Istria is often called the gateway to Western Europe, and it is easy to see the influence of the location of the peninsula on its culture and economy. Over the past two centuries, Istria was the possession of different states - Italy, Austria and Yugoslavia, until it became part of an independent Croatia. The influence of Italy has affected the national cuisine and the language of the peninsula, moreover, although the official language is Croatian, many speak Italian. The ancient Romans also left their mark here - the magnificent amphitheater in the city of Pula was designed by analogy with the Colosseum and could accommodate 23,000 spectators. Its ruins are one of the main attractions of Istria. In turn, the rule of the Venetians was reflected in traditional architecture. The hilly landscape of Istria with dense forests and medieval towns atop the hills attracts many visitors from all over the world. The peninsula is famous for its seafood and great wines. One of the local olive oil producers ranked in the top ten in the world according to an Italian culinary magazine. In Istria, the transport infrastructure is much better developed than in other parts of Croatia. In addition, it is not difficult to get from here by car to almost any part of Europe. Therefore, Istria is very popular with the citizens of Slovenia, Germany, Austria, here you can also meet the British, Italians and French. Renaissance symbols The peninsula is now experiencing another revival. And this is reflected in the way of life of the inhabitants of Istria. “Previously, people left the rural areas to look for work on the coast or in the cities, but now they return to the farms to make excellent wines and olive oil, or are converting rural houses into fashionable hotels. This is the new economy, ”says local tourism guide Guido Schwengersbeuer. Indeed, the economy of Istria has been growing quite rapidly - an average of 4.3% per year over the past four years. This is largely due to the incessant flow of tourists. Istria is making every effort to bring the level of tourism back to what it was before the Balkan War, when the peninsula belonged to the former Yugoslavia. But already now about a third of all holidaymakers in Croatia go to Istria. The flow of tourists maintains a high level of growth in property prices. Lillian Scully, managing director of Adriatic Riviera, says that "with affordable housing prices and an increasing number of visitors, the annual growth in property values is estimated at 15-20%." Pula is the largest city in Istria, a large seaport and an international tourist center. In the Old Town, the well-preserved ruins of Roman structures built before our era attract attention. Also of interest are the old town hall, the Byzantine mausoleum, the Franciscan church with a museum of frescoes and mosaics, as well as the Historical Museum and the Archaeological Museum with a beautiful sculpture garden located in the Venetian fortress. It is impossible not to mention such Istrian cities as Motovun and Groznjan. They are built on high hills offering fantastic panoramas of the peninsula. The town of Motovun is known for its annual film festival, a labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful views of the surrounding area. Numerous sights have made the city one of the most expensive places to buy real estate in the country, here you will have to pay at least 2,500 euros for each square meter. No less popular cities in Istria are Pazin, Porec and Umag. For every taste and budget European buyers tend to prefer traditional stone houses for renovation. Such housing is offered inexpensively, but repairs can cost quite a serious amount - up to 1000 euros per 1 sq. m. Property in Croatia is in great demand among Slovenes and Italians. At CroatiaBlue real estate agency you can find an offer for the sale of a traditional farmhouse 10 km from the town of Porec. The house has thick stone walls and wrought iron gates and a fireplace. It is located on the southern outskirts of a small village, where electricity and water can be easily connected, and is surrounded by a plot of 300 sq. m. Although the house costs only 90,000 euros, it needs a complete renovation. Another option is to buy a fully finished property. Agency Adriatic Riviera offers a stone house of 60 sq. m, with one bedroom, spacious terrace and sea views. It has a courtyard and a stone annex converted into an open kitchen and barbecue area. The house is located in the cozy village of Brtonigla and is sold for 120,000 euros. New villas built in a traditional style are also interesting to buy. Prices for housing of this type are much higher, although the area is larger. Aquarius Properties offers a brand new villa made of stone and oak beams with a private swimming pool. It is located on the outskirts of the village of Vizinada, with magnificent views of the Mirna Valley and the town of Motovun. The total living area of the villa, including balconies, is 250 sq. m, and the plot has a size of 1000 sq. m. The villa is sold for 595,000 euros. Those who do not compromise and want to purchase housing that fully meets modern standards need to be prepared for significant expenses. Dream Property Croatia offers real estate in the Kempinski Villas 2 complex in Savudrija. This charming village near Umag is famous for its crystal clear sea, pebble beaches and pine forests. The complex will include 22 modern villas, each designed to accommodate 6 people. There are four types of three-storey villas with three guest and two master bedrooms, each with luxurious sea views. It is also popular to buy apartments under construction, which are considered a profitable investment. As a rule, prices for apartments in new buildings start from 1700 to 2850 euros per 1 sq. m, depending on the location and type of house. ADRIA-NASTA offers apartments in a new building under construction in the suburb of Pula, in the immediate vicinity of the Kamenjaka Natural Park, striking in its pristine beauty. Modern apartments are offered with finishing, air conditioning, spacious terraces overlooking the sea. The basement floor provides parking and a storage room. Prices here start at 139,500 euros. Not far from the town of Umag, where the tennis tournaments of the ATP are held, right on the waterfront is the Riva Apartments complex, which offers fantastic views of the sea. The project has good rental potential. Housing prices start at 99,000 euros.