Labin

A Look at the Proud Attitude Towards Kvarner

In the town of Labin historic buildings bring life back to the middle ages, romantic streets bear the bustling charm of the picturesque old town with its landscaped courtyards and the modern district of Podlabin has evidence of bygone times in its collection of sacred art. Labin is a town in Istria whose Mediterranean history permeates through its modern visage and excites locals and (Croatian) tourists. On its throne up on the 320 meter high green hill neraby the seaside Rabac resort, Labin sits proudly in the hinterland and offers its visitors an excellent panoramic view of the Bay and Istria.

A good starting point for a foot tour is the picturesque, car free old town of Porta Sanifior with its medieval charm and main gate and the additional two Venetian lions protecting the entrance to the winding streets. From here you can go to the city loggia, built in 1662 and where jurisdiction in Labin was once transpired. The city loggia is located directly opposite the city palace on the main square Crc- the current seat of the municipal administration. Labin is a city with many attractions, such as the Palace of the Scampicchio Patrician Family and the Baroque Palace of the Battiala Lazzarini Family. The Baroque palace was built in the 18th century and was then the seat of the Earl family. It is now used as a home for casing art works by local artists as well as Roman remains. There is also the National Museum of the city with an interesting exhibition on the rich history of mining in Labin.

The collection of sacred art, valuable paintings and images of apostles can be seen in the Church of Blessed Virgin Mary's Birth. Well worth a visit is even to the memorial collection of Matija Vlačić Ilirik. The Istrian writer was one of the first assistant of Martin Luther.

Lively Beaches and Romantic Vantage Points

A Croatia-Istria holiday can be spent in many versatile ways. Opportunities for swimming in the Kvarner bay can be found in Rabac. A few kilometers away is where the seaside resort of Rabac lies with rich gastronomic experiences and a colorful nightlife. Especially in the summer time, there are many festivals and concerts. Want less of the underwater world and more flora and fauna? Take your holidays and discover Motovun in Istria and the  Brijuni National Park. Motovun is especially well known because of its white truffles that grow in the surrounding oak forest. The  Brijuni National Park is best and easily visited after a short trip to Pula in southern Istria. For those who want to enjoy nature, a visit in the Brijuni National Park Istria is a must, while Pula, on the other hand, presents a vibrant city life with much architecture derived from the Roman times, such as the amphitheater, the Temple of Augustus and the Forum. In the Venetian influenced town of Rovinj, one experiences an atmospheric harbor idyll full of wooden rowing boats and pale red tile roofs that glisten on the blue Adriatic waters.

A little romance on vacation can be felt by taking a trip to the not to far away, glamorous Opatija resort, Croatia's oldest climatic health resort lying in the northeast of the peninsula. Its heyday is long but in the past now, but the 12 km long promenade "Lungomare" still entices visitors to take long walks. Lovers of architecture will also enjoy the many stately Belle Epoque villas here which largely characterize the town-scape. Having your holidays near Labin and Rabac can be very different for different people and offers something for both couples and families interested in a good time.