Istria - Heaven in Croatia

First night seafood spectacular!

The Istrian peninsula of Croatia was by far our favorite stop on the trip. Lots of great seafood, lovely inexpensive rooms (there's also an apartment) at Rooms/Apartment Lara, and a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere. The weather was perfect - warm, 80 degree days and cool nights. I would go back in a heartbeat.

Beaches of Rovinj.

View from Rovinj bell tower.

Another great meal at Gostionica Trattoria Toni.

Rovinj octopus salad - very tender and tasty.



BEST EVER ravioli with shaved truffles, arugula with fresh cheese and squid ink risotto with rockfish.



Some tasty fish and veggies - this fish wasn't as good as the first night though.



Our laundry drying in the wind. The woman we stayed with (Ivanka) graciously did our laundry.



Breakfast from the grocery/bakery 10 min. walk from our rooms - the wine was from the night before!



Beautiful sea shot.

In front of 1700 year old olive tree on Brijuni, the island where Tito used to live.



View of Fazana from our ferry to the Brijuni Islands.



Our last night in Croatia, we booked one of the seven tables at Krcma Ulika, a truly unique, art-filled tiny restaurant on the cobblestoned streets of Rovinj. The meal was quite expensive with wine and three courses for each of us, but it was a high-quality intimate experience we will never forget.



Bruschetta (bottom left), Mediterranean delights (top) and scallops baked in a shell started us off in the right direction.

Entrees of sea bass lasagna (top left), sea bass and bean and mussel stew.

Cheese & fruit plates and ice cream with pumpkin oil delighted us for dessert.

Calvin and John with the woman who runs the restaurant.

Huge figs grew in Ivanka's yard.

Fresh figs are the best!