Guidebook · Welcome to Istria
Villa Kasandra · Pool in the evening light

Your guide through Istria

What do you need right now?

One tap takes you straight to the chapter.

I.

We're so glad you're here

Up here, where the hills slope gently towards the Adriatic, time moves differently. It softens — stretching into long mornings by the pool, long lunches in the shade of the olive tree, and evenings when the last light gilds the old walls of Buje.

This guide is your quiet companion for the first few days. It tells you where to find the best bread in the morning, which Konoba is worth the drive, which cove has the fewest people, and who to call should anything go wrong.

We have taken care to be honest — no recommendation out of politeness, no address untested. If something is missing or no longer accurate, just let us know. And in the meantime: settle in, breathe deeply, and forget for a while what day of the week it is.

Warmly, your hosts Villa Kasandra · Kaštel
II.

First Things First

Four things you will most likely want to know on the day you arrive.

Wi-Fi

High-speed Wi-Fi is available to you at no charge. The network name and password can be found in the printed booklet in the apartment — including a QR code for instant connection.

Please use responsibly — no file sharing, no illegal content.

Check-out

Check-out is by 10:00 am. A different time is always possible — just let us know in advance.

Before you leave, please: empty the fridge, take out the rubbish, put away the dishes, close the windows, turn off the air conditioning, and leave the key.

Recycling

Four bins in the courtyard: General waste · Paper · Plastic · Glass. Please sort — it matters in Buje.

For bulky waste, electronics, and paints: the municipal recycling centre in Buje (Reciklažno dvorište), Momjanska 6 — about 5 minutes by car.

Parking

Designated parking spaces are available on the property — please keep the access lanes clear. The entrance and car park are monitored by CCTV.

Electric vehicle charging is not available on site. The nearest charging point is in Buje (see INA Buje).

III.

The House Rules

Part of the accommodation contract. The everyday points are summarised above — expand the groups below for the full, legally binding wording.

1–3 Quiet, safety & no smoking
1

Quiet hours and consideration

The peace and quiet of our guests is important to us. Please respect the quiet hours from 22:00 to 08:00, avoid loud music and conversation in the outdoor areas as well as slamming doors. Parties and events are not permitted.

2

Safety and care

When leaving the property, please close all windows and doors and switch off lights and electrical appliances. During thunderstorms or high winds we recommend unplugging electronic devices, as voltage fluctuations can cause damage. Fireworks and firecrackers are not permitted on the grounds.

3

No smoking

Smoking is prohibited in all interior spaces. Outdoors it is of course permitted — please use the ashtrays provided and extinguish all residues completely.

4–6 Occupancy, pets & cleanliness
4

Occupancy, visitors and children

The property may only be used by the number of guests booked. Please announce day visitors briefly in advance — a maximum of two persons per apartment and only until 22:00. Overnight stays by unregistered persons are not permitted. Children must be supervised at all times — especially on stairs, balconies and at the pool.

5

Pets

Although we are very fond of four-legged friends, we are unfortunately unable to accommodate pets, in order to protect guests with allergies and to ensure consistent quality. Thank you for your understanding.

6

Cleanliness and use of the inventory

We appreciate your careful treatment of the property and its inventory.

  • Please dispose of waste in the designated containers and separate it where possible into general, paper and packaging.
  • Dishes and kitchen utensils should be cleaned and put away after use.
  • Before departure, we kindly ask you to empty the refrigerator.
  • Please avoid stubborn stains from self-tanner or red wine on textiles and upholstery.
7–9 Water, energy & outdoor area
7

Sanitation, water and wastewater

Please do not put fats, oils, wet wipes, sanitary products, nappies, cotton buds or tampons into the toilet or drains. We ask you to use water responsibly — especially during the summer months. Please report dripping taps, blockages or unusual noises immediately so that we can attend to them quickly.

8

Air conditioning and energy

Please operate the air conditioning only with windows and doors closed, and switch it off when leaving the property.

9

Outdoor area, pool and barbecue

Pool: Use is at your own risk. Children may only enter the pool area under supervision. Please shower before swimming to rinse off heavily oil-based sun cream. Quiet hours apply at the pool as well.

Sun loungers: Two loungers are available per apartment; please return them after use.

Barbecue: A gas barbecue is available; charcoal grills are not permitted. Please use the barbecue only in the designated area and under supervision. After barbecuing, please turn off the gas.

10–12 Parking, Wi-Fi & damage
10

Parking and electric mobility

Please park only in the designated spaces and keep the driveways clear. The entrance and car park are video-monitored. Charging electric vehicles is unfortunately not possible, as the property is not equipped for it.

