Sustainable Tourism in Istria (Croatia) Cultural routes and territorial identity as drivers for long-lasting local development

This chapter intends to focalise on the Croatian Region of Istria (EU NUTS3-HR036), which is located in the peninsula at the head of the Adriatic Sea. The coast is articulated, dotted with small historic towns (Umag, Poreč, Rovinj and Pula) with Roman remains, as well as architectural sites dating from the Byzantine and Venetian dominions. The landscape of the whole territory is scenic. The rolling hills inland are covered with vegetation and scattered with villages. Because of the nature of its soils, from west to east the area is divided up into “red Istria” (limestone), “grey Istria” (sandstone/marl), and “white Istria” (calcareous/dolomitic). Known as “the land of a thousand islands”, Croatia is characterised by the presence of several Special Protected Zones, natural parks, elements of historical/cultural heritage, religious sites (some devoted to pilgrimages), historic towns and villages, UNESCO sites, and natural and local food products. This set of attractions – together with the precious intangible heritage – plays an important role in the achievement of the objectives of the Strategy for Croatian Tourism Development. One of the instruments for this purpose is the implementation of multi-thematic routes, the core topic of this chapter.