Underwater Istria

A holiday in Croatia is a great adventure - ancient ruins, picturesque towns with hundreds of houses covered with characteristic red tiles, wonderful cuisine full of fresh herbs, cloudless skies... this is what tourists usually associate this extremely popular country with. However, insiders know that Croatia is also one of the best countries in Europe for fans of exploring life hidden in the depths of the sea.

Yes, snorkeling, i.e. swimming with a mask and deep-sea diving, is a great way to spend your holiday in Croatia. The sea here is warm, the water is extremely transparent most of the year, and the currents are quite weak in many places, which makes it possible for almost anyone to practice water sports. Of course, many of us are afraid that we do not have the appropriate skills or equipment to explore the depths of the sea on our own. No worries! In almost every coastal town in Croatia, you can find professional diving schools that run courses - from beginners to the most advanced ones, and also organize numerous expeditions and trips with a guide who will show you the most interesting corners of the underwater world and will ensure the safety of the group. Where is the best place to go for underwater sightseeing in Croatia? Of course to magical and warm Istria!

Reefs, wrecks and underwater adventure

If you are planning a vacation in Istria for diving or snorkeling, it is worth going to the picturesque Rovinj area. This tourist-friendly town is located right on the seashore and allows you to discover its secrets in various ways. What particularly attracts people who like underwater adventures is the large number of wrecks sunk in the waters of the Adriatic Sea , which are available for "visiting". In the short distance of less than 40 kilometers between Rovinj and Pula, there are several such silent witnesses of the turbulent history of this region. They are usually located about 40 meters underwater and, most importantly, each of them is perfectly marked on many maps.

Closest to Rovinj itself is the famous Giuseppe Dezza , sunk by a torpedo shot in 1944. It rests on the seabed in an almost "frozen" vertical position, and elements such as gun cannons are clearly visible. For people who love exploring underwater life and reefs , both Rovinj and Pula have a lot to offer. In the vicinity of the first one you can dive surrounded by the vertical rock walls of Sturag Island and observe hundreds of schools of small, colorful fish around the island of St. John . Pula, in turn, enjoys a reputation as a place with the richest underwater life - the Peneda peninsula, where you can swim through underwater tunnels, or the beautiful Galebove stijene grotto - these are just some of the most frequently visited places. During your underwater holiday in Istria, you cannot miss a visit to the Brijuni National Park , which is known as one of the most interesting and diverse underwater fauna on the map of Europe.

Accommodation in Istria

Since accommodation in Istria will be one of the most important elements of the diving trip, it is worth looking for a place that will have a convenient location and will enable efficient movement between selected places. The offer of equipment rental and the possibility of organizing trips to the underwater world is also important. The best solution is to use one of the numerous campsites. Campsites in Istria are modernly equipped and offer both on-site meals in restaurants and self-catering. One of the better options on the coast near Rovinj is Camping Val Saline . Located just 100 meters from the beach, with a guarded swimming area and the possibility of leaving all valuables in a safe, it will certainly satisfy every lover of water adventures.