11

Internet and Wi-Fi

Fast Wi-Fi is available to you free of charge. We ask you to use it lawfully — no file sharing, no illegal content. In case of misuse, access may be temporarily suspended.

12

Damage, defects and keys

Something can always break — that is only human. Please report any damage or defects promptly so that we can help quickly. For damage caused by guests, we always seek a fair solution. In the event of key loss, please inform us immediately; the cost of replacement and any consequential costs are borne by the guest.

13–15 Photography, check-out & final provisions
13

Commercial photography and filming

Commercial or publicly distributed photography and filming, including social media productions for advertising purposes, are permitted only with the prior written consent of the host.

14

Check-out

Check-out is by 10:00, with different times gladly by arrangement. Please leave the property broom-clean, dispose of the waste, put away the cleaned dishes, empty the refrigerator, close all windows, switch off the lights and air conditioning, and return all keys.

15

Final provisions

These House Rules serve the safety, protection and respectful coexistence of all guests. In the event of violations, the host may take the necessary measures. In all other respects, the Terms and Conditions of Villa Kasandra apply in their current version.

IV.

Shopping & Daily Bread

Buje is five to ten minutes by car — and for the widest range of products, Umag is the destination.

Petrol Stations

INA BujeNearby · 24/7 ShopMon – Sun · 06:00 – 22:00

The closer of the two — open at night as well, with a bistro and ATM.

INA KaldanjaTowards PlovanijaMon – Sun · 07:00 – 19:00

On the road towards the Slovenian border — a convenient option when passing through.

Mon – Sun
07:00 – 19:00
Google listing

Groceries

Three large supermarkets in Buje — all within 5–10 minutes by car. Sunday is no longer a "closed day" in Croatia; all three are open on Sundays (as of May 2026).

KonzumOpen SundayMon – Sat · 07:00 – 20:00Sunday · 07:00 – 14:00

Croatia's largest domestic retailer — well stocked, fair prices, good range of local products.

Mon – Sat
07:00 – 20:00
Sunday
07:00 – 14:00
Google listing
SPAR SupermarketSunday until 18:00Mon – Sat · 07:00 – 21:00Sunday · 08:00 – 18:00

A newer, brighter branch with parking and an ATM — excellent cheese selection.

Mon – Sat
07:00 – 21:00
Sunday
08:00 – 18:00
Google listing
PlodineWidest range in BujeMon – Sat · 07:00 – 21:00Sunday · 08:00 – 14:00

A hypermarket with the broadest selection in the region — fresh produce, toiletries, wine.

Mon – Sat
07:00 – 21:00
Sunday
08:00 – 14:00
Google listing
StudenacRight next doorMon – Sat · 07:00 – 21:00

The small emergency shop practically on your doorstep — for cigarettes, a bottle of milk, a beer, or a forgotten toothbrush. Not for the weekly shop, but unbeatable for proximity.

Bakeries

Fresh bread, Burek, sweet strudel. Both bakeries open before 7 am — perfect for setting the breakfast table on the terrace.

Pekarnica San SebastianLocal favouriteMon – Sat · 06:00 – 21:00Sunday · 07:00 – 14:00

Right in the centre of Buje, on the main square. Burek and classic bakery pastries fresh from the oven.

Mon – Sat
06:00 – 21:00
Sunday
07:00 – 14:00
Google listing
MlinarChain · reliableMon – Fri · 06:00 – 20:00Saturday · 07:00 – 15:00

Croatian bakery chain with consistently good quality, located directly in the Konzum complex.

Mon – Fri
06:00 – 20:00
Saturday
07:00 – 15:00
Sunday
07:00 – 13:00
Google listing

Pharmacy

Ljekarna BujeIstarske ljekarneMon – Fri · 07:00 – 20:00Saturday · 08:00 – 13:00

The nearest pharmacy. For Sunday emergencies — on-call duty rotates; if in doubt, dial 112.

Mon – Fri
07:00 – 20:00
Saturday
08:00 – 13:00
Sunday
Seasonal
Google listing

Umag · the big trip

~20 minutes to the west, right on the coast. Worth the drive when you need the larger ranges of European discounters, or when you are heading to the beach anyway. Bonus: the pharmacy in Umag is open on Sundays too .

KauflandLargest rangeMon – Sat · 07:00 – 22:00Sunday · Seasonal

Classic Kaufland hypermarket with German brands, fresh deli counter, wine, toiletries.

Mon – Sat
07:00 – 22:00
Sunday
Seasonal
Google listing
LidlDiscounter · familiarMon – Sat · 07:00 – 22:00Sunday · Seasonal

Just like at home — recognisable own-brand products, affordable, tidy. EV charging points in the car park.

