San Canzian Hotel & Residences - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

For those of you who have not heard of Istria, it is the largest peninsula within the Adriatic Sea, located at the very top of the Adriatic between the Gulf of Trieste and the Kvarner Gulf. This peninsula is shared by three countries, Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy, however, 90% of its area is part of Croatia with just a thin slither over the border in neighbouring Slovenia. Istria is only a three-hour drive from Vienna and just 90 minutes from Trieste, the region feels a world away from the Dalmatian resorts and islands further south. Many visitors to Istria remark that it just feels different from the rest of Croatia. You’ll find a greener landscape and plenty of charming, unspoiled towns which are away from the main tourist trail. The region is famed for its beautiful medieval towns, jewelled coastline, and magnificent produce, surely that’s enough good reasons for anyone to visit this stunning area. As with the rest of Croatia, the best time to visit Istria is between late Spring in the months of May and June, through to September and early October. Given Istria’s proximity to Germany, Austria, Italy, and the Balkans, it’s a hugely popular summer holiday destination for southern Europeans, with peak months falling in July and August. Overall, the best time to visit is either June or September, when you’ll find warm but pleasant temperatures and less crowds. So why visit Istria I hear you ask, well few regions in Croatia have a history as vivid as Istria. The Romans turned this largely agricultural area into a centre of trade and commerce, leaving their mark, in particular, in gorgeous Pula. The Venetians later contributed scores of idyllic villages such as Motovun and the alluring architecture of Rovinj. Through the 20th century, the region was fought over between Italy and Yugoslavia, at one time becoming the personal playground of President Tito, before falling to Croatia in 1991 after the conclusion of the Serb Croat conflict. However, aside from history, Istria is best known for its magnificent food. The region is referred to as Croatia’s pantry, with wonderful wineries, orchards, truffle forests and medieval hilltop towns. Istria’s beaches might not grab the headlines as much as those further south, but they are equally magical. Zlatni Rat, known as the Golden Cape, is the most famous in the region, but you’ll find many more hidden gems if you chat to the locals. Istria’s beaches are predominantly pebbled rather than sandy, it’s also a great area for snorkelling, particularly around the southern tip of Cape Kamenjak. What you will note most of all whilst traveling around Istria, is the truly remarkable scenery, it really is one of the most beautiful regions of Croatia. Getting to Istria from the UK is easy and relatively inexpensive, it’s only a few hours direct flight from Gatwick to the regional capital Pula. Renting a car from the airport was simple and driving in Istria is safe and easy to navigate your way around. No visit

Magic place with a unique blend of old stone houses mixed with nature. The service was outstanding, they really take care of every small detail. We will be back and I would recommend out-of-season months as it was not so busy on their premises.

Chic boutique village style hotel with wonderful views to the sea…great sunsets! The rooms are modern with concrete floors…not particularly cosy but comfortable nonetheless. Housekeeping could be improved…surfaces could be cleaner, TV didn’t work on arrival but was fixed but then failed again, room safe was locked on arrival. Breakfast is fine although the fruit and pastry selection is limited - the Istrian scrambled eggs are excellent! Quality of the food at dinner is very good but it is expensive and portions are miniscule; we were not inspired enough to revisit the restaurant on the subsequent evenings of our stay, once was enough. Other minor issues such as bedside lights which are not conducive to reading as they hang over and do not spread light beyond, the nightstand but, most irritatingly for us (perhaps we are light sleepers) was being woken at 4.15am every day by the crowing of the village rooster. We were told that the rooster lives in the “village”...with respect, the village is a hotel not a farm and, at these prices, we would have appreciated a full night’s sleep!

This was truly one of the nicest, most accommodating, warmest, most attractive hotels I have ever stayed in. Not cheap. But as a splurge, it's so, so worth it. The customer service -- thank you Susana, and Mia, and the two young men at the desk and who helped with luggage via a gold cart -- was the best I have ever experienced. Seriously. Treat yourself to warmth and luxury, and experience the best of Istria. We all raved. Charles Anzalone

Danijela and her entire team were OUTSTANDING! Everyone from the service staff to the spa providers went above and beyond to ensure that our stay was nothing less than perfect. We were traveling in a group of six and were pleasantly surprised upon our arrival with an upgraded villa that was amazing. We appreciated all of the small details that made our trip one to remember. We will be back!!!