Monday, June 13, 2022 | Tom Friden | Europe
The region of Istria is located in the north of Croatia and is the number one address for a holiday in Croatia due to its good infrastructure and proximity to neighbouring European countries.
In addition, you can expect above all crystal-clear water, dreamlike bathing bays, idyllic coastal towns, countless sights, unspoilt nature and the hospitality of the locals, which is known far beyond the country's borders and which casts a spell over holidaymakers year after year.
The Istrian peninsula in the far west of Croatia has always been a special region, which, according to its visitor numbers, is the most popular holiday region in the whole of Croatia.
You can discover the beauty of the region in many ways. From the dreamlike coastal towns on the flat headland in the western part, to the vineyards and fertile plains in the Istrian hinterland, to the monumental buildings and the numerous natural beauties, such as the Risnjak National Park. The Istrian peninsula offers one fascination after another.
Take a look and join us to experience a wonderful journey along the Adriatic Sea.
Todays ride will take us to Slovenia where we will visit the Postojna cave and the Predjama castle.
In the interior of Slovenia near the small town of Postojna is the most visited cave in Europe. The Postojna Cave, also known as the Adelsberg Grotto, fascinates more than half a million visitors every year with its underground cave system with stalactites, passages, galleries and halls.
The Postojna Cave was first visited in 1213, and over the centuries the cave complex was opened up further and further parts were discovered. Around 1818, only a few hundred metres of the cave were known. This changed with the visit of Emperor Franz I of Austria. During the preparations, the lightkeeper Luka Cec discovered further parts of the cave complex, which were opened up to visitors over the years.
As early as 1872, twelve years before the first electric light was installed, the first tracks of the railway line through the cave system were put into operation. In the beginning, the wagons were pushed through the cave by hand by the cave guides. In 1914, traction engines with combustion engines were installed, which were then replaced by electric trains in 1959.
Over the centuries, this magical underworld has caused more than 35 million visitors to marvel, pause and there was certainly a "wow" or two to be taken from it. In the meantime, numerous tourist facilities have sprung up around Postojna Cave, but they are not just aimed at the "masses"; with exhibitions such as the Expo Karst Cave, they provide information and background knowledge about the Karst. Particularly worth seeing is the Vivarium of Postojna, an exhibition that presents the creatures of the cave and focuses on the cave olm, affectionately called dragon babies.
Pula is the largest and oldest city in Istria and, with its eventful history, today also the tourist and cultural centre of the region. Due to the perfect interplay between culture from Roman times, beautiful bathing bays and a modern tourist offer, it attracts visitors from all over the world every year!
Pula has become most famous for its ancient amphitheatre, also known as the Arena of Pula. The second largest arena of the Roman Empire was built from 2 BC to 14 AD and is the sixth largest of its kind in the world. Furthermore, there are numerous other sights in Pula that invite you to discover them.
During the summer months, especially in the arena and also in various places, a lot of events and exhibitions of art and culture, music concerts and fascinating film festivals take place. No matter what kind of holiday you want to spend here, the city of Pula offers the best conditions for a beautiful holiday on the Croatian Adriatic.