Mon – Sat
07:00 – 22:00
Sunday
Seasonal
Google listing
Plodine UmagLocal · largeMon – Sat · 07:00 – 22:00Sunday · Seasonal

The larger Plodine — right next to Kaufland, often the better choice for local specialities.

Mon – Sat
07:00 – 22:00
Sunday
Seasonal
Google listing
Ljekarna UmagOpen SundayMon – Fri · 07:00 – 21:00Saturday · 08:00 – 13:00

Important: open on weekends too. The closest Sunday pharmacy in the region.

Mon – Fri
07:00 – 21:00
Saturday
08:00 – 13:00
Sunday
08:00 – 12:00
Google listing

Fresh Markets · Tržnica

For fruit and vegetables straight from the producer, olive oil in unlabelled bottles, homemade cheese, fresh bread, and sometimes fresh fish — the farmers' markets offer what no supermarket can. Tip: go early (before 10 am); by noon most stalls are packing up.

Tržnica UmagDaily, morningsMon – Sat · approx. 07:00 – 12:00Sunday · Seasonal

Farmers' market near the new town of Umag — fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, local produce. The largest market in the region.

Mon – Sat
approx. 07:00 – 12:00
Sunday
Seasonal
Google listing
Stella Maris (Summer)Seasonal marketJune – Sept · daily until late

In summer, at the Stella Maris resort: fresh produce, handmade goods, souvenirs. A lively atmosphere in the evenings — vendors stay on late.

Tržnica BujeSmall · localMornings · best on Sat

The smaller farmers' market right in Buje — modest in size, but warm in character. Good for a basket of tomatoes and a friendly chat on the way back from the bakery.

V.

Restaurants & Konobe

From the simple Konoba with truffle pasta for 18 € to the Michelin-worthy San Rocco — all within 10–25 minutes by car. Reservations are recommended in high summer.

San RoccoMichelin level

A heritage hotel housing what may be the finest gourmet kitchen in Istria. Seasonal tasting menus, 200+ wines, five-course vegetarian available. For a truly special evening.

Konoba MorganMichelin Guide

A family-run restaurant on the road between Brtonigla and Buje. Seasonal: wild game and truffles in autumn, asparagus ravioli in spring. Views across the vineyards.

Konoba Stari PodrumLocal classic

Tucked away in the valley below Momjan, beside the Argili stream. Homemade pasta, truffles, steaks from Boškarin beef. Pairs beautifully with a visit to the Kozlović winery nearby.

Konoba BuščinaMichelin Guide

A rustic country house on the outskirts of Umag, family-run for over 30 years. Boškarin steak, truffles, Istrian prosciutto — all from local sources, prepared with honesty.

Konoba PjeroAuthentic · Momjan

Traditional Istrian cuisine in the mountain village of Momjan. Stone walls, an open fireplace, homemade Fuži with truffle sauce. Rustic in feel, utterly honest in flavour.

Malo SeloClose · genuine

A traditional Konoba in Buje itself. Homemade salami, Fuži with Boškarin sauce, grilled meats over an open fire. Summer terrace.

Konoba BukaletaLocal recommendationMon – Sat · 10:00 – 23:00Sunday · 10:00 – 22:00

A Konoba in the heart of Murine — specialities include fish platters, grilled meats and homemade ravioli. A lovely covered outdoor area, private car park, and genuinely warm hospitality.

Mon – Sat
10:00 – 23:00
Sunday
10:00 – 22:00
Google listing
Pizzeria AquariusPizza · since 1988

The oldest pizzeria in Buje — wood-fired oven, flour milled on-site, spelt option available. A local institution built over the years. House wines from their own estate.

San Servolo SteakhouseOwn brewery · Wagyu

A steakhouse with its own craft brewery, set in the hills between Buje and Grožnjan. Six naturally brewed Istrian beers following the Bavarian Reinheitsgebot of 1516. Black Angus and Wagyu from the grill, alongside truffles and wild asparagus. Beer spa and resort adjacent.

Oštarija RondoPizza · Mediterranean

Right on the main square of Buje. Pizza, Mediterranean classics, gluten-free options. Reliably good since 1995 — perfect for an easy evening in town.

Konoba Rustica40 pizzas · wood oven

A rustic Konoba since 1995, on the road between Plovanija and Umag. A large central fireplace with a fire burning all day. Wood-oven pizza in 40 varieties, homemade Fuži and gnocchi, bread from the wood oven, Peka dishes available on request. Dogs welcome, car park out front.

