Christened ‘Terra Magica' by the Romans, small, triangular Istria feels separate from the rest of Croatia. From the early 1800s to World War II, Italian was its official language. Older locals speak Italian, place names have an Italian equivalent and street signs are often dual language. Istria has its own, celebrated gastronomy, its own wines and olive oils.

The Romans ruled here from 177 BC, creating a capital in Pula at Istria's southern tip. Still the main administrative...
[Pula guide]