truffle-hunting expeditions with their dogs, providing an unforgettable insight into their skills. We love Buzet’s “Subotina” festival in the old town – a celebration of “the olden days”, when people dress up, dance and demonstrate crafts such as blacksmithing and wickerwork.
Beram (30 minutes)
A tiny chapel deep in the forest houses the most remarkable late Gothic frescos, including the spooky skeletons in the “Dance of the Dead.” After finding the person with the key and visiting the frescoes, enjoy a cosy meal by the fire or on the terrace at Konoba Vela Vrata.
Poreč (35 minutes)
This elegant coastal town is home to the magnificent Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking 6th-century Byzantine mosaics. The town comes alive in summer with festivals and waterfront dining, though visiting in spring or autumn offers a more tranquil experience.
Hum (40 minutes)
Charming Hum claims the delightful title of “the smallest town in the world.” This tiny medieval gem is famed for biska, a distinctive mistletoe-infused rakija (brandy), and hosts a lively rakija festival on the last Sunday in October. In August, the town celebrates Croatia’s only Industrial Hemp Festival, showcasing hemp-based products from cheese to gin.
Pazin (40 mins)
Venture inland to discover Istria’s captivating heartland. Pazin sits dramatically above a vast chasm where the Pazinčica River plunges into subterranean caves, inspiring Jules Verne’s novel Mathias Sandorf. The imposing medieval castle perched on the canyon’s edge houses an ethnographic museum of Istrian life. Thrill-seekers can zipline across the spectacular gorge, whilst culture enthusiasts will appreciate Pazin’s distinctly Central European character.
Limski kanal (40 mins)
The spectacular 10km Lim estuary—popularly called a fjord since the 1958 film The Vikings was shot here—is one of Istria’s most breathtaking natural treasures. Steep, forested cliffs plunge into the narrow channel where pristine waters nurture exceptional oysters and mussels. Sample these fresh delicacies at Viking restaurant perched along the waterside, or explore the excellent walking trails in this stunning karst valley.
Rovinj (1 hour)
Drive south to enchanting Rovinj, where a picturesque Venetian old town floats on the Adriatic in a cascade of pastel-coloured houses. This beautiful peninsula buzzes with art galleries, excellent restaurants and lively harbourside cafés. Hire bikes to explore the scenic coastal paths leading to secluded beaches, or swim directly from the rocky shoreline beneath the old town’s walls before settling into one of the stylish waterfront bars to watch the sunset. Make a full day of it—Rovinj rewards leisurely exploration.
Pula (1 hour)
The star of the show in this 3,000-year-old coastal city at Istria’s southern tip is the magnificent Roman amphitheatre, one of the six largest surviving Roman arenas in the world. This imposing 1st-century structure still hosts concerts and film festivals during the summer. Beyond the arena, Pula reveals layers of history through Roman temples and Austro-Hungarian architecture, alongside excellent seafood restaurants and nearby beaches.
Trieste (1 hour)
This enchanting Italian port city wears its turbulent history proudly, having passed through Roman, Habsburg, and Allied hands before returning to Italian rule in 1954. The result is an extraordinary architectural tapestry—grand Austro-Hungarian palaces sit alongside neoclassical piazzas and belle époque cafés where James Joyce once wrote. Trieste’s unique position at the crossroads of Latin, Slavic and Germanic cultures creates a captivating atmosphere found nowhere else on the Adriatic. Don’t miss the historic coffee houses or Miramare Castle perched on the Gulf of Trieste.
Piran (45 mins)
Picturesque Piran is a gem perched on the tip of a peninsula along Slovenia’s short but rewarding Adriatic coast. This enchanting medieval town captivates with its labyrinthine alleyways, Venetian Gothic architecture and elegant Tartini Square. Climb to St. George’s Church for sweeping views across terracotta rooftops to the sea, then linger in a harbourside café as the sun sets over the Gulf of Trieste. Picture-postcard perfection from every angle.
Opatija (1 hr 10 mins)
On the other side of Mount Učka lies the elegant Opatija Riviera, once the genteel resort of Austro-Hungarian aristocracy. This refined coastal town retains its imperial charm through magnificent belle-époque villas, manicured gardens and the famous Lungomare—a 12km coastal promenade offering stunning views across Kvarner Bay. Swim in the sheltered bays and wide beaches, stroll past grand hotels that once hosted royalty, and savour excellent seafood in harbourside restaurants.
Kamenjak archipelago (1 hr 15 mins)
This wild and rugged nature park at Istria’s southernmost tip offers a refreshing escape from more developed beaches. Dramatic rocky cliffs drop into crystal-clear turquoise waters, hidden coves invite exploration, and walking trails wind through windswept Mediterranean scrubland. The swimming here is unparalleled. Visit in spring to avoid summer crowds and witness the landscape carpeted in vibrant wildflowers.
Ljubljana (1 hr 45 mins)
The elegant capital of neighbouring Slovenia is surprisingly intimate and wonderfully walkable, with a car-free old town along the picturesque Ljubljanica River. Visit the hilltop castle for panoramic views, then explore the spectacular central market where local producers sell foraged mushrooms, wild greens, artisan cheeses and seasonal produce. This vibrant yet relaxed city offers exceptional charm and cuisine.
