Tinjan area in Central Istria

Recently I walked through the tracks of my childhood: once again my life path led me to Tinjan. I used to come here much more often in my earlier days.

Recently I walked through the tracks of my childhood: once again my life path led me to Tinjan. I used to come here much more often in my earlier days. The impressions of childhood shape you at some subconscious level and you can never delete them even if you want to. That's what went through my head when I visited a village near Tinjan after many years.

Once again I felt the grandness of nature, the warmth of the locals, their way of life that, although rural and calm, isn't at all backwards nor primitive. Once again I felt the long forgotten scents of Green Istria that are most intense in that part of the day when the sun is almost set, when the crickets sing their summer tune. The tempting smells of old taverns –konobe – cold air mixed with prosciutto, wine, flower and grain. The aromas of freshly baked bread and cake and the inevitable minestrone – maneštra spreading through the air. Grannies shouting from the distance, calling for their young ones to come home and eat.

Times have changed since. People of these parts today have new ways, new methods of communicating, new interests. Still, while accepting the novelty, they kept their precious Istrian etiquette they call krijancija, which means respectfulness, kindness, simplicity.

I will leave you to discover Tinjan and its surroundings yourself, because it’s the best way there is. Still, I’ll give you a few hints of what not to miss. Tinjan’s surrounding has loads of ponds to discover while cycling through this area’s wondrous nature. This place has an archaic shepherd sport consisted of throwing flat rocks called pljočkanje and holds several tournaments during the year. Lately the International Prosciutto Fair made this little town widely popular – all over Croatia and beyond. It attracts numerous participants and visitors and promotes this specific component of Istrian gastronomy. The most interesting monument you will find in Tinjan is the round stone table Županski stol (that I’m embarrassed to translate into English as it might sound a bit funny) surrounded by ten stone chairs. This served as a place for council gatherings during medieval times. From this platform you can enjoy an astonishing view of the valley – Draga. And if you look above, you’ll notice another peculiarity of old Istrian towns: ladonja, a tree that produces large shades.

After sharing my impressions, memories and knowledge of the area, I realize maybe I'm not really an objective bystander of Tinjan. I love every part of it. These people will welcome you as one of their own, so deciding to spend your vacation there is worth taking a chance even if you’re skeptical about my words. There are many accommodation facilities in this location that perfectly blend with the ambience. The agency Lovely Istria will help you find the best suitable villa for you to enjoy the benefits of Tinjan area. You will feel as if you entered an old postcard that somehow came to life.