Istrian Peninsula, Croatia
After the cave, we headed back to Croatia for the remainder of our trip. The Istrian Peninsula was our stop for the next three nights. After WWI this area was part of Italy, but after WWII, it became part of Yugoslavia and then later Croatia, so there is a very strong Italian influence here. Signs and menus are in both Italian and Croatian, the food is mainly Italian, and they have truffles, wineries and olive groves.
We stayed in the beach resort of Opatija, with a long scenic promenade along the water called the Lungomare..one afternoon we walked 6 miles admiring the sea views and the large (sometimes abandoned) villas along the way. There is even a statue of a woman surrounded by seagulls called Greetings to the Sea.
One day we went on a tour of the Istrian Peninsula. First stop was Pula, which has a Roman amphitheater - the 6th largest and 2nd most intact - we were amazed we had never known of it.
Next stop was Rovinj, which is a very pretty town right on the Adriatic, with winding and windy cobbled streets through an Old Town, that lead up to a Venetian looking church and bell tower. Mark climbed the rickety, spiral steps to the top for an amazing view. We had a great lunch by the port. We found a great wine bar in the square where we had the best wine if the trip so far. It was lovely.
The next day we visited the very old hill town of Moscenicka, which has less than 130 inhabitants. One of the residents gave us a tour, and the local priest opened the church for us to see. There were lovely views.