Holidays in the year 82

The Istrian Peninsula is located in the west of Croatia and features a diverse landscape including the mountains and lakes of the interior and the stunning beaches along the coastline. The Istrian Peninsula climate is a combination of hot, sunny summers and short mild winters. Sunshine levels in the Istrian Peninsula are high and this area of Croatia receives over 2400 hours of annual sunshine. Rainfall is distributed evenly throughout the year although the north will receive slightly higher levels of rainfall. During the summer the Maestral winds will blow in gently from the north-west while the Bura winds from the north-east will lower the temperature during winter.

 

Summers in the Istrian Peninsula will be long, hot and dry. Temperatures will average 28C during the peak summer months but higher temperatures up to 38C are not uncommon along the coastal areas. Sunshine levels will average 10 hours per day during the summer and sea temperatures will peak at 25C during July and August. Summers in the Istrian Peninsula are ideal for water sports at beach resorts such as Porec, Rovinji and Pula. Hikers and mountain bikers can take advantage of the warm summer weather at interior beauty spots such as Motovun and Pazin.

April through October is considered the best time to visit the Istrian Peninsula. From late April the temperatures will head up to 20C and will not dip below this until mid-October. The warm spring and autumn months are ideal for exploring the sights of the national parks of the Istrian Peninsula such as the Brijuni Islands and for day trips to Venice. Winters in the Istrian Peninsula will be cooler at maximum 8C although this is comparable to a warm early spring day in the UK.

Brijuni National Park in the Istrian Peninsula is a collection of 14 islands stretching over 2,700 acres. This natural beauty spot contains archaeological sites, a safari park and an abundance of wildlife and plant species. The crystal clear waters of Brijuni also make this one of Europe’s most popular diving spots.

 

The Istrian Peninsula is home to numerous walking and cycling routes amidst some of Croatia’s most beautiful scenery. The Parenzana route stretches for 123Km along an abandoned railway track that links towns such as Porec, Trieste, Kopar and passes through much of the stunning Istrian interior.

 

Water sports in the Istrian Peninsula are popular thanks to the warm climate. Diving, snorkelling, boating and windsurfing are all popular at Blue Flag beach resorts such as Porec, Rovinj and Umag. The stunning beaches along the Istrian Peninsula’s coastline are one of the reasons why Croatia has become a top holiday destination.

 

Day trips to the beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park from the Istrian Peninsula will reward holidaymakers with a stunning lakes and mountains setting. The Plitvice Lakes National Park is surrounded by three mountains and home to 16 lakes connected by a series of waterfalls. This is another exciting walking spot and boat trips can also be taken.

 

The Istrian Peninsula is home to numerous towns, villages and cities. The interior contains many picturesque towns and hilltop villages such as Lapin and Pazin that make ideal bases to explore the beautiful interior. The coastline is home to stunning towns such as the seaport of Rijeka and the vibrant Opatija.

There is no shortage of first class golf courses in the Istrian Peninsula. One of the most famous courses is located in the Brijuni Islands, and the Motovun golf course in the interior is also popular thanks to the stunning setting.

Santa Margherita di Pula lies in the south of Sardinia, just 30km from the capital, Cagliari, and next to the traditional town of Pula. Situated along the coast, this small tranquil beach resort boasts a typically Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and mild winters, and enjoys highs of up to 30C in the height of the summer.

An ideal spot for a quiet and relaxing holiday in the south of the island, Santa Margherita di Pula enjoys a long tourist season that runs from May to October. The beginning of the summer sees warm weather, and the waters of the Mediterranean hover around 17C - 20C, with May enjoying highs of 23C and up to 9 hours of daily sunshine. These warm conditions are ideal for getting out and exploring, and enjoying plenty of sightseeing before the weather heats up too much. By June, the resort is seeing highs of 27C, and the 4km stretch of beach is the place to be, to bask in the abundant 10 hours of sunshine every day. July holidays and August holidays enjoy average daytime highs of 30C, with the sea temperature reaching 24C, and water sports and boat trips popular. Night-time conditions are pleasant, with warm evening temperatures hovering around 19C. September sees the temperature start to drop to 27C, with the sea remaining around 23C, and by October the resort is still enjoying daytime highs of 24C, with evening temperatures of 14C.        

There is little rainfall during the summers in Santa Margherita di Pula, with the wettest weather seen at the beginning and end of the season. May and October receive 25mm and 35mm respectively, whilst June to August remains dry, seeing less than 10mm of monthly rainfall each. The resort can experience some winds blowing from the north-west, which helps to temper the heat in the height of the summer, and create excellent conditions for water sports.

Visitors have a 4km stretch of local beach at Santa Margherita di Pula, with the natural setting providing an unspoilt base for swimming and sunbathing, and the chance to explore the many inviting coves and tiny inlets while on a beach holiday in Sardinia.  

 

Sailing, windsurfing, surfing, snorkelling, scuba-diving, fishing, sea kayaking and canoeing are all possible in the waters around the resort, with speedboat and sea scooter rental available. On land, try activities such as tennis, horse riding and golf. Whether on land or sea, there is plenty to do on activity holidays in Santa Margherita di Pula. 

 

The BlueFan Aquapark offers a fun day out for the whole family on the way to Cagliari, with a selection of slides and pools, as well as a picnic area.  

 

Take a break from sunbathing and enjoy a stroll along a coastal path, or a lengthy hike amongst the hills to explore the interior of the south-east of the island - best enjoyed early or late in the day. 

 

Bikes can be rented in the area, with cycling an excellent way to cover plenty of ground whilst taking in the sights around Santa Margherita di Pula. Guided tours are available.  

 

The ruins at Nora are a popular day trip for visitors to the area, being best-known for the Roman amphitheatre, where a regular summer festival is hosted, as well as well-preserved thermal baths, a forum and a temple.

 

Head to the luxury Forte Village for an upmarket lunch or dinner, venture to Pula to soak up some Sardinian tradition on a trip to the weekly market, or drive to the capital, Cagliari, for a change of pace and excellent shopping, dining and nightlife. Day trips include a visit to the Caves of Santandi, or a tour of a local winery to sample tastings of the island's famous wines.  

San Pantaleo lies in the north-eastern corner of Sardinia, 20km from Olbia, and is positioned in a mountainous country setting between the glamorous Costa Smeralda and the dramatic Gallura region. Like the rest of the island, San Pantaleo enjoys a typically-Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. The resort boasts ideal conditions for sunbathing and water sports on the nearby beaches, thanks to over 300 days of sunshine it receives each year.  

 

Summers in Sardinia run from May to October, and the island's location in the middle of the Mediterranean means it sees not only hot dry weather, but some refreshing sea breezes too. The season begins in May, when average daytime temperatures reach 21C and the village sees 9 hours of sunshine, rising to 25C in June, with even more sunshine, as much as 10 hours each day. This early summer period remains fairly dry, with just 20mm - 30mm of monthly rainfall, and water temperatures of 15C - 17C on the coast. Peak season in San Pantaleo sees average daytime highs of 28C in July and August, with up to 11 hours of sunshine each day and an increased level of humidity. Sea temperatures along the coast reach 25C at this time, and there is between 6mm - 17mm of monthly rainfall during these months.

 

The weather begins to cool in September, when average daytime highs hover around 25C, then drop to 21C in October. There is still between 6 - 8 hours of sunshine during these autumn months, and the sea temperature drops to 20C - 23C. October experiences increase rainfall, with a monthly average of 70mm, and as winter approaches, conditions in San Pantaleo remain mild, with November and December only dropping to 14C - 17C.