Istria – The Land of Wine, Olives and Truffles

There is a place on the Mediterranean where landscapes, tradition, and gastronomy blend into one – that place is Istria.
Here, food is not just nourishment, but a way of life. Each ingredient carries a story: of the soil that nurtures it, the people who create it, and the time that refines it.
“The Flavours of Istria” is an invitation to embark on a culinary journey through authentic tastes, aromas, and landscapes – from olive groves and vineyards to rustic taverns and family farms nestled in the Istrian hills.

The Wine Roads of Istria – Between the Sea and the Vineyards

Gentle hills overlooking the Adriatic hide hundreds of vineyards and family-owned wineries.
From Buje and Brtonigla, across Momjan and Motovun to Bale and Vodnjan, the Istrian Wine Roads (https://www.istra.hr/en/gourmet/wine/wine-makers) lead to the heart of Mediterranean winemaking.
Discover Istrian winemakers – from hidden family cellars to renowned estates – and taste the region’s signature varieties: fresh Malvasia, full-bodied Teran, and aromatic Muscat.
Every drop tells a story of the sun, the soil, and generations of passion.

Olive Oil – The Golden Drop of the Mediterranean

Istria has been named the best olive-growing region in the world for the ninth consecutive time according to the Flos Olei guide.
Olives growing between Buje, Vodnjan, and Medulin produce oil of perfect balance – fresh, aromatic, and with a distinctive peppery finish.
Follow the Olive Oil Roads of Istria (https://www.istra.hr/en/gourmet/evoo) and discover both small family mills and award-winning producers – places where the true golden essence of Istria is born.
Taste Buža, Bjelica, or Pendolino – varieties that place Istria alongside Tuscany and Apulia in both quality and tradition.

Flavours of Tradition – Prosciutto, Cheese, Honey and Truffles

The true journey of taste goes beyond wineries and olive mills – it continues in konobas (taverns) and agritourisms (https://www.istra.hr/en/gourmet/where-to-eat) where old recipes and heartfelt hospitality are still preserved.
On Istrian tables, you’ll find prosciutto cured in the Bora wind, cheeses made from cow and sheep milk, local honey, olives, and truffles from the Motovun forest – the jewels of Istrian gastronomy.
Try fresh seafood, traditional Istrian pasta, or meat from the native boškarin cattle, and discover the richness of flavours that make Istria a true gourmet paradise.

A Lasting Experience

“The Flavours of Istria” is more than a culinary route – it’s a journey that connects nature, culture, and emotion.
It leads from the sea to the hills, from vineyards to olive groves, from taverns to agritourism estates – and it doesn’t end on the plate, but in the heart of every guest.

Briskva Vacation Rentals Agency lovingly recommends villas, apartments, and holiday homes near Istria’s wine roads, olive groves, and traditional restaurants – so you can experience Istria with all your senses: taste, scent, and soul.

Olive oil is the symbol of Istria – a perfect blend of tradition, authenticity and excellence. From ancient Roman olive mills and classical writings to today’s world-renowned Flos Olei awards, Istrian olive oil embodies the true taste of the Mediterranean and tells the story of the land, the sun, and the people who have nurtured this golden fruit for centuries.

Olive – The Symbol of Istria Through the Centuries

For thousands of years, the olive has shaped the identity of Istria.
The ancient Greeks and Romans already recognised the value of Istrian oil, with the earliest written records dating back to antiquity.
The Roman writer Marcus Valerius Martialis wrote in the 1st century:
“Corduba, richer in oil than fertile Venafrum, yet as perfect as the oil of Istria!”

Even then, Istrian oil was a synonym for quality, prized throughout the Roman Empire.
Along the western coast of Istria – from Brijuni and Barbariga to Poreč and Červar Porat – archaeologists have found remains of ancient olive mills and amphora workshops that once supplied oil across the Mediterranean.
Indigenous varieties such as Buža, Bjelica, and Karbonera were already cultivated and remain the heart of Istrian olive growing today.

Olive oil was not only food – it was a remedy and a symbol of vitality.
Ancient peoples used it to heal wounds, digestive issues, and skin ailments, and today’s science confirms what they instinctively knew: every drop of olive oil holds the power of natural antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats that support longevity and well-being.

Istria – A World Leader in Quality

Thousands of olive trees still grow on the rolling hills between the sea and the inland – from Buje and Brtonigla to Bale and Medulin.
Here, where the morning dew meets the salty sea air, the finest extra virgin olive oil is born – the pride of Istria and a symbol of its authenticity.

According to Flos Olei 2026, Istria has been named the best olive oil region in the world for the ninth consecutive time, alongside Tuscany and Apulia.
In this global guide featuring the 500 best oils from five continents, 68 Istrian producers earned their place – an impressive 14% of the world selection.
Eighteen producers scored over 95 points, while Mate from Savudrija achieved Hall of Fame status with a perfect 100 points for the third year in a row.

This is more than an award – it’s proof that Istria is a global synonym for excellence, tradition, and the authentic taste of the Mediterranean.

The Taste of Istria in Every Drop

In villages such as Vodnjan, Bale, and Krasica, family-run mills still preserve the ancient art of pressing olives.
Taste Buža, Istrian Bjelica, Leccino, or Pendolino – each variety tells its own story, from mild and fruity to bold and peppery notes.

Olive oil in Istria is not just a condiment – it’s a way of life.
It complements fresh fish, vegetables, homemade pasta with truffles, or local prosciutto.
Follow the Olive Oil Roads, visit producers like Chiavalon, Ipsa, Oio de Buščina, and Olea BB, and discover a world of aromas and flavours where past and present blend in perfect harmony.

The best way to enjoy it? Right where it’s made – in an olive grove overlooking the sea, with bread, wine, and the glow of the Istrian sunset.
Every drop carries the warmth of the sun, the scent of the earth, and the spirit of people who live in harmony with nature.

Briskva Vacation Rentals Agency proudly recommends accommodation in the heart of Istrian olive groves – where the day begins with the aroma of fresh oil and ends with a golden sunset.