Goriška Brda / Collio (1 hr 45 mins)
These are the names of the exceptionally beautiful cluster of hills on the Slovenian-Italian border, less than two hours’ drive north of Bolara 60, where you will find glorious vineyard walks, breathtaking views and exceptional wines. In spring expect an abundance of cherry blossom, and in autumn a magical golden light making the views even more stunning. Take time to explore the many wineries and restaurants, and also the history, for this peaceful borderland was not always so.
Venice (2 hrs 30 mins by car or boat)
Daytrips are available to Venice by catamaran from Poreč, whisking you across the Adriatic in just a few hours. Once you arrive, you’ll have five glorious hours to lose yourself in this floating masterpiece – glide along shimmering canals in a gondola, wander through narrow alleyways that open onto sun-drenched piazzas, and marvel at the breathtaking architecture of St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Stop for an indulgent gelato as you watch the world drift by, or soak up the magic of a city quite unlike anywhere else on earth.
Plitvice Lakes National Park (3 hrs 30 mins)
This utterly exquisite UNESCO World Heritage Site is arguably the jewel in Croatia’s many-jewelled crown. Stroll for miles along footpaths that wind through a dreamlike landscape of stunning turquoise lakes, interlinked by hundreds of cascading waterfalls that tumble over moss-covered travertine terraces. The air is filled with the constant rush of water, and wooden boardwalks carry you right over the crystal-clear pools. If you go in summer, though, you won’t be alone. This natural wonder draws visitors from around the world, so consider visiting in spring, autumn or winter for a more peaceful experience.
Getting to Bolara 60
Getting to Istria, and finding Bolara 60, is simple. Click below for more information on the nearest airports and travel in the region.
More about Istria
History of Istria
The Istrian peninsula has long been a place of shifting borders and overlapping cultures. From the 13th century onward, the peninsula was carved into two: the coastal towns belonged to the Venetian Republic, whilst the interior was held by the Austrian Habsburgs. The coast became synonymous with wealth, urbanity and Italian culture; the interior remained poor, rural and Slavic, though Pazin, the multi-ethnic Habsburg seat in central Istria, proved the exception to this rule. Following a brief Napoleonic interlude in the early 19th century, Austria-Hungary gained control of the entire peninsula, only to lose it after the First World War to Italy. Under Fascist rule, forced Italianisation deepened ethnic tensions, and the economy suffered badly.
After the Second World War, the peninsula came under Tito’s Yugoslavia with the notable exception of Trieste and, for nearly a decade, a slice of Istria’s northwestern corner. This area was designated the Free Territory of Trieste, belonging neither to Italy nor Yugoslavia. Bolara fell just within this zone and didn’t join Yugoslavia until 1954. The post-war years saw a mass exodus of around a quarter of a million ethnic Italians, whilst a deliberate policy to resettle Istria with South Slavs dramatically reshaped the region’s demographics. Croatia and Slovenia declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, and during the subsequent wars, they took in refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Today, most of Istria lies within Croatia, with a smaller portion in the north belonging to Slovenia.
Language
Istria is linguistically very diverse – partly because bits of the region are in three countries: Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. But even the Croatian part is officially bilingual: while most people speak Croatian, many actually speak Italian, due to the area’s centuries-long connections with Italy and Venice. In fact, our nearest town, Grožnjan (or to give it its Italian name, Grisignana), still has the highest proportion of native Italian speakers in Istria.
It gets more complicated, though, because what people actually speak is neither standard Croatian nor standard Italian. That’s why our house number 60 is “šešanta” around here, rather than the Croatian “šezdeset” or Italian “sessanta”. Most Istrian “Croatian” speakers use a kind of dialect called chakavian (čakavski) because of the word people use for “what?” – in standard Croatian you say “što?”, but here it’s “ča?”. It’s quite different from standard Croatian, which is actually more similar to standard Serbian and Bosnian than it is to čakavski. Then, most Istrian “Italian” speakers actually speak a Venetian dialect called Istro-Veneto, which has its own distinct vocabulary, grammar and spelling – and even its own festival every year! Our neighbours are Istro-Veneto speakers, so we’re learning…
To complicate matters further, these details vary from town to town and even from village to village. Up the road in Buzet, they speak a much more Slovenian-influenced dialect (“kaj?”).
You’ll notice a significant Italian influence in the language, but with a Croatian twist. If you’re familiar with Italian, it’ll take you a long way. You’ll be eating plenty of gnocchi and prosciutto, but you’ll call them “njoki” and “pršut”. And if you eat them with a fork from a plate, a standard Croatian will tell you you’re using a “vilica” and ‘tanjur’, but Istrians know it’s a “pirun” and a “pijat”.
Fear not, though: if you are not equipped with Croatian or Italian in your language repertoire, you can get by just fine with English or German in many places, though efforts in the local language(s) will always be very well received.