VI.

Beaches along the Northern Shore

Istria's beaches are rarely sand — mostly pebble and rock, backed by pine groves. That is precisely what makes the water so clear. An honest selection here, ordered by character.

SavudrijaThe lighthouse beach.~15 km · 25 min

A pebble-and-rock mix with pines for shade. Family-friendly, calm, with the distinctive 36-metre lighthouse. Ideal for long strolls along the water's edge.

Zambratija (Villa Rosetta)For families with young children.~14 km · 20 min

Pebble and rock, very shallow entry, surrounded by greenery and pines. The beach is publicly accessible (in Croatia, all beaches are legally open to everyone) — the sun loungers directly in front of the hotel, however, are reserved for hotel guests.

Stella Maris (Laguna)Family comfort with sand.~16 km · 22 min

One of the few genuine sandy beaches in the region — shallow, clean, with resort facilities (sun loungers, bar, sports). If building proper sandcastles with young children is on the agenda: this is the place.

Punta (Umag)Sandy beach with a gentle entry.~15 km · 22 min

At the Punta Resort, 1.5 km from Umag's town centre. Real sand , an exceptionally shallow water entry, ideal for children and non-swimmers. Shaded areas under pine trees, a beach bar nearby. One of the very few sandy beaches along the entire western coast.

Katoro / PolynesiaBlue Flag, activities, beach bars.~16 km · 22 min

A Blue Flag beach near Umag with beach volleyball, a tennis academy next door, and a watersports centre. More lively than the others — ideal if you want to keep busy.

Mareda (Novigrad)Pines, coves, fewer crowds.~22 km · 30 min

Several small bays tucked into a pine grove along the peninsula — those seeking quiet drive a little further and find an unpretentious, locally-flavoured Adriatic beach.

Karpinjan (Novigrad)Small rocky coves right in town.~18 km · 25 min

Several small entry points along the Novigrad promenade — perfect for a morning swim followed by an espresso in the old town.

VII.

Worth Seeing — Within Reach

The three hilltop villages can be done in a single day — we recommend spreading them over three.

Buje · Old TownAt 222 m elevation, with a panoramic view.~7 km · in Buje itself

The late-Baroque Church of St Servulus and the 48-metre bell tower (the second-tallest in Istria) offer views on clear days all the way to Slovenia, Italy, and Austria. A medieval town core, narrow lanes, Venetian walls.

MotovunIstria's most famous hilltop village.~25 km · 35 min

A medieval fortress, truffle capital, and the setting for the celebrated Motovun Film Festival (late July). A walk along the town walls is not to be missed. For truffle pasta: Konoba Mondo right in the village.

GrožnjanThe artists' village.~12 km · 20 min

More galleries than houses. In summer, Grožnjan hosts an international jazz music academy — spontaneous evening concerts spill into inner courtyards. Small enough for an afternoon, beautiful enough to return.

MomjanCastle ruins, vineyards, fewer visitors.~10 km · 15 min

A medieval castle ruin with sweeping views across the Dragonja valley. Nearby: the Kozlović winery (award-winning architecture) and some of the oldest olive groves in the region. A quiet gem that most visitors miss.

Poreč · Euphrasius-BasilikaUNESCO World Heritage Site.~22 km · 30 min

An early Christian basilica from the 6th century, featuring Byzantine mosaics — one of the most significant cultural monuments on the Adriatic coast. Followed by a stroll through the peninsula's old town.

RovinjThe most beautiful town on the Adriatic.~30 km · 40 min

Stone alleyways, Venetian houses built directly over the water, the tower of St Euphemia. A day in Rovinj feels like a day in another Italy — correspondingly busy in high summer, correspondingly serene in September.

VIII.

What You Can Do

When the beach and garden are not quite enough — three things this region is specifically renowned for.

Wine tourMalvazija, Teran, sweet Muscat di Momiano.Right on your doorstep

The area around Kaštel and Momjan is one of Istria's finest wine-growing territories. Recommended estates with tastings: Kabola (organic, Momjan), Kozlović (architecture award, Momjan), Geržinić (Vižinada). Please call ahead — these are small family operations.

Truffle huntingInto the forest with a dog and a guide.Buzet · Motovun forest

Guided 2–3-hour tours followed by a shared tasting. In autumn (Sept–Dec) it is white truffle season; in spring, black truffle. Extremely popular — book early. Operators: Karlić Tartufi, Zigante Tartufi, Prodan Tartufi.

