The most influential media channel in the world, the American Forbes magazine, has included the Istrian peninsula in its online edition of the most desirable world destinations in 2018.

Writing the article for Forbes, journalist Ann Abel asked a number of experts for their opinion and compiled a list of eight (so far) undiscovered jewels worth visiting in 2018, which are worthy of replacing others of the (formerly) more widely known places to visit.

Forbes points out that guests in Istria can experience the region's authenticity, and that, although the Istrian coast is known for its summer resorts, its interior also hides a number of gastronomic, historical and cultural gems. As a gastronomic highlight, the award-winning extra virgin Chiavalon olive oils and the Kabul winery’s top quality white and red wines together with the guided truffle hunting tours at the foot of Motovun are also mentioned.  These are in addition to a number of other opportunities for active holidays in Istria, from cycling and hiking to horseback riding.

Forbes also reveals to its readers the medieval Istrian towns of Grožnjan, over the valley of the River Mirna, with 68 art galleries and ateliers and Završje, an excellent example of medieval architecture in Istria. So too the rocky town of Bale, with its gallery of naive art and the nearby Vrsar sculpture park by Croatian great sculptor Dušan Džamonja should also not be missed. 

Along with Istria, the list also included the Italian town of Lecce as a counterpart to Florence, the Uruguayan region of Maldonado named the South American Tuscany alongside Andalusia and southern Spain, which they recommend instead of Provence and southern France.