Central Istria, the heart of the peninsula pulsating with authentic experiences, untouched nature, and rich cultural heritage, invites all curious individuals and active holiday enthusiasts to immerse themselves in its hidden charms. For those in search of the original Istrian spirit, far from the summer coastal crowds, the Tourist Board of Central Istria (TZSI) proudly presents an initiative this year as well, opening doors to a world of unforgettable stories and landscapes. This refers to the now traditional project "Central Istria free walk tour", designed to bring visitors closer to the unique beauty and history of the picturesque towns of this region, with expert guidance that guarantees a deeper understanding and a more intense experience. This offer ideally complements the interests of modern travelers who increasingly choose destinations rich in cycling and hiking trails, cultural content, and top-notch gastronomy, and central Istria is precisely a treasury of all the aforementioned.

Discover Hidden Gems: Free Guided Tours of Central Istria

During June, August, and September 2025, the Tourist Board of Central Istria is organizing a series of free guided tours that will take visitors through some of the most significant and beautiful localities within its domain. This commendable initiative is intended for everyone who wishes to enrich their stay in Istria, whether they are domestic or foreign guests, as the tours will be conducted in Croatian and English. Each group will be led by a licensed tourist guide for the Istrian County, a person whose knowledge and passion for local history, tradition, and hidden corners guarantee that you will experience every stone, every legend, and every custom in a completely new way. The aim of these tours is not only to show the sights but to tell the story of life in central Istria, its soul, and its timeless charm.

Your Weekly Schedule for Exploring the Istrian Heart

The program of free tours has been carefully designed so that each day of the week offers a new and unique experience, covering different aspects of the rich heritage of central Istria.

Monday: Mystical Pićan and Picturesque Gračišće

The workweek begins with a journey to two pearls of central Istria. The meeting point is scheduled in magical Pićan, in front of the Chapel of St. Roch. Pićan, an ancient town situated on a hilltop, has been an important strategic and spiritual center since ancient times. A former bishopric, whose influence is still felt today, Pićan is shrouded in legends, such as the one about St. Nicephorus who, according to tradition, saved the town from the plague. During the tour, you will discover the remains of the town walls, the monumental town gate from the 14th century, and the impressive parish church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a former cathedral, which houses valuable works of art and testifies to a rich ecclesiastical history. A walk through the narrow stone streets will give you a feeling of traveling through time, and the viewpoints will reveal beautiful panoramas of the surrounding landscape.

After Pićan, the adventure continues in idyllic Gračišće. This small town, located on a stone cliff above a spacious valley, delights with its preserved medieval architecture. Known for its unique urban structure, Gračišće is like an open-air museum. You will see the Church of the Mother of God on the Square with its characteristic portico, the Gothic church of St. Euphemia, and the Salamon Palace. Every corner of Gračišće exudes history, and the stone houses and streets bear witness to the centuries-old tradition of life in this area. Gračišće is also known for its wine festival, which further speaks of the rich eno-gastronomic offer of this region. Discover why Gračišće inspired many artists and why it is called one of the most beautiful small towns in Istria.

Tuesday: Pazin – The Town on the Abyss of History and Culture

Tuesday is scheduled for exploring Pazin, the administrative heart of the Istrian County and a town with a fascinating history and an even more fascinating natural phenomenon – the Pazin Cave. The meeting point is in front of the Parish Church of St. Nicholas, a monumental building that dominates the town square. This church, originally Gothic, later Baroque, houses valuable frescoes and an impressive interior. The walk will then take you to the most famous symbol of Pazin – Pazin Castle. This medieval castle, the largest and best-preserved fortress in Istria, is located on a cliff above the deep Pazin Cave. Its history dates back to the 10th century, and over the centuries it was the seat of various noble families and a key defensive point. The castle also inspired the famous writer Jules Verne for his novel "Mathias Sandorf".

As part of the tour, for an additional fee, visitors have the opportunity to explore the interior of Pazin Castle in more detail, which houses two important museums: the Ethnographic Museum of Istria and the Pazin Town Museum. The Ethnographic Museum of Istria preserves rich collections of objects that testify to the traditional way of life, customs, costumes, and crafts of the Istrian people. The Pazin Town Museum, on the other hand, offers insight into the historical development of Pazin and its surroundings through archaeological, historical, and cultural-historical collections. A visit to these museums provides a complete picture of the life and significance of Pazin through the centuries. Don't forget to explore the possibilities for finding ideal accommodation in Pazin.