Zigante TartufiThe "truffle king" of Istria — right on your doorstep.~5 min · in Buje

Shop in Buje (J.B. Tita 12) with tastings, truffle oils, pastes, and sauces to take home. This is precisely where Giancarlo Zigante, with his dog Diana, unearthed the world's largest white truffle in 1999 (1.3 kg · Guinness World Record). For the full experience — truffle tour (15 €/person in a group, 140 € private for up to 5), gourmet restaurant — head to the headquarters in Livade (~40 min).

Aquapark Istralandia23 slides, the largest wave pool facility in the region.~30 km · Nova Vas

Open May – September. A full day out with children, even more so with teenagers. Tickets are often cheaper online. For a quieter experience: go in the morning — afternoons get busy.

Olive oil tastingIstria regularly wins the Flos Olei award.Region

Several small mills offer tastings across different varieties (Buža, Istarska Bjelica, Leccino). Recommendation: Olea BB (Vodnjan) for connoisseurs, or a small-group tour with Olive Oil Tour Istria.

CyclingThe Parenzana trail.Region · seasonal

The former narrow-gauge railway from Trieste to Poreč is now a 123-km cycling route threading through tunnels, viaducts, and hilltop villages. The sections starting from Buje are particularly scenic — ideal as a half-day excursion.

ATP Tournament · Croatia OpenOne tennis week in July.Umag · seasonal

For those here in July with an appetite for sport: the ATP 250 tournament in Umag (Stella Maris). Evening programme with concerts right at the centre court. Tickets from approx. 25 €.

Watersports KatoroJet ski, parasailing, banana boat.~20 min · Umag

Levante Watersports directly on the beach at Katoro. Yamaha Wave Runner tours along the west Istrian coast, parasailing solo or tandem (the boat can tow up to 6 people), and classic banana boat rides. Book at the beach stand or via levantewatersports.hr.

Go-kart UmagThe short, fast circuit.~15 min · Umag

A 380-metre track with Sodi RT8 karts (9 hp, up to 80 km/h). 4 left-hand corners, 7 right-hand corners, lap time around 30 seconds. Great for beginners, birthday groups, and an afternoon adrenaline fix. Novigradska 30/1, Umag — free car park adjacent.

Green Garden KartingThe proper, full-size circuit.~90 min · Pula

A 1-km track with European homologation, lap record at 40 seconds. Race kart standard, in operation since 1997, set within the Šijana forest near Pula. Also: a dedicated children's track, paintball course, and quad tours with views across the Medulin Archipelago. Šijanska 12a, Pula .

Scenic flight MedulinIstria from 150 metres.~90 min · Medulin

Air Medulin (Cessna C-172/C-182) departs from Medulin airfield and follows the coast over Cape Kamenjak, the Brijuni Islands, Pula, and Rovinj. Three durations: 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, from approx. 60 €/person. The light is most beautiful in the morning.

Sedam Slapova · 7 WaterfallsIstria's finest hike.~40 min · Buzet

A 14-km circular walk from Buzet along the Mirna and its tributary the Draga. Moderate difficulty, ~5 h, seven waterfalls, old watermills, a lake, small gorges for swimming. Spring and autumn are the most spectacular — in high summer some falls run low.

Waterfall KotliWith its own natural swimming pool.~45 min · Kotli (Buzet)

A 12–16-metre waterfall on the Mirna in the abandoned village of Kotli, once famed for its watermills. Directly below lies a clear natural pool — perfect for a plunge on hot days. Accessible by car, with a short walk from the car park.

Zarečki KrovA hidden natural pool.~1 h · Pazin

A 15-metre waterfall in the Zarečje nature park, set within pristine surroundings. Below it, a turquoise pool you can swim in. Less visited than Kotli — an ideal quiet half-day excursion off the tourist trail.

IX.

If something does go wrong

In Croatia, 112 covers everything — police, fire, ambulance. The other numbers connect directly to the relevant service and are sometimes faster.

112 General emergency Police, fire brigade, ambulance — all from one number. Valid EU-wide.
192 Polizija Direct line to the police. For theft, accidents, filing a report.
193 Vatrogasci Direct line to the fire brigade. Fire, smoke, fuel spillage.
194 Hitna pomoć Emergency medical services / ambulance. For medical emergencies.
1987 HAK · Roadside assistance Croatian automobile club. Flat tyre, dead battery, towing.
+385 52 624 530 Ljekarna Buje Local pharmacy. Outside opening hours, call 112 for the on-call duty service.
German Embassy +385 1 6300 100
Zagreb
Austrian Embassy +385 1 4881 050
Zagreb
Swiss Embassy +385 1 4878 800
Zagreb
Hospital Opća bolnica Pula
+385 52 376 000