Why Istria Is Different from the Rest of Croatia

Question

Accepted Answer

Istria occupies the large triangular peninsula at the northernmost point of the Adriatic, and it feels different from the rest of Croatia. The food, architecture, and culture all show centuries of Venetian and Italian influence — many Istrians speak Italian as a first or second language, menus are bilingual, and the hilltop villages look as much like Tuscany as they do Croatia. Istria is the truffle capital of Croatia (and one of the best in Europe), produces award-winning olive oil and wine, and has a sophisticated food and drinks scene.