Family-Friendly Villa Pascal in Istria, Croatia – Holiday & Travel Blog
Agenda
Discover Local Festivals, Markets & Cultural Events in Pula – Click the Link Below:
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While Istrian wines (Croatia) are well-known, there is another, more surprising local production that will delight enthusiasts like us. Take advantage of your holiday to explore the local breweries and even try a relaxing beer bath...
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In spring, wild asparagus is everywhere in Istria. You’ll find it growing abundantly in the countryside, woodlands, and along scenic paths leading to the sea. Local chefs celebrate it in delicious risottos or creamy scrambled eggs.
Just a short drive from Villa Pascal, the charming town of Labin honors this local treasure with events throughout April—a must-visit experience for families and food lovers alike!
https://www.rabac-labin.com/
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Pula Carnival – Festivals and Traditions in Istria
Every year, Pula transforms into a vibrant celebration for its carnival! Colorful parades and a festive atmosphere fill the streets of this beautiful Croatian city. 🏙️✨
With music, dancing, and local treats, it’s the perfect opportunity to experience the warm and joyful spirit of Istria. Don’t miss this unmissable event, which celebrates local history and culture with a touch of magic and fun.
Every year, Pula transforms into a vibrant celebration for its carnival! Colorful parades and a festive atmosphere fill the streets of this beautiful Croatian city. 🏙️✨
With music, dancing, and local treats, it’s the perfect opportunity to experience the warm and joyful spirit of Istria. Don’t miss this unmissable event, which celebrates local history and culture with a touch of magic and fun.
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St. Valentine Chapel in Krnica – History and Culture in Istria
The St. Valentine Chapel, located in Krnica, Istria, Croatia, was built by the Mandušić family. Its simple architecture features a façade without a bell tower and a marble altar inside. A 1729 altarpiece depicting holy figures adorns the interior. The Mandušić family and the priest who served there are buried in the chapel.
Today, the chapel is open to the public, especially during Valentine’s Day on February 14th, when special events take place, including guided tours and music concerts, celebrating this historical and spiritual landmark.
The St. Valentine Chapel, located in Krnica, Istria, Croatia, was built by the Mandušić family. Its simple architecture features a façade without a bell tower and a marble altar inside. A 1729 altarpiece depicting holy figures adorns the interior. The Mandušić family and the priest who served there are buried in the chapel.
Today, the chapel is open to the public, especially during Valentine’s Day on February 14th, when special events take place, including guided tours and music concerts, celebrating this historical and spiritual landmark.
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Camino South Istria – Hiking and Heritage in Southern Istria
The Camino South Istria is a circular trail of approximately 180 km that explores southern Istria, Croatia. Developed in collaboration with the Confraternity of Saint James, it is part of Croatia’s network of pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. Divided into seven daily stages, the trail offers pilgrims and hikers the chance to discover the region’s rich historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage amid stunning natural landscapes.
The route is marked by the yellow scallop shell on a blue background, the recognizable symbol of the pilgrimage. It passes through iconic sites such as Rakalj, one of Istria’s best-preserved gems, located just a short drive from Villa Pascal.
Around Rakalj, the trail winds through untouched nature, bordered by dry stone walls and wild fig trees. Old Rakalj, with the ruins of its medieval castle, provides breathtaking views over the Raša Bay and the pristine eastern Istrian coastline.
The Camino then follows hidden coves with crystal-clear waters, perfect for a reflective pause. This section offers a true immersion into the wild and serene Istria, far from mass tourism, where silence is only interrupted by the songs of cicadas and the whisper of the wind in olive groves.
The Camino South Istria is a circular trail of approximately 180 km that explores southern Istria, Croatia. Developed in collaboration with the Confraternity of Saint James, it is part of Croatia’s network of pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. Divided into seven daily stages, the trail offers pilgrims and hikers the chance to discover the region’s rich historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage amid stunning natural landscapes.
The route is marked by the yellow scallop shell on a blue background, the recognizable symbol of the pilgrimage. It passes through iconic sites such as Rakalj, one of Istria’s best-preserved gems, located just a short drive from Villa Pascal.
Around Rakalj, the trail winds through untouched nature, bordered by dry stone walls and wild fig trees. Old Rakalj, with the ruins of its medieval castle, provides breathtaking views over the Raša Bay and the pristine eastern Istrian coastline.
The Camino then follows hidden coves with crystal-clear waters, perfect for a reflective pause. This section offers a true immersion into the wild and serene Istria, far from mass tourism, where silence is only interrupted by the songs of cicadas and the whisper of the wind in olive groves.
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Easter Tradition in Istria
Easter period in Istria revives tradition in order to preserve intangible cultural heritage. Discover them all!
There is a long tradition of egg decoration in Istria. Easter eggs symbolize life and are often decorated with natural colours. There is a popular traditional game linked to Easter eggs, too. People, mostly children, compete in knocking egg on egg - the winner is the one left with the entire egg.
Pinca is traditional sweet bread with raisins and it is the main star of the Easter table served for breakfast. It is a delicacy, mainly round-shaped with a cross sign in the middle. It was traditionally decorated with an olive leaf.
If you are intrigued and should you find yourself in Istria by the middle of April, we are inviting you to come to Paladnjaki, a village not far from Žminj. You’ll see the way pinca was baked in the past, in bread ovens. You’ll go back in time and find out how delicious dishes with simple ingredients were made.
Easter morning naturally begins with Easter breakfast. Along with pinca (sweet bread) and Easter eggs, there are several other delicacies there: ham, onion, salt and sometimes radish.
Easter lunch is also very abundant with meat delicacies like lamb under the lid with potatoes combined with Istrian wines malvasia or teran.
Easter is a family holiday - and what is nicer than a day spent with your loved ones? If you get the chance, spend Easter in Istria to experience the customs and tradition of our peninsula.
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Did you know ?
2Cellos and Stjepan Hauser – Local Talents and Music in Istria
2Cellos, the Croatian cello duo made up of Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser, became famous for their instrumental covers of popular pop and rock hits, while remaining true classical musicians. The two met during a masterclass and quickly formed a strong friendship built on their shared passion for music.
Their first video, a cover of Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal, paved the way for other hits including U2, Nirvana, Coldplay, and Sting. They have also collaborated with Elton John.
Hailing from the small village of Rakalj, just 10 minutes from Villa Pascal, Stjepan Hauser financed a beautiful seaside walkway leading to a secluded pebble beach with turquoise waters.
A perfect way to experience the pristine nature of Istria while enjoying the inspiring musical spirit of the region.
2Cellos, the Croatian cello duo made up of Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser, became famous for their instrumental covers of popular pop and rock hits, while remaining true classical musicians. The two met during a masterclass and quickly formed a strong friendship built on their shared passion for music.
Their first video, a cover of Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal, paved the way for other hits including U2, Nirvana, Coldplay, and Sting. They have also collaborated with Elton John.
Hailing from the small village of Rakalj, just 10 minutes from Villa Pascal, Stjepan Hauser financed a beautiful seaside walkway leading to a secluded pebble beach with turquoise waters.
A perfect way to experience the pristine nature of Istria while enjoying the inspiring musical spirit of the region.
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