Avoid Crowds And Explore The Best Of Croatia's Coast At This Destination, Per Rick Steves

If you're planning a trip to Croatia, you've probably got your eye on Dubrovnik on the Dalmatian Coast. You along with everyone else who's heading to Croatia. Dubrovnik is suffering from an overtourism epidemic; its streets are crowded, its restaurants stuffed to the gills, and its locals fed up. But Croatia boasts over 1,100 miles of coastline just on the mainland, and European travel expert Rick Steves knows exactly where you should go to escape the crowds: "Idyllic Istria." 

Writing on his site, Steves has nothing but praise for this underrated peninsula in the north of Croatia. In his words, Istria "offers some of the best of coastal Croatia and nearby Italy, but with fewer crowds." Triangular Istria juts out into the Adriatic, with its western coast looking across the sea toward Venice. Its 260 miles of coastline are dotted with ancient sites, seaside resorts, and pretty fishing villages. Northern Croatia is one of our top European picks for people who hate crowds.

Let's be clear — Istria isn't some hidden gem deserted paradise. But its coastal cities offer just the right amount of buzz in the summer, with an enjoyable lively atmosphere. But unlike in Dubrovnik, you don't feel like you're part of a cattle drive as you wander the beautiful streets.

For a "wow" moment, visit Rovinj, one of Rick Steves' favorite beach hideaways. Bright fishing boats bob along the waterfront, and the town's colorful houses and polished cobbled streets climb toward the crowning cathedral of St. Euphemia. Steves loves photogenic Rovinj, which he claims is "the most Italian town in Croatia's most Italian region" — the city was ruled by the Venetian Republic for around five centuries.

The larger city of Pula is further down the coast, almost at the tip of the Istrian peninsula. According to Steves, Pula is an industrialized city with "the soul of a Roman poet." History buffs will love Pula, with its well-preserved Roman structures, including a fabulous amphitheater, a triumphal arch you can parade under, and the Temple of Augustus (restored after being hit by an American bomb in World War II.)

If you're looking for your own castaway beach in Europe during the high season, you'll be disappointed. Even in Istria, the beaches don't tend to be empty. But the shores of northern Croatia are a far cry from the sardine-like atmosphere in the south of the country or in nearby Italy. Dubrovnik actually made it onto our list of destinations to avoid when booking a European beach vacation! Many of Istria's beaches have won a prestigious Blue Flag award, meaning they're recognized for their cleanliness, safety, and services.

If you're in Pula, head to Cape Kamenjak, where the pebbled beaches offer crystal-clear waters. One of the most famous is Njive Beach, with green pine trees shading the stony cove, which is washed by the azure waters of the Adriatic. The cape offers a range of adventures, from kayaking and cycling to stand-up paddle boarding and windsurfing.

For those who are visiting Rovinj, the Blue Flag beach at Veštar is a must-stop. The pebbled shoreline leads gently into the sea and is backed by lush trees. There's a nudist beach at the north end — stick to the middle if that's not your jam. Finally, for something a little different, Rick Steves recommends visiting Opatija, an elegant Austro-Hungarian resort town. A 7.4-mile promenade follows the shore, passing grand mansions reminiscent of 19th-century Central Europe.