THE ROADMAPS
Discover Istria: to do and see in the surrounding
Welcome to one of the most fascinating regions of the Mediterranean sea.
La Casa del Nonno is in Sikici, in the istrian countryside, in a strategic location to explore the meravillous of this peninsula. In a few minutes by car you can pass through the quiet of the olive trees, to the magnificence of the sea, to the millennisl history of the cities. Here are our favourite places, the ones we suggest to everyone who wants to discover the authentic soul of Istria.
Pula: roman history and city life
Distance: 5km – 10 minutes by car
The city symbol is the Arena, one of the best preserved amphitheatre in the world. Imagine to enjoy a concert inside its ancient stones, how thousands of people do every year. Walk through the historic centre to see the Sergi Arc and the August’ temple, and finally loose yourself among the stalls of fruits and vegetable of the daily market. The castle that is up on the hill, give a beautiful view on all the city and the port.
Premantura and Cape Kamenjak: a paradie for the lovers of nature
Distance: 12km – 15 minutes by car
At the south of Pula, the peninsula wears thin and becomes a natural paradise. Premantura is the starting point to explore Kamenjak natural park, a protected area with more 30 kilometres jagged coast. Here you will find high cliffs perfect to jump from, hidden coves and trails through Mediterranean scrub and 530 different species of plants, often endemic of the area.
• NOT TO BE MISSED: Porer beacon, during the summer it can be rent for exclusive stays; and the Fenoliga island where you can see old dinosaur’s foot prints.
• IDEAL FOR: Acquatic sports as kayak and windsurf, bike tour, picnic in the dedicated areas.
Fazana and tha national park of Brionj islands
Distance: 11km – 20 minutes by car
Fazana is an enchanting village of fishermen, its root are in the roman period, but now is a vivid turistic centre. From its port, the ferryboats leave for the Brionj archipelago of 14 islands, National park since 1983. On the biggest island, Veliki Brionj (Veliki means big), cars are non permitted: you can ride a bike, walk or take the turistic train.
• OUR SUGGESTION: Rent a bike at the port and then explore the island. You will see the exotic animals still leaving there, the ruins of a roman villa, the museum about Tito (the general who had here his residence), the golf camp with its secular trees, you can look for the dinosaurs’ footprint on the beach and for the ruins under the sea. A peaceful experience.
Nesactium: Istri capital
Distance: 15km – 15 minutes by car
the history lovers will really appreciate Nesactium. This archeological site, a few kilometres from the property, was the last and most important Istri’s stronghold. Nesactium was conquered by the Romans in 177 a.d. after a long siege: now you can walk through foro, temples and paleochristian basilicas. A small museum tells the story behind the archaeological digs. An emotional jump in a far past.
Bale: a jewel between the hill
Distance: 28km – 30 minutes by car
Between Pula and Rovinj, there’s Bale, one of the most fascinating village in the istrian countryside. Its centre is in the middle of narrow streets made of white stones, as white as the houses. Palace Bembo, wisely restored, stands giant in the square.
• WHAT TO DO: get lost through the local shops, that offer you honey, lavander, fruit jams and local brandy. You can visit the Holy Mary church and visit the crypt, then have a snack or a dinner in the restaurant Kamene Price: they cook all at the moment and they serve with good local wines.