Some places in Istria naturally stand out when you’re behind the camera - the kind you notice immediately and don’t need to think twice about capturing.
What makes it interesting is how quickly the scenery in Istria changes. Within a short drive, you move between completely different settings - inland villages, open landscapes, lavender fields and colorful streets. Each one offers a different kind of frame.
Whether you're searching for the best photography spots in Istria or simply looking for unique places to visit in Istria, the region offers a remarkable variety of landscapes and experiences. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve selected some of the best places to capture - the ones you’ll want to keep long after the trip is over.
Kotli - One of the Most Unique Natural Attractions in Istria
Kotli feels more like a pause than a destination. You arrive, walk a short distance, and the entire place reveals itself: a narrow river cutting through stone, a bridge, and a few houses that look like they’ve always been there.
What’s easy to miss is that it’s not meant to be seen from one spot. The village is just the starting point - the river continues, and with it, the parts that feel less arranged and more natural. That’s where the place becomes quieter and more interesting.
Local tip: Visit in the morning or later in the afternoon, the light is softer and the textures of the stone stand out more.
Pijana Pruga - Istria’s Famous "Drunk Railway"
Pijana pruga is a former railway line that slowly slipped out of use, with the last train passing through in 1999. What followed wasn’t a clean ending, but a gradual takeover by nature, no maintenance, heavy rains and small landslides that reshaped the tracks over time.
Today, parts of the railway are bent, twisted and uneven, with rails still attached to old wooden sleepers but shifting in unexpected ways. That’s how it earned its name - Pijana pruga (“the drunk railway”). It’s slightly unusual, a bit imperfect, and that’s exactly what makes it stand out.
Izletište Pekici - Purple Landscapes of Istria
One of the most recognizable photo spots in Istria are the Pekici lavender fields. When they bloom in early summer, the landscape shifts into soft shades of purple, with traditional stone houses - kažuni, scattered across the fields.
The fields are part of the Pekici estate, which includes its own restaurant, so it’s easy to stay a bit longer and enjoy homemade Istrian cuisine on-site!
Good to know: If you visit during the Days of Lavender (June 28 – July 12), expect more visitors, local products and a more vibrant atmosphere.
Lake Butoniga - A Hidden Gem in Inland Istria
Butoniga Lake is often described as one of Istria’s best-kept secrets, and once you see it, it’s easy to understand why.
It offers a quieter side of the region, far from the usual routes, where the landscape opens slowly and nothing feels rushed. At the same time, it fits naturally into any inland itinerary - just a short drive from Motovun or Pazin, with smaller villages nearby that still hold that authentic Istrian character.
Additional location: Just below the lake, the Butoniga stream runs through a narrow, almost hidden valley that most people never reach. It’s one of the main tributaries feeding the lake, but the setting feels completely different: lower, quieter and more enclosed.
Rovinj Old Town - The Most Photogenic Coastal Town in Istria
Rovinj is one of those places where you don’t really look for photo spots, you just keep finding them. The whole old town works in a very consistent way, from narrow streets to open edges facing the sea, so it’s easy to move through it without a plan.
If you want a clearer starting point, begin near Balbi’s Arch and let the streets pull you toward the water. From there, follow the outer edge of the town toward the seaside promenade near the Partisan Memorial, where the space opens up and the colorful houses align with the sea.
Local tip: If you have time, visit the Church of St. Euphemia. From there, you’ll get a clear view over the surrounding islands.
Explore Istria with IstriaLux
If you happen to visit any of these places, we’d love to see it - feel free to tag us on social media and share a part of your story!
If you are looking for more tips on what to do in Istria, at IstriaLux we offer unforgettable experiences from selected partners, carefully chosen to help you discover the region in a unique and authentic way.
P.S. Don’t forget to take a look at our previous blog, where we share ideas for an active holiday in Istria.