The Istrian coastline maintains high sanitary standards for its sea quality, with regular testing conducted across 203 beaches since 1988. Results are categorized into four levels based on factors like transparency, temperature, and cleanliness.
The entire Istrian coastline has a total of length of nearly 445 km. However, due to its extreme indentedness and numerous islands surrounding it, there are another 300 km of untouched beaches.
Regular sampling and testing of sea quality on Croatian beaches starts at the beginning of May. Samples are tested every 15 days and the updated results are announced regularly. The sea quality is measured on 203 beaches in Istria, and analyses up to now show a high sanitary cleanliness level.
Based on years-long experience of testing the sanitary cleanliness level of sea on beaches internal criteria have been introduced, so that there are four levels and corresponding colours: sea of high sanitary cleanliness level (blue), sea of good sanitary cleanliness level (green), moderately polluted sea (yellow) and polluted sea (red). The aim of introducing these criteria is to point out the areas with very clean sea.
Important factors for grading are colour, transparency, visible waste matter, visible mineral unctuousness, but also pH value and sea temperature. The sea quality on beaches of the entire coastal area and islands has been measured since 1988.
Rt Zub on the Lanterna peninsula in Tar-Vabriga offers a unique snorkeling experience with clear waters, diverse marine life, and historical significance as a former strategic maritime hub.
Diga is a popular snorkeling location in Novigrad, situated along the municipal breakwater, offering shallow waters, rocky seabeds, and the chance to spot diverse marine life like seahorses and sea bream.
Bijela uvala in Funtana is an attractive snorkeling location featuring two small caves, diverse marine life including warty crabs and colorful sea slugs, and beautiful coastal scenery.
Bijela uvala in Funtana is an attractive snorkeling destination on the western Istrian coast, featuring two unique caves and a rich underwater world of colorful algae, warty crabs, and diverse fish species.
Pical in Poreč is a unique snorkeling location featuring an underwater stone labyrinth of ancient Roman origin, scattered with stone blocks and ceramic remains. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into history alongside diverse marine life, including cuttlefish, sea breams, and various Mediterranean fish species.
Girandella is a beautiful snorkeling location in Rabac, featuring a unique reef structure, diverse marine life, and clear waters ideal for underwater exploration.