Istria - Croatia

During August this year (2026) I visited the Croatian region of Istria for the first time. It was also bizarrely my first ever time in Croatia despite wanting to visit this former area of Yugoslavia for some time.

I am always really intrigued when I visit the former communist countries and this part of old Yugoslavia did not disappoint. With Croatia only declaring independence in 1991 it was not possible to visit here when I was young, so I am always intrigued when I go to such countries and they still have a mystique for me. The Istrian region on the north west coast still contains many signs of communism and it was interesting to try and find a few during my visit. We spent time in Pula with its vast and sadly now deteriorating shipbuilding yard and here there were many older communist buildings and statues to photograph, together with many Roman Empire buildings from their rulers far before communist times. A very interesting mix of sights.

'Monument to Shipyard Workers'

1969 statue by Luka Muslin in Yugoslavia.

I think photographing Pula during a cold winter would be very interesting, as somehow these old communist buildings, in my mind, should be seen when bleak and cold and not the hot summer days of my visit. The blue skies of Pula and Rovinj were perfect though for photographing the Roman elements of this part of Istria.

'The Post Office - Pula'

A perfect example of a "brutalist' style of communist architecture.

'Pula Castle with the Shipyards in the distance'

'Fisherman in the Shipyards'

Pula, Croatia

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Pula. At first sight, an industrial town thats slightly off the beaten track for tourists heading to Croatia. That only helped for me in photography terms, and there were very few international tourists in Pula during my stay in August. People were either local from Istria or from neighbouring countries like Slovenia or Bosnia, and I hardly heard a British, German or other European accent during my entire stay. Prices were also extremely good value with coffee, drinks and restaurants etc roughly 60% lower than the equivalent in the UK.

'Orange Crane'

Pula, Croatia

'Shipyards'

Pula - Croatia

After communism and being part of former Yugoslavia, the Istria region has a long and ancient connection with the Roman Empire going back 2,000 years and you can see many examples of that throughout the region with Pula and Rovinj heavily influenced by Roman architecture. Non more so than the Forum in the centre of Pula which is dominated by the Temple of Augustus and the nearby Amphitheatre, the Pula Arena. The Arena is a magnificent structure that is still in use today as a fabulous gig venue. Indeed Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds were playing on the night the images below were taken with the Arena having already hosted Sting a few days prior.

'Pula Arena'

Pula - Croatia

'Temple of Augustus'

Pula - Croatia

'Chapel of St. Mary Formosa'

Pula - Croatia

Alongside Pula, the star of Istria is Rovinj. A little further up the coast and north of Pula it is not called the Venice of Croatia for no reason. Its an absolutely stunning town set in a peninsula which is dominated by the Church of St. Euphemia. A breathtaking place and I am sure you will see from my drone images below it is well worth visiting. One of the most beautiful views in Europe I think?