This paper presents the tourist valorization of citadels with their purpose for cultural tourism. The first part describes the concept of citadels and the historical concept of their construction. Istrian medieval age was greatly influenced by construction of citadels. As different they were, they were also similar because their main purpose was defense. The second part provides the historical context of every chosen citadel. Citadels are presented in the alphabetical order and chosen due to their condition and valorization potential. Today Istrian citadels are in a rather poor condition and certain actions are necessary for tourist purpose valorization, precisely cultural tourism purpose which is presented in the third part of this paper. Why cultural tourism purpose? Experiencing different cultures is the eighth motive for tourists' arrivals in Croatia which leads to conclusion that tourists do not come here only to relax but they come to learn something. Cultural tourism determinants are presented in the third part. Conceptual definition of valorization is dealt within the fourth part and it provides ideas for tourist valorization of Istrian citadels. Valorization means evaluation and it would provide a new use and value for citadels as well as protection from deterioration. Besides the historical context, tourists would learn something about the Istrian region and have fun at the same time since the ideas for valorization include interactive dynamic contents. The strategic goal would thus be achieved or tourist contents would provide cultural contents too and Istria would be recognized as the culture region. This would lead to further contacts with different cultures since Istrian citadels were patterned after citadels in other parts of Europe thus providing connections with such regions as the neighbouring Italian region Friuli Venezia Giulia. Valorization should not lead to trivialization of culture. Every idea should be connected to historical facts related to certain citadel and the place in which they are found. For example, Glagolitic script connected to Boljun or the legend of seignior Nikolić which is connected to Kožljak etc. Furthermore the local community should be taken into consideration and involved through employment or use of their products such as the products of local family farms. Ideas are put on paper and we should wait to see is it possible to realize them due to the situation in the country and the condition of the citadels.