Istrian Riviera (pula) holidays - travel guide - lifestyle

Shopping

Many of the best souvenirs from Croatia are food related, from bottles of wine or brandy, to flavoured oils, which can be found in local supermarkets. The best shopping in Istria is found in Porec, where the old town has a range of shops, boutiques and jewellers. The markets are limited to foodstuff, with mainly fresh fruit and vegetables, or a great fish market.

Cuisine

The cuisine in Istria takes its influences both from the seafood-heavy coast and the plainer dishes found inland. Typical of the Istrian Riviera is Manestra soup, made with beans or proscuiuto (dry ham). Regional specialties include oysters, cured ham, and truffles. Pasta and gnocchi are very common, as are smoked meats and sausages, cooked over an open fire. Make sure you try 'supa' - a jug of red wine flavoured with sugar, olive oil and pepper, served with bread for dipping. The pedestrianised area around Lungomare in Porec has an interesting selection of restaurants, as does the harbourside in Rovinj.

Night-life

Night-life in Porec is mainly found in the Old Town with bars, discos and a few beach bars open until the early hours. Rovinj has numerous bars in the resort centre and an entertainment complex about 1.5 kms from the centre. Novigrad can offer two recently opened casinos (in hotels) and two popular discos.