When you have just one day to explore, and you want to make the most of it with captivating experiences, Terra Magica offers an endless source of inspiration. Today, we present a suggestion on how to indulge all your senses with the flavors, scents, and colors of Istria, collecting memories that will last a lifetime.

VODNJAN – Learn to taste olive oil

Vodnjan is an authentic gem that preserves the tradition of the Istrian way of life, blending it with modern times in a unique way. Its palaces and streets are rich with details from Gothic, Venetian, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, along with beautiful churches and monuments that coexist with a vibrant street art scene and impressive murals on facades. Beyond its rich history, Vodnjan is renowned for its production of extra virgin olive oil.

OPG Chiavalon in Vodnjan is the most awarded producer of extra virgin olive oil in Croatia, and their Ex Albis oil is ranked among the top 25 organic extra virgin olive oils in the world. Join a guided tour of the estate, where you’ll walk through olive groves overlooking the Brijuni Islands, and learn about the cultivation and production techniques. In the tasting room inside the modern olive mill, you’ll discover how to properly taste and recognize authentic extra virgin olive oil. After sharpening your palate, treat yourself to a selection of Istrian tapas and wines. Choose your unique tasting experience here.

Before leaving Vodnjan, take a look at the Park of Kažun, an open-air museum showcasing the Istrian tradition of dry-stone construction used for shepherds’ and farmers’ shelters during bad weather.

Just a 20-minute drive away is your next destination, the most romantic corner of Istria – Rovinj.

ROVINJ – Fall in love at first sight

There aren’t many places where beauty leaves you breathless, and Rovinj is certainly one of them. Take your time to simply stand and admire this picturesque town on a peninsula, surrounded by the sea, boats, and a small archipelago of islands. Colorful facades, winding cobblestone streets, houses that touch the sea, and the dominant bell tower of St. Euphemia’s Church at the top create a postcard-perfect scene. Explore the old town, its galleries, souvenir shops, and charming cafes. The view from the Baroque bell tower, topped by a statue of the saint indicating the wind direction, is nothing short of spectacular. On clear days, you can even see the Alps.

Once you’ve soaked in the vibrant atmosphere of the old town, head to one of Rovinj’s beaches. The Golden Cape Forest Park, or Punta Corrente, is only a 15-minute walk from the center and offers a cool retreat in a forest oasis of cypress, pine, and Himalayan cedar trees. You can walk, bike, try free climbing, or simply dive into the blue sea and relax. The rocky beaches are ideal for quiet relaxation, while pebbled coves are perfect for families with children. As the sun begins to set, drive north to Višnjan, about a 40-minute ride away. On the way, you can explore the unique Lim Channel and taste fresh shellfish directly from the sea. Learn more here.

VIŠNJAN – Gaze at the Starry Sky

In the ancient town of Višnjan, you can meet some of the world’s most successful asteroid hunters. In terms of the number of potentially dangerous objects discovered near Earth, the Višnjan Observatory stands alongside NASA. This alone is a great reason to end your magical Istrian journey here, where gazing at the starry sky lets you touch your dreams.

During the summer season, astrotourism programs are organized for visitors, including lectures, tours of the observatory and the main telescope dome, and stargazing when weather permits. The stargazing experience concludes with guided constellation observation aided by a laser. The Astro Night program begins in the evening, with sessions available in Croatian on some days and in English on others. Check the exact schedule here.