Getting here
If there are long queues at the Dragonja border crossing via Koper, we like to take the route via Buzet instead.
The last 300 metres to the house are on a gravel track, which is easily manageable at any time in a normal car or van.
Information & tips
The surroundings
Here are a few tips on getting here, places to eat and things to see. We've linked the names to Google Maps so you can plan your days out with ease.
Links open Google Maps in a new window (external service).
Restaurants
Some of our favourites:
- Konoba Jadruhi – lots of space, excellent quality meat
- Agriturismo Mekiši – a little smaller, good Mediterranean cooking
- Konoba Borgonija – traditional cuisine
- Konoba Daniela
- Pizzeria Alto – really good pizza
- Konoba Farin – fish and pasta
- Monte – Michelin-starred restaurant
Wineries
There are lots of wineries around Villa Maslina. All of them offer wine tastings, and many also sell local olive oil.
Within walking distance:
A little further afield:
Shopping
- The nearest supermarket is in Vižinada, 3 km away
- Kaufland – very well stocked, with good meat, deli and cheese counters, 18 km
- Drugstore, 18 km
In general, you'll find everything you need day to day in this area.
Sights
Towns and villages:
- Grožnjan, a picturesque artists' village – you can even get there by bike.
- Novigrad, a lovely old town, a little quieter than Poreč or Rovinj
- Motovun, a historic hilltop town with grand old buildings
- Poreč, a beautiful old town and harbour
- Vrsar, a pretty marina with a very good restaurant
- Rovinj, Istria's “little Venice”
Kamenjak nature park
Sport and leisure
Villa Maslina lies right on one of the many cycling and hiking trails that criss-cross Istria. The best known is the Parenzana, the old railway route from Trieste via Vižinada to Poreč. The quiet country roads are perfect for road cycling; for the signposted trails you'll need a mountain bike or touring bike.
Hiking
Find inspiration in the Komoot hiking guide.
Beaches
There are plenty of beaches between Poreč and Novigrad, and you can drive right up to some of them.
- Hawaii Beach with beach bar
- Edijan Beach
- Dog beach and bar
Tennis
You'll find tennis courts almost everywhere in Istria. We like to play at Zelena Laguna or at the Valeta sports centre. Both are by the sea, with a beach and a bar for non-players.
Paragliding
When the wind is from the west, this spot is fantastic for soaring and top-landing. There are more take-off sites in Motovun and Buzet.
Tandem flights: if you don't fly yourself but would love to try it, I can recommend Karlo as a pilot. He speaks English.
Phone: +385 99 6917 671 · Email: kbonacic@inet.hr
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