Istria has been included on the Fodor’s Go List: 21 Places to Go in 2012. The travel guide’s second annual list features hot cities, emerging destinations, noteworthy events and great values around the world.

The leading name in travel guides, Fodor’s announced yesterday its selection of the 21 places to go in 2012 as determined by its editors and travel experts. Croatian region of Istria was included as one of the emerging hotspots for 2012.

Fodor’s describes Istria as Tuscany without the crowds or the high price tag, adding that the region is known for its medieval hilltop towns such as Rovinj and Motovun, miles of vineyards and restaurants famous for their truffle-filled menus. 

Kempinski Adriatic, Croatia’s first five-star golf-and-spa resort on Savudrija’s seafront, and San Rocco in Brtonigla with cosy rooms featuring stonewalls and exposed beams are Fodor’s suggested places to stay when in Istria.

To experience Istria’s gourmet offer Fodor’s recommends the award-winning Zigante Restaurant in Livade, famous for its truffle-infused menu, and San Rocco’s restaurant which showcases the region’s bounty.

Fodor’s also says that coastal Istria is just as appealing as southern Dalmatian coast recommending a visit in autumn for the wine and olive harvests, truffle cornucopia, and warm weather.

Along with Istria, Fodor’s recommends other emerging hotspots including Colombia, Cuba, Panama, Rwanda, South Korea and Wales. 

Fodor’s buzzy destinations in 2012 are Charleston, Cusco, Milan, Oahu, Paris and Scrub Island, while Budapest, Charlevoix, Matera and Portugal are the ones to offer great value. For noteworthy events Fodor’s recommends Belfast, London, The Netherlands and Sweden. 

This is the second time in recent months that Istria has been featured as the hot spot travel destination for 2012. Editors of the National Geographic Traveler magazine also picked Istria as one of the top 20 places to visit this year.