Lonely Planet describes Istria on its website in the following words:

"Tone Tuscany down a notch or two – thin the tourist hordes, lower the prices, sprinkle a little mystique – and you get Istria. Shaped like a heart, this Italian-flavoured peninsula of 3600 sq km is where continental Croatia meets the Adriatic. In summer months, the sun-and-sea set storms the resort-lined coast, or so-called ‘blue Istria’. For art, food, wine and an offbeat vibe, head to the interior, nicknamed ‘green Istria’ – a bucolic dream of rolling hills, hilltop villages, rural B&Bs and farmhouse restaurants."

This is the second time this year that Lonely Planet pays special attention to Croatia. In August, writing about 'hot trends', it said Croatia was more popular than ever and becoming increasingly popular among international celebrities.

Reporting about the Lonely Planet ranking on Wednesday, the Croatian National Tourism Board said Wine Enthusiast Magazine recently mentioned Istria as one of the world's most famous truffle sites.