Enchanting coastlines, coasts and shores awarded with the blue flag for their sustainability. Let’s discover the best eco-friendly beaches in Istria!
Istria surprises for its enchanting Venetian-style towns, for its green hinterland, but mostly for its postcard beaches and its crystal clear sea. Some stretches of coast and shores have been awarded for their ecological attention and are the perfect destination for a sustainable holiday. In the list of Blue Flags, assigned by the Danish NGO Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), there are numerous beaches on the Istrian coast, which are constantly increasing every year. So, rewarded for their pristine sea, these beaches pay great attention to protect and preserve natural resources. Let’s start to discover the eco-friendly beaches not to be missed in the most Italian region of Croatia.
Ecological beach on the island of Veruda
Fhoto by Michele Federico, via Flickr
Located on the north coast of the island of Veruda – also known as Isola dei Frati – this beautiful beach is about 350 meters long and is protected by a pine forest. It was the first beach in Croatia to receive the ecological beach recognition from the Istrano regional program, for its environmental attention. In addition, to having forbidden access to motor boats, this eco-friendly beach offers guests points for the separate collection of waste, and showers with hot water heated by solar panels. Access to the beach is near the reception of the campsite on the island.
The ecological “green” beach of Karpinjan in Novigrad
Photo of Novigrad by Frans Ruiter on Unsplash
Located about one kilometer north of Novigrad (Cittanova) on the northwestern coast of Istria. The green beach of Karpinjan (Carpignano) stands out for its environmental cares. The bay has got water-saving showers, smart benches, bicycle racks, and points for separate waste collection. Some panels offer also useful information on the results of the water quality tests and on the responsible behavior to protect the shore. The beach, mainly pebble, is protected by pine trees and has access to the sea, partly rocky, about 500 meters long. Entry into the water is shallow and the sea is transparent.
Girandella beach in Rabac
Photo of Rabac by Lukasz Szmigiel on Unsplash
The Girandella beach in Rabac is located on the southeast coast of Istria, near the tourist town of Rabac (Porto Albona) and is 150 meters long. The bay is mainly of gravel and pebbles, with some parts in rock and concrete. Thanks to the purity and quality of its waters, this stretch of coast exhibits the Blue Flag. In addition to a dive in the crystal clear sea, you will have the opportunity to take bicycle tours or long walks on the seafront. The scent of pine trees and the sound of the waves will accompany your journey.
Plava Laguna beach in Poreč
Photo of Poreč by Nazar Hrabovyi on Unsplash
Just 5 km from the center of Poreč (Parenzo), the eco-friendly beach of Plava Laguna (Bellevue) is about 250 meters long and is made of concrete, rocky and gravel parts. Awarded with a Blue Flag, the seaside is perfect for families with small children, thanks to the shade of pine trees and comfortable access to the sea. Furthermore, part of this natural paradise is for naturists and for those who want to enjoy direct contact with nature.
Katoro beach in Umag
Photo by Kevin on Unsplash
On this beach, located in the homonymous village north of Umag (Umago), the blue flag is flying. The Katoro beach (Cattoro) is about 500 meters long and is made of rock, concrete and fine gravel. Some inclined planes with railings offer comfortable entrances into the crystal clear waters of the sea.
Ambrela beach in Pula
Photo of Ambrela beach by David Clay via Flickr
This eco-friendly beach is located at the entrance of the tourist resort of Verudela, in the city of Pula (Pola) and is about 100 meters long. Thanks to its clear sea and its shoreline of pebbles and gravel that naturally slopes towards a shallow sea, Ambrela beach has the Blue Flag.
Sv. Andrija beach – Red island in Rovinj
This natural oasis is located on the Red Island, about fifteen minutes by boat from the center of Rovinj (Rovigno). The Red Island is formed from two connected artificial islands, the island of Maškin (Maschino) and the island of Sv. Andrija (Sant’Andrea). On the island you will find numerous eco-friendly beaches and most of which are rocky or covered with pebbles. To clarify, the most popular beaches are located on the southern shore of the island of S. Andrea, while, on the western shore of the island of S. Andrea you will find high rocks suitable for diving. In short, this part of the island is perfect for those are looking for a pristine corner of beach, away from crowds and noise.
Koversada beach in Vrsar
Coast near Vrsar, Photo by David Jones, via flickr
This eco-friendly beach is located at the entrance to the Lim channel, near the town of Vrsar (Orsera) and is about 5 km long, with sandy and rocky parts. This beach is close to the largest nudist campsite in Croatia. Koversada beach exhibits Blue Flag and is full of small hidden bays and oases. On the largest sandy beach, which is also more popular, there is a walkway that allows access to the sea for everyone, even for bathers with disabilities.
Summarizing
In conclusion, Istria is the perfect destination for those are looking for natural paradises with transparent and crystal clear waters. In short, Istrian eco-friendly beaches are oases of fun, creativity and pleasure for the whole family. Dive into the sea from one of these wonderful beaches and bring home unforgettable memories.
Cover image Source: Istria County, Administrative Department for Tourism
The article Top 8 Eco-Friendly Beaches in Istria was originally posted on Ecobnb.