Krnica port
The east coast of Istria is known for its unspoiled nature and interesting history. It is an ideal destination for those who wish to break out of the crowded tourist centers.
Thirty kilometers from Pula there is a place called Krnica from which a 3 km long winding road descends leading us directly to the old Austro-Hungarian pier. The port is nearly 2 km inland and well protected from all types of winds. It is traditionally a shelter for shrimp hunters.
Activities
For those looking for active vacation, the Krnica surrounding area offers a variety of activities. In the harbor itself there is a famous diving school Krnicadive www.krnicadive.com
If cycling is your favorite recreation, meet Istrian hamlets along the old Roman road that once connected Pula and Liburnia www.marcana.info
If you would like to get to know the Istrian nature in a saddle, take a ten-minute drive from Krnica to Manjadvorci, where there is a Barba Tone Ranch whose guides will take you on a trip of your choice with experienced horses www.barbatone.com
In immediate vicinity of Krnica there is the best Istrian adrenaline park called Glavani www.glavanipark.com. For those who wish to be breathless, Glavani park offers unforgettable experience on a 11-meter-high swing, rope bridges, zip-line or trapeze.
The complete offer of the most diverse Istrian activities can be checked out and booked on www.istriaexperience.com.
Gastro
We have already mentioned that Krnica Port is traditionally a fishermen’s refuge, and if the weather permits, you can buy freshly caught fish there on daily basis. At the port, there is a fisherman inn called “K ribaru” where you can taste the famous Kvarner shrimp and other seafood delicacies. If you decide to drive to Krnica, stop by “The Godfather” pizzeria for a glass of excellent local Chardonnay or for a pizza.
For a true gastronomic experience the surrounding area offers some excellent inns. So for homemade pasta and typical Istrian dishes, you should drive to “Vodnjanka” which is 20 kilometers away in the town of Vodnjan (reservations tel.+385 52511435).
When you are in Vodnjan, do not miss a visit to the world-renowned olive grower like Sandi Chiavalon www.chiavalon.hr or Antonio Pastrovicchio (Uljara Tonin).
If you are returning to Krnica via Marčane, definitely stop by the Kumparička estate www.kumparicka.com and taste their wonderful goat cheeses.
Next gastro location is Žminj and a tavern called “Konoba puli Pineta” www.konoba-pulipineta.com which is 30 km away. To lovers of fresh fish and seafood we recommend a picturesque restaurant on the shore of Raška channel called “Martin Pescador” (reservations tel.+385 52544976).
Everyone who plans to seriously explore the Istrian culinary experience we recommend a guide to restaurants, taverns and agrotourism www.istria-gourmet.com.
Culture
Experience the history of Istria through events and performances you can select from www.istrainspirit.hr, while the list of historical monuments that are really worth seeing, can be checked out on the official tourist website of Istria www.istra.hr.
For movie lovers there are two most important film festivals in Croatia: Pula's largest cultural event Pula Film Festival www.pulafilmfestival.hr, which takes place in the Roman amphitheater, and the Motovun Film Festival www.motovunfilmfestival.com, which lives in the squares and streets of this medieval town in Central Istria.
About half way from Krnica towards Motovun (21 km) there is Sanvincenti, a mediaval town whose origins are tied to the Benedictines from Ravenna, and whose community settled in the area back in the sixth century. Every year in July, in Sanvincenti there is a Dance and Non-Verbal Theatre Festival with a program consisting of contemporary dance, mime and street theater www.svetvincenatfestival.com
For those who love music there are music evenings in Grožnjan www.jazzisbackbp.com, Rovinj Jazz Festival www.avantgardejazzfestival.com and many other musical experiences.
