Explore Central Istria

This summer, the Central Istria Tourist Board once again invites you to discover the region through a rich mosaic of cultural, musical, and entertainment events! The Discover Central Istria – Explore Central Istria project, successfully running for the fifth consecutive year under the auspices of the Central Istria Tourist Board, continues its mission of bringing authentic local experiences closer to both domestic and international visitors.

From June to September, almost every week offers a new reason to visit the green heart of Istria.

Central Istria Walk & Taste offers free guided tours through the historic centres of Pazin, Pićan, Gračišće, Tinjan, Sveti Petar u Šumi and Sveti Lovreč. Tours are led by professional guides in both Croatian and English. New this year is the opportunity to enhance the experience with local flavours through an optional tasting of authentic Istrian delicacies. Guided tours take place from 1–30 June, 17–31 August, and 7–24 September.

One of the programme highlights is the Central Istria Music Experience, featuring free concerts at nine unique locations. Visitors will be able to enjoy performances by:

• 5 July – Elis Lovrić, Karojba

• 10 July – Borko Rupena Trio, Gračišće

• 14 July – Henry Radanović Quartet, Boljun

• 24 July – Franko Krajcar, Pićan

• 30 July – Bruno Krajcar, Sveti Petar u Šumi

• 2 August – Tonči Grabušić Trio, Draguć

• 5 August – JazzIstra Orchestra & Nola, Tinjan

• 7 August – Alba Nacinovich Quartet, Sveti Lovreč

• 14 August – Giipuja, Pazin

• 21 August – Sonja Domitrović Quartet with a jam session, Boljun

The programme offers something for everyone—from jazz and ethno music to classical and a cappella performances by some of the region’s finest artists. Adding to the unique atmosphere, JURIKTA will be on site with its bar offering a selection of premium ISTRIAN QUALITY beverages.

As in previous years, the programme also includes guided hiking tours along the scenic trails of Central Istria under the Central Istria Walking Experience. The schedule includes a walk along the Josip Vidau Educational Medicinal Herbs Trail in Kringa on 26 June, daytime hikes in Boljun on 14 July and Tinjan on 5 August, as well as two Full Moon Walks: on 28 August in Sveti Petar u Šumi and 26 September in Borut.

The summer programme is further enriched by the Central Istria Open Air Cinema, bringing outdoor film screenings to various municipalities across Central Istria throughout June, July, and August. The first screening is scheduled for 24 June in Karojba, with a programme of family-friendly and animated films shown under the stars in charming open-air settings.

A new addition to this year’s programme is Central Istria Art – Street Performing Arts, featuring the Pazin Street Magic Festival on 19 June in Pazin, the children's theatre performance The Emperor’s New Clothes on 27 June in Sveti Lovreč, and The Duck Research Centre, a children's performance accompanied by the Little Explorers creative workshop, on 22 July in Tinjan.

The Discover Central Istria – Explore Central Istria project is implemented with the support of the Croatian National Tourist Board.