Secret CROATIA

Here you'll get all the scenery, food and culture of Italy-without the crowds and at a bargain price, too

-  LAURA HOLT

Why go?

Most people visiting Croatia head to the red-roofed coastal towns of Dubrovnik or Split, and their confetti of offshore islands. But in the far north, nudging the border with Italy is Istria – a secret swathe of Croatia. The heart-shaped peninsula is likened to Tuscany for its time-worn hilltop towns and countryside, delicious food and wine, and parasol-dotted resorts. Better still, Istria doesn’t come with the same high prices as its Italian counterpart, making its home-grown olive oils, wines, and food taste all the sweeter. Perfect for a summer break – combining countryside with coast – this is a corner of the Mediterranean that travellers whisper about.

Beautiful towns

In Istria’s interior, Buje and Grožnjan are a duo of timeless hilltop towns with pitted stone walls, terracotta roofs, and narrow streets. Both are surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and foodie hotels, making them a great base for exploring the countryside.