Why a visit to this special part of Croatia should be on your bucket list

When planning a holiday, it can be difficult to narrow down the search for the perfect destination.

You might be finding it tough to get everything you want all in one part of the world - such as stunning beaches, as well as fascinating local culture. Usually, you'll find yourself sacrificing one for another.

But now, you can put down that long list, stop the Google search, and simply start booking - because we've landed on a destination that has all that and so much more.

The Croatian location of the Istrian Riviera, neatly set on the shores of the Adriatic sea, is the ideal place to book your summer holiday if you're on the hunt for a cultural, relaxing, but fun - and, of course, sun-soaked - break.

Istria is a popular holiday destination, but unusually, isn't overrun with foreign tourists, ensuring a laid-back destination.

Bordering Slovenia and Italy, you'd be forgiven for mistaking the Istrian Riviera for a story-book. Full of winding streets and charming, orange-bricked buildings, it's set against the most stunning crystal clear sea - perfect for an afternoon swim.

But its natural beauty isn't all there is on offer. For those foodies among us, never fear, because Istria has food at its heart. It's heavily influenced by the cuisine of Italy, and olive oil production is huge in the area. So if you're partial to a delicious pasta dish and an indulgent glass of red, this is the place to be.

For a chance to work off your meals, there's so much to spend your days doing too. In the historic city of Pula, pour over Croatia's incredible history with a visit to the well-preserved Roman ampitheatre and the Temple of Augustus. Or head to the hugely popular Roman town of Porec, for a glimpse of the the Byzantine mosaics.

And for the more active among us, the water activities in Porec including parasailing, jet-skiing, and kayaking, are there for the taking.

Or, if all you're looking for is a chance to wander through pretty cobbled streets, only ever being interrupted for the chance to sit and enjoy a coffee against a beautiful backdrop, head to Rovinj and Labin. There's likely no where else you'll feel more zen...

Convinced? If so, it's never been easier to get booking a holiday to the Istrian Riviera. Voted Trip Advisor's best UK airline, Jet2.com & Jet2holidays can fly you over to the stunning area of Croatia in a hop skip and a jump - with a price that's easy on your purse too.

Book your holiday to the Istrian Riviera with Jet2holidays,HERE.

Flying in to Pula airport, one of the Istrian Riviera's main towns, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays depart to Pula from 5 of the UK's main airports - Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, and London Stansted.

You can book a break from just a £60 deposit (yes, you really heard that right), with free child and infant places, transfers included, and a whopping 22kg of baggage allowed - so you can bring all 15 of your swimsuits and more.

So what are you waiting for?