In pictures: 13 beautiful hilltop towns in Istria

Croatia has anything you could want from a beach holiday – culture, sun and sea. But turn inland, and you’ll be surprised at just how beautiful upcountry Croatia can be. Medieval stone villages rise from the hilltops, overlooking patchworks of farms, vineyards and olive groves. Pedal a bicycle through the Istrian peninsula and you’ll discover clusters of stone houses huddling above billowing fields – some encircled by ancient defensive walls. Take a look at this gallery to see some of our favourites.