Getting around — Istria

Istria is probably the most accessible region of Croatia and the most practical to navigate, thanks to a modern road network and a well-served airport.

The airport of Pula (PUY), 7 km northeast of the centre, is served by many European airlines (Ryanair, easyJet, Lufthansa, Eurowings, Croatia Airlines, Jet2) with massive intensification between April and October. The airport shuttle reaches Pula centre in 20 minutes for about €5. Alternatives: airports of Trieste (Italy, 100 km from Rovinj), Ljubljana (Slovenia, 200 km), Venice (250 km, fast ferry to Rovinj/Poreč in season).

Since 2023, Croatia is part of the Schengen Area and has adopted the euro — there is therefore no longer any border control or currency exchange for European travellers, which considerably simplifies trips from Italy or Slovenia.

In Pula, the historic centre is pedestrianised and walkable. The Verudela beaches are accessible by bus (15 min). In Rovinj, the fortified peninsula is entirely pedestrian, parking on the outskirts essential. In Poreč, same.

A hire car is highly recommended for the interior — it is even essential for hilltop villages and wineries. All major agencies are at Pula airport. Allow 30 min from Pula to Rovinj, 1h to Poreč, 45 min to Motovun from Rovinj, 1h15 to Grožnjan. The A8 (Pula-Rijeka) and A9 (Pula-Umag) motorways are modern and fluid. The coastal scenic road (D75 / Istrian Y) offers splendid views but is slower.

Ferries and catamarans serve Istria from Venice (Venezia Lines: Venice-Rovinj-Poreč in 3h30, seasonal from April to September, ideal for short extensions from Italy). Internal links to the islands (Brijuni notably) leave from Fažana (15 min by boat to the national park, combined ticket with park entry).