The Top 10 Bars In Istria Croatia

Istria, the heart-shaped, Italian-esque peninsula on Croatia’s western coast, is the country’s best kept secret. While its nightlife may not be as rampant as some of its neighboring cities, its incredible wine bars, world-class nightclubs and gorgeous views are must-sees. Here are the top 10 Istrian bars to check out.

Byblos

While bars and clubs here may not be as widespread as in other major Croatian cities, places like Byblos makes nightlife in Istria worth the visit. Located at the tourist resort Zelena Laguna in Poreč, Byblos hosts a wide variety of concerts and is one of the most popular nightclubs and bars around. Some well-known artists who have performed at this world-class venue in the past include Afrojack, Fatboy Slim, Martin Solveig and Paul Oakenfold.
Address & telephone number: Zelena Iaguna 1, Poreč, Croatia; +385 52 635 281

Cabahia

Just a little over a mile south of the Veruda center, Cabahia is an artsy, dimly lit hideaway with a cozy and eclectic interior. Filled with vintage décor, this spot has a boasts a bit of South American flair and a beautiful garden terrace perfect for mingling out back. Known to host both concerts and shows, Cabahia tends to get packed to the brim on the weekends. Just don’t forget to stop at an ATM on your way, this place’s cash only.

Bass

Bar, Coffee, Beer, Cocktails

If Cabahia gets too loud and packed, you can always head across the street to its neighboring bar, Bass. A laid-back spot for those looking to get away from the crowd a bit, Bass offers a slew of beers, decently priced cocktails, sangria, and many types of Croatia’s most popular spirit, rakija. Relax with friends and enjoy your drinks on the covered outdoor terrace.

Pietas Julias

Perfect for the night owls and sundowners, Pietas Julia is a chic and trendy bar open until 4 a.m. on weekends. Sitting right on the harbor, this lounge and disco bar has a lengthy list of both classic and specialty cocktails like the Freddy Kruger and the Zombie, and an extensive menu of pizzas, pastas and paninis when it’s time to soak up the booze.
Address & telephone number: Riva 20, Pula, Croatia; +385 91 181 1855

Movie Bar

Bar, Nightclub, Cocktails, Beer

Best known for its stunning locale, which overlooks the St. Andrea beach in Rabac, Movie Bar provides guests with a relaxing atmosphere, day and night. On sunny afternoons, it’s the perfect place to lay back with friends and enjoy a fresh smoothie or coffee beachside, but at night, expect a more energetic, nightclub vibe with live music and DJ’s.

Valentino

Bar, Beer

If you’re looking to see and be seen, Valentino is the place for you. A high-class cocktail and champagne bar, it sits directly on the water and is arguably one of the most romantic bars on the Adriatic coast with its underwater lighting and perfect views of the sunset. The bar, which also overlooks the water, is set on a small, rocky area, which has been cleverly transformed into a modern, chic bar with cushions on the rocks for seating.

Piassa Granda

Bar, Wine Bar, Mediterranean, European, Croatian

A stylish little wine bar with an intimate and romantic setting, Piassa Granda sits in Veli trg, which was Rovinj’s main square while it was an island. Wooden beams and red walls lined with shelves of 150 different wines create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about wines, and the bar offers a small menu with local cheeses, bruschetta and crostini, and other appetizers.

Torre Rotonda

A café and cocktail bar with a medieval vibe, Torre Rotonda is situated on the southern part of Poreč’s peninsula right next to the public square. The tower, which was built in 1474 under the Venetian government, was once used as a fort to defend the town from the Turkish government. Today, it has been transformed into one of the most attractive bars in the area, with seating atop the tower itself, overlooking the city and sea below.

Address & telephone number: Narodni trg 3a, Poreč, Croatia; +385 98 255 731

Scandal Express

Bar, Beer

Scandal Express is a tiny and smoky dive bar where the locals are known to hang out. This Istrian drinking spot may be small, but what it lacks for in size, it makes up for in character. Its old train-carriage feel attracts a bohemian and artsy crowd, and the place often gets packed quickly, causing regulars to spill out onto the narrow street.
Opening hours: 7am – 12am Mon-Fri, 7am – 2pm & 6pm – 12 am Sat & Sun

Watch out for: pašareta, a local Istrian soda

Bacchus Vinoteka

A trip to Istria would not be complete without a pit stop at Bacchus Vinoteka, a sweet little wine shop down a side street. Customers can try local wines on tap from, while they snack on some traditional Istrian plates. A treasure for wine-lovers, Bacchus Vinoteka is a cozy spot whether you’re with friends or traveling solo.

About the author

Julianna Roche

Julianna is a Boston-based multimedia journalist pursuing her master's in communication studies. She holds a bachelor's in journalism and Italian Studies, and has previously worked as associate editor at Cincy and NKY Magazine. Having lived in eight cities and two countries, as well as having grown up in an Italian home, she has a huge passion for exploring different cultures, learning other languages, and traveling. When she's not writing, she can probably be found running, cooking, or spending time outdoors and with her dog, Starbuck (who she adamantly notes is named after a character in Battlestar Galactica, not the coffee!).