Spanning 260 miles of pristine coastline, ranging from clear water rock beaches and hidden coves to protected national parks and fjords, Istria is a haven for water lovers. Tucked away in the countryside with its very own private shoreline, Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery rounds up the best ways to experience the peninsula on water…
A lakeside alternative: Lim Fjord
Offering untouched beauty in the heart of nature, Lim Fjord is just 20 minutes from the hotel, with steep, 200m walls encasing a natural body of water, covered with lush vegetation. With a channel continuing for over 12km, an imposing cliffside and mixture of salt and fresh water, the jaw-dropping wild-swimming spot doubles as an access point to the famous floating oyster-sucking bar – Tony’s. Whereby post dip, visitors can feast on plump oysters and fresh fish, all washed down with a glass of traditional Malvasia wine – Istria’s native white grape – of which Meneghetti produces an award-winning worldwide bestseller.
An educational dip: Brijuni National Park
Over on the west coast sits Brijuni National Park, an archipelago of 14 islands, one of which houses the world’s oldest olive tree. Diving off Verige Bay, snorkellers can discover the remains of an authentic Roman villa surrounding the archaeological site. An educational underwater trail stretching for 500m, not only will water babies discover a piece of the region’s rich history but also its well-preserved marine world, witnessing many species in their natural habitat – many of which contribute to the rich diversity of the Adriatic seabed. Guarding the historical site for centuries, the endangered bivalve (one of the oldest species in the world), the European date mussel, and the zoned Mitra can all be discovered. Sure to have tired legs post-snorkel, visitors can put their feet up with a well-deserved glass of wine while enjoying one of the park’s annual musical concerts, held amidst the drama of the groves and pine forest year-round.
A beach hop: Crveni Otok, Medulin and Laterna
With many of the bays reachable by water only, the best way to discover the region’s beaches is by hopping between them via boat. With fewer crowds and more space than tourist hotspots such as Dalmatia and Split, the isolated Crveni Otok (Red Island) is just a 15-minute boat ride, perfect for those seeking tranquillity away from the mainland with marked areas for meditating and solitude. One of the region’s few sandy beaches, Medulin stretches for a whole kilometre, and is ideal for families, thanks to its shallow water. Making it the spot for a round of ‘picigin’, a traditional Croatian game played in the sea whereby the aim is to always keep the ball above water. Located between Novrigrad and Porec, Laterna blends lush inland with crystal clear waters, offering a myriad of immersive experiences such as water skiing, windsurfing, and even water bikes.
Where to stay: Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
Tucked deep within the countryside, the award-winning Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery is enveloped by 50 acres of olive groves and vineyards. With a story that began in the early 19th century, the property blends its age-old history with innovative culinary and nature-based experiences both on and off property, from tasting menus at the Michelin-recommended farm-to-fork restaurant and private wine tastings of award-winning bottles, to exclusive cultural tours of nearby coastal towns, medieval hilltops and stone-built villages.
To Book: Rooms at Meneghetti start from £210 per night on a B&B basis, with residences and one-bedroom villas starting from £950 per night, and experiences are available upon request.