Back to nature in inland Istria
Arguably at its best in the autumn months, inland Istria is all about outdoor activities and earthy gastronomic treats. Grape-picking – malvasia, teran and muscat grapes -kicks off, the aroma of hot chestnuts fills the streets and truffle hunters head off to the woods in search of the region’s prized delicacy.Truffle events
Tastings, auctions and cooking demos - take place in several Istrian towns from September to November. Choose a traditional village such as Merisce as your base and from here you can explore the truffle towns of Buzet and Livade, visit wineries and explore Istria’s charming hilltop towns.
City slickers
Dubrovnik is never empty but certainly autumn brings with it fewer crowds than in the summer months. By now, temperatures are cool enough for you to stroll through the city at leisure, along marble streets and past baroque buildings.No trip to Dubrovnik would be complete without a wander along the medieval city walls, a two-kilometre walk along battlements that date back to the 13th century. Autumn is also an excellent time to take a day trip across to the National Park on Mljet, a densely wooded island with two salt water lakes and a Benedictine monastery.
Relax on the Peljesac peninsula
In September, summer is not quite over. If you are lucky, you will be able to swim in the sea through to the end of October and enjoy a few more lingering lunches in the sunshine. The Peljesac peninsula has some of the best beaches in Croatia, with a mixture of sand and shingle, many tucked away in hideaway coves.Combine beach relaxation with a tour of the local wineries (Dingac, Postup and Plavac are amongst Croatia’s finest wines) and tuck into platters of locally-farmed oysters at Ston and Mali Ston.
