The Adriatic coast of Croatia has once again found itself in the spotlight of the Italian media, confirming its status as one of the most desirable destinations for seafarers and travel enthusiasts from the neighboring peninsula. Detailed reports in prestigious publications such as the monthly magazine Nautica and the daily newspaper Il Messaggero portray Croatia as a country of extraordinary natural beauty, rich historical heritage, and an authentic Mediterranean way of life, thereby attracting additional attention in a market that traditionally shows a strong interest in Croatian destinations.

Istria: The magical south in the focus of Italian sailors

The specialized Italian monthly magazine Nautica, which is considered an authority among nautical tourism enthusiasts, published an extensive report titled "Istria, la magia del sud" (Istria, the magic of the south). This travelogue, created as a result of successful cooperation between the Representative Office of the Croatian National Tourist Board in Italy and the Istrian County Tourist Board, takes readers on a picturesque journey along the southern coast of the Istrian peninsula. The article highlights the perfect blend of untouched nature, thousand-year-old cultural heritage, and top-notch nautical infrastructure that makes sailing safe and pleasant.

The journey begins with a visit to the Brijuni National Park, an archipelago located just two nautical miles from the picturesque fishing village of Fažana. The Brijuni islands are described as a paradise on earth, a combination of lush nature, exotic animals that roam freely on the island, and a rich history that stretches from Roman villas to a former presidential residence. Sailing through this archipelago provides a unique experience of peace and exclusivity.

After Brijuni, the route continues towards Pula, the largest Istrian city, whose history echoes at every step. The report particularly emphasizes the magnificence of the Pula Arena, the sixth-largest Roman amphitheater in the world, which still serves as a spectacular stage for concerts and festivals today. No less impressive are the Temple of Augustus on the ancient Forum, a witness to the city's turbulent past which transformed from a pagan temple to a church, a grain warehouse, and finally a museum, as well as the monumental Arch of the Sergii, better known as the Golden Gate.

The article also directs readers to more modern, but equally interesting attractions such as the Museum of Istrian Olive Oil, where visitors can discover why Istrian oil is among the most prized in the world, and the Archaeological Museum of Istria, which preserves priceless treasures from prehistory, antiquity, and the Middle Ages.

Untouched nature and safe harbors of southern Istria

A large part of the report is dedicated to the breathtaking natural beauties. Particularly highlighted are the cliffs of Mala and Velika Kolumbarica at the southernmost cape of Istria, Kamenjak. This protected area is described as an adventurer's paradise, with cliffs ideal for jumping into the crystal-clear sea and hidden caves that invite exploration. The view from Kamenjak extends towards the open sea, where the horizon is dominated by another symbol of this region – the Porer lighthouse. Built in 1833 on the islet of the same name, this 35-meter-high stone giant has served as a guide for sailors for centuries, and today it also offers a unique opportunity for a Robinson Crusoe-style vacation.

The Medulin Bay is presented as an ideal place for relaxing and safe sailing, protected from the winds and filled with numerous islets that invite anchoring and swimming. The entire area is described as a perfect synthesis of natural beauty, rich history, and modern infrastructure. A network of marinas provides sailors with a safe berth and all necessary services, making cruising along southern Istria a simple and pleasant experience. As a significant novelty on the luxury scene, the opening of Hotel Monumenti, the first five-star hotel in Pula, is highlighted. It was created by revitalizing a former Austro-Hungarian military complex and now, together with a five-anchor marina, places Pula on the map of top Mediterranean destinations.

More than Istria: Discovering the hidden gems of the Adriatic with the "Pomalo" philosophy

But the story of Croatia's beauties in the Italian media does not stop at Istria. Influenced by the current campaign of the Croatian National Tourist Board called "Pomalo", which promotes a slower, more conscious, and authentic travel experience, the daily newspaper Il Messaggero published an article titled "Croazia, piccoli paradisi, grandi meraviglie" (Croatia - hidden paradises, great wonders of nature). This article focuses on the increasingly popular trend of slow travel and shifts attention from famous destinations to lesser-known, hidden gems of the Croatian coast.

The focus is placed on places that offer peace, authenticity, and a deep connection with nature and local culture. Among them is Martinšćica on the island of Cres, a quiet fishing village surrounded by beautiful beaches and untouched nature, ideal for escaping the crowds. Also mentioned is Kali on the island of Ugljan, the largest town on the Zadar islands and home to generations of skilled fishermen, where one can still feel the pulse of traditional Mediterranean life. Zlarin is also highlighted, the so-called "island of coral" in the Šibenik archipelago, an island without cars where the tradition of harvesting and processing coral has been nurtured for centuries. Then there is Jelsa on Hvar, a charming little town that offers a quieter alternative to the town of Hvar, with a rich history and cultural heritage under UNESCO protection, and the island of Lopud from the Elaphiti Islands group, also car-free, known for its beautiful sandy beach Šunj and rich maritime past.

The Italian market recognizes the quality of Croatian tourism

Such publications in the Italian media confirm that the Croatian coast is recognized as an attractive and high-quality destination. As pointed out by Viviana Vukelić, director of the CNTB Representative Office in Italy, this is just one in a series of affirmative articles published this year, both in specialized nautical and leading tourist magazines. Particularly pleasing is the fact that Italians, who are traditionally loyal guests, continue to show growing interest. In the year so far, there has been an increase of 1% in arrivals and overnight stays of Italian tourists compared to the same period last year. It is expected that additional visibility and interest will be spurred by the nautical campaign that the CNTB is conducting in the Italian market precisely during this August, targeting one of the most numerous and important groups of visitors to the Adriatic.