National Geographic lists Istria among top 10 destinations for summer 2011

National Geographic recommended Istria as one of the ten most attractive tourist destinations in the world for summer 2011. More than 40 beaches on Istria’s 333-mile coast have earned a coveted Blue Flag for superior water quality and environmental management standards, said National Geographic on its website.

"The Medulin Riviera, located near Istria’s southern tip, offers 49 miles of coastline, plus hilltop medieval villages and ancient ruins to explore. Just south of Medulin is rugged Cape Kamenjak, an edge-of-the-world nature reserve featuring sheer 70-foot cliffs, hidden coves, and flat stone outcroppings nature-made for sunbathing," the article read.

National Geographic also recommends tourists to make time to visit the regional capital Pula, home of the Pula Arena. "This remarkably intact first-century Roman amphitheatre hosts numerous summer concerts and events, including the July 16-23 portion of the 58th Pula Film Festival."

Other nine recommended destinations are Muskoka Cottage Country, Ontario, Canada, Patagonia, Argentina, San Juan Islands, Washington, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, Cardiff, Wales, Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden, Azores, Portugal and Roatan, Honduras. (Hina)