Wednesday: The Spirituality of Sveti Petar u Šumi and the Tastes of Tinjan

The middle of the week is reserved for a visit to two places that uniquely combine spirituality and gastronomic tradition. The first stop is Sveti Petar u Šumi, a place known for its former Pauline monastery, unique in Istria. The meeting point is on the square in front of this impressive edifice. The monastery and the Church of St. Peter and Paul the Apostles represent a pearl of Baroque architecture. Founded in the 12th century by the Benedictines, later taken over by the Paulines, this monastery was an important center of spirituality, culture, and literacy, including the preservation of the Glagolitic script. Stroll through the cloister, admire the richly decorated interior of the church, and feel the peace that this place offers. Sveti Petar u Šumi exudes tranquility and is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle.

After spiritual refreshment, the journey leads to Tinjan, a municipality that proudly bears the title "Municipality of Istrian Prosciutto". This area is widely known for the production of this top-quality delicacy, and Tinjan has become synonymous with Istrian prosciutto. A walk through Tinjan will reveal typical Istrian architecture, stone houses, and dry-stone walls that testify to the traditional way of life. For those who want to delve deeper into the world of Istrian flavors, there is the possibility of visiting the House of Istrian Prosciutto. With prior notice and an additional fee, here you can enjoy a tasting of authentic Istrian prosciutto through the "Istrian Plate", accompanied by a glass of excellent local wine. This is an opportunity to learn firsthand more about the prosciutto production process and to treat your palate to the unique flavors that Tinjan offers its visitors. Consider staying in Sveti Petar u Šumi or explore accommodation options in Tinjan to fully experience this region.

Thursday: The Medieval Charm of Sveti Lovreč

The weekly cycle of tours ends with a visit to Sveti Lovreč, one of the best-preserved medieval fortified towns in Istria. The meeting point is in Istarska Street, in front of the Dom café bar. Sveti Lovreč, also known as the "fortress-town", delights with its impressive ramparts, towers, and town gates dating back to the Venetian era. A walk through its narrow, stone-paved streets takes visitors back to ancient times. In the center of the town is the three-aisled Romanesque basilica of St. Martin, one of the oldest and largest in Istria, which houses valuable frescoes and a stone sarcophagus with the relics of St. Corona and St. Victor. The tour includes a visit to the town walls, which offer a beautiful view of the surroundings, Funtanela Square with the town loggia, and numerous other details that testify to the rich and turbulent past of this place. Sveti Lovreč is a true gem for lovers of history and architecture, and its atmosphere will enchant every visitor. Plan your vacation in Sveti Lovreč and immerse yourself in its medieval story.

Why Choose a Guided Tour?

Participating in the "Central Istria free walk tour" free guided tours offers numerous advantages. With an expert local guide, you will have the opportunity to hear stories, legends, and historical facts that you will not find in usual tourist brochures. The guides know every corner of these towns, their secrets, and anecdotes that bring the past to life. It is an opportunity for interaction, asking questions, and getting firsthand recommendations on what else to see, where to taste local specialties, or which hiking and cycling trails to explore in the surrounding area. Guided tours help you to understand more deeply the cultural context and significance of the places you visit, making your experience of central Istria richer and more meaningful. Many of these locations, such as Pazin with its impressive cave or Gračišće with its wine routes, offer additional opportunities for exploration that your guide can introduce you to.

How to Apply and Additional Information

To participate in these free tours, it is advisable to register in advance to secure a place in the group and facilitate organization. All additional information about the "Central Istria free walk tour" program, including details about each individual tour, is available on the official website of the Tourist Board of Central Istria: www.central-istria.com. Applications are possible via e-mail at info@contineo.com.hr or by calling the phone numbers +385 (0) 52 621 045 and +385 (0) 98 982 8045. Comfortable footwear suitable for walking on stone streets and carrying water, especially during the summer months, is recommended. Do not miss this unique opportunity to discover, in the best possible way and with expert guidance, the authentic stories and hidden beauties of the charming little towns of central Istria, a region that offers unforgettable experiences for all generations and interests, from historical explorations in Sveti Lovreč to gastronomic delights in Tinjan.