Author: villasborghetto Date: 28.12.21 Category: Blog

Despite being one of Europe’s most popular summer destinations, Istria offers a special kind of winter magic too. No crowds, peaceful Mediterranean setting, fantastic local food, fun events on charming, old town squares, are the ingredients of a unique Istrian Christmas holiday. The time of Advent, Christmas and NYE is becoming increasingly popular for visits in this region, and now it might be the best time to visit. You wonder why? Well, cities are putting a lot of effort into organizing Christmas markets and there are truly countless fun events in every town, and there is no crowd. So you get plenty of things to do, while avoiding big masses of people, which has been one of the top priorities for most of our guests during the last two years.

Small Tuscany, as Istria is often called, is beautiful in any season. But winter is special because of the warm holiday atmosphere that is present in every corner of every town, street, square and restaurant you enter. Read on to find out our selection of the most interesting places to visit in Istria this winter.

Poreč

If you are looking for a dreamy holiday mood and fun activities for the whole family, it might be closer than you think! Just a 10 minute drive from Villas Borghetto will take you to Poreč and its rich Christmas program, one of the best in Istria this season. On 5 locations throughout the town you’ll find stages with live music, Christmas markets with mulled wine and gin, seasonal food, and souvenirs to take back home. Open-air karaoke and pub quizzes on the main square are a guaranteed fun for all, as well as the big NYE disco party. The kids will surely have a blast in Poreč too, with daily workshops, theatre plays and photo-ops with Santa.

Rovinj

Apart from its everlasting charm, you’ll find plenty of activities in Rovinj during this time of year.  Daily concerts of local musicians on the main square, ranging from jazz music, DJ sets to Christmas choirs, will surely heat up the cold winter days. Town has also organized an antiquities market, plenty of creative workshops, as well as a circus theater performance for kids on December 31st. What we are especially looking forward to is the fantastic program of Antonio Gandusio theater and events such as Frank Sinatra musical night with Simon Marlow (December 30th) and a live screening of Cinderella, directly from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City (January 1st).

Pula

Pula is also more than ready for this holiday season. There are many options available, from a classic Christmas market with traditional holiday food and drinks, to special light installations on the Kaštel fortress. And ice skating? In Istria? Yes, it’s possible! You’ll find the ice skating rink on the Forum square in the city center up until January 9th. And the youngest ones are going to have a great time in Pula this winter too. Part of the cities promenade was transformed into a “magic forest” with movie projections, Mr. and Mrs. Clause, elves and lots of singing and dancing.

Roxanich Winery

One of the stars of this year’s Advent events in Istria is Jingle Bell Rox, organized by Roxanich Winery in the town of Motovun. Winery’s terrace has been transformed into a true holiday fairy tale. Ice-skating rink, plenty of Christmas lights, live music and dreamy views of the valley of river Mirna, make this one of our favourite places in Istria this season. Of course, you can expect fantastic wines and mulled wines, teranino and other traditional liqueurs and a wide variety of typical local savory and sweet dishes. This will be a perfect option for everyone who is looking for a bit of Christmas magic this holiday season. 

Fine dining

We have already written about the fantastic Istrian restaurants recommended by the Michelin guide. So if you want to try exceptionally prepared traditional local specialties, you’re in for a treat. Good news is that almost all the restaurants from our list are open during the winter months! Our warm recommendation is to visit at least one of them and experience what brilliant chefs have prepared for their holiday menus.

Opening hours:

• Zigante, Livade: noon – 10PM, daily
• Pergola, Zambratija: 6 – 11PM, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
• Agli Amici, Rovinj: 12-2:30PM and 7-9PM, Thursday to Saturday
• Nikola, Poreč: 11AM – midnight, daily
• Marina, Novigrad: 12-3PM and 7-11PM, all days except Tuesday
• Damir&Ornella, Novigrad: 12-3PM and 6:30 to 11PM, all days except Monday.

Home, away from home

All activities aside, staying in Villas Borghetto this season will be an unforgettable experience by itself. Exquisite architecture, interior design and furnishing, but also the unparalleled level of service provided by our Concierge, are a guarantee of a cozy and carefree winter holiday. Expect to relax, cozy up and spend some quality time with your loved ones, while we take care of the rest. A special dinner made for you by a private chef? Or perhaps a massage in your villa for a great start of the new year? We got you covered.

Of course, this is just one small part of what you can expect. No matter which option you choose, unforgettable Istrian winter holiday is ahead of you. Towns are all glammed-up in the Christmas attire, with lights, mulled wine, great food and live music, restaurants have prepared their holiday menus and our Concierge service is here for all the rest. We’re sure that it will be a great one!