Historical sailing routes in Istria: Sailing in the footsteps of ancient traders
The harbour of Pula – an ancient pivotal point
If you start your journey in Pula, you will find yourself in one of the most important harbours of the Roman Empire. Ships loaded with oil, wine, grain and other goods sailed in and out of the harbour over 2000 years ago. The port was the gateway to Roman Istria and connected the peninsula with the most important trading centres of the Mediterranean. Today, you can still marvel at the impressive remains of this era – the amphitheatre of Pula and other Roman buildings tell stories of power, wealth and seafaring.
If you sail out of the harbour of Pula, you will quickly realise why this place was so important: its location on the Adriatic Sea is strategically perfect, and even today Pula is a popular stopover for sailors passing through.
The route of the Venetians
In the Middle Ages, the Venetian Republic dominated large parts of the Adriatic, and Istria was an important part of its trading empire. Venetian merchants sailed along the Istrian coast to trade in spices, fabrics and precious stones. The splendid architecture that you can see today in towns such as Rovinj and Poreč is the legacy of this glamorous era.
If you sail along the old Venetian routes today, you will not only come across charming coastal towns, but also discover the beautiful natural landscapes of Istria. The islands off the coast, such as the Brijuni archipelago, once served the Venetians as protection from pirates and bad weather. Today, they offer you a dreamlike backdrop and quiet anchorages, ideal for a relaxing day on the water.
The salt trade and its traces
Salt was another important commodity in the region. In the Middle Ages, salt was known as the ‘white gold’ and the salt fields near Piran and Portorož were invaluable. If you sail along the west coast of Istria, you can still visit these salt fields. The salt trade led to a flourishing economy in the region, and trade routes ran from Istria deep into the centre of Europe.
If you sail this route, you will not only experience the historical traces of the salt trade, but also the unique nature reserve of the Sečovlje salt pans. This area is a paradise for nature and bird lovers, and salt production is still carried out there in the traditional way.
Pirates and smugglers – the dark side of seafaring
Of course, seafaring in the past was not only characterised by honest trade. The waters off Istria were also notorious for pirates and smugglers. In the 16th and 17th centuries in particular, pirate gangs made the Adriatic unsafe and attacked merchant ships on their routes. Today, you can rediscover this dark side of seafaring in the legends and stories of the region.
A detour to Novigrad or Umag will take you to places that were often attacked by pirates in the past. The old city walls and fortresses of these towns tell of a time when protection from raids was a top priority.
Our summary
Sailing along the historic maritime routes of Istria means immersing yourself in the past. Every harbour, every island and every coastal town has its own history that is closely linked to seafaring and trade. Whether you are travelling in the footsteps of the Romans, Venetians or pirates – each route offers you a unique blend of history, culture and breathtaking nature.
For your sailing trip in the footsteps of ancient traders, you should take your time to discover the many small and large historical treasures that Istria has to offer. Anchorages with history, old trade routes and the fascinating culture of the region make this trip an unforgettable experience.
