Šišan

If you like the Croatian sea but prefer villages surrounded by greenery to typical seaside resorts with a marina and a waterfront, why not choose Šišan as your next holiday destination? This tiny village in the Istrian hinterland – but only a few kilometres from the beaches – is perfect for those who want to combine sea and rural tourism.

You can spend days of pure relaxation on the local beaches, washed by a clear blue sea, as well as take picturesque walks or bike rides through fields and vineyards.

Sissano is also an excellent base for visiting some of Istria’s most famous sights. With a car at your disposal you can make unforgettable day trips: Pula with its magnificent Roman arena is only a 10-minute drive away, while in half an hour you can reach Rovinj, one of the most famous tourist resorts not only in Istria but in the whole of Croatia.

Things to do in Šišan

The town of Šišan is very small and lies on a green plain, mostly planted with vineyards and olive groves. There are no museums or special monuments: the charm of the area is all rural. Among the few noteworthy historical buildings are the parish church dating back to the late 16th century and a Roman villa near Baja Kuj.

For lovers of wine and food tourism, we recommend following the themed routes in the area, the most interesting of which is undoubtedly the Istrian Wine Road. A must-see stop along this route is Wine Station Trapan, a modern wine cellar that produces classic Istrian wines and some interesting novelties in an elegant setting.

From Sissano, many interesting locations can be reached in a few days, including the aforementioned Pula and Rovinj, but also Medulin (4 km), the Kamenjak Nature Park (only 13 km away) and the Brijuni Islands.

Due to its beautiful seabed and an impressive shipwreck dating back to World War I, Sissano is also a suitable location for diving enthusiasts.

Beaches of Šišan

The small town of Šišan boasts 28 km of coastline between Liznjan and Valtura, dotted with beautiful beaches and coves.

These are mostly rocky beaches, but there are also pebbly coves and a few sandy stretches, and here, as in all major Istrian seaside resorts, you will find some cemented terraces that are particularly suitable for sunbathers.

The most beautiful beaches in Šišan are probably the three bays of Vela Draga, Mala Draga and Uvala Kale, easily accessible by car, but also by foot or bicycle.

Where to stay in Šišan

The number of holiday accommodation in Šišan increases year by year, but it is still lower than in other places in Istria. There are not many hotels, while there is more choice for those who prefer to stay in flats. It is advisable to book well in advance.

Recommended hotels in Šišan

How to get to Šišan

The town of Šišan is located on the southern tip of Istria. The route is the same as for getting to Pula, i.e. you cross Slovenia and after the Austrian border instead of taking the road along the coast you head south along the E751. You can get to Pula by bus, but we do not recommend it because local transport is not very efficient.

Šišan Weather