windmill

An old stone windmill in the interior of Istria, part of the traditional Istrian farmland.

What to know

windmill stands in Istria, one of the six regions that make up the Croatia most visitors fall for. From the Adriatic shore to the karst mountains and the quiet inland valleys, this part of the country gives you something worth the detour.

Practical info

• Entry: confirm entry fees and hours on the official site before you set out. They shift with the season, and some places shut altogether off-season.
• How to get there: Tap the map for the route. Croatian town parking is mostly paid and marked with blue P signs; if your trip involves an island, build buffer time in for the ferry.

When to go

Aim for May to October at windmill, and within that, June and September for warm water without the peak crowds. High summer means heat and queues; winter, by contrast, is quiet, cheap and surprisingly handsome inland.

Photograph by John covers Croatia honestly. Every spot here is real, mapped and free to read. If this guide helped, pass it on to someone planning a trip.