Istrian Coast & Inland Hill Towns Loop
Depart from Pula and travel along the coast to Rovinj and Poreč, then head inland to explore medieval hill towns, combining ancient Roman ruins with local gastronomy.
Using Pula, Rovinj, and Poreč as bases for two nights each, and spending the final night around Motovun, this itinerary features short driving distances and fewer hotel changes. It is perfect for travelers who love historic towns and fine dining and prefer a relaxed pace. The inland region is particularly atmospheric during the autumn truffle season, while the coast can be crowded with difficult parking in summer.
September to November is truffle season. Pula Airport has frequent flights in summer but very few in winter.
Day by day
Day 1 · Ancient Roman Ruins of Pula
Istrian Peninsula（Pula Arena、Temple of Augustus & Forum, Pula、Arch of the Sergii、Lighting Giants, Uljanik Shipyard）
Pick up your rental car at the airport and drive about 15 minutes to Pula. After parking, explore the city entirely on foot.
The Arena may close to visitors during performances; check the schedule before setting out.
Stay: Pula City Centre
Day 2 · Brijuni National Park
Istrian Peninsula（Brijuni National Park、Pula Castle (Kaštel)）
Drive 15 minutes to Fažana, then take the park ferry (about 15 minutes) to the island. Allow about half a day.
Brijuni must be visited as part of a tour; book your ferry tickets in advance.
Stay: Pula City Centre
Day 3 · To Rovinj via Bale
Istrian Peninsula（Bale、Rovinj Old Town、Grisia Street、Church of St. Euphemia）
Drive from Pula to Bale (about 30 minutes), then continue for another 20 minutes to Rovinj. Park outside the Old Town.
Stay: Rovinj Old Town
Day 4 · Golden Cape Forest Park & Red Island
Istrian Peninsula（Golden Cape Forest Park、Red Island (Crveni otok)、Batana House Ecomuseum）
Walk or cycle to the Golden Cape (about 20 minutes). Take a boat from the pier to Red Island (about 15 minutes).
Stay: Rovinj Old Town
Day 5 · Lim Fjord to Poreč
Istrian Peninsula（Lim Channel (Limski kanal)、Vrsar、Poreč Old Town、Euphrasian Basilica, Poreč）
Drive from Rovinj to Lim Fjord (about 20 minutes), then continue via Vrsar to Poreč (about 40 minutes).
Stay: Poreč Old Town and Coast
Day 6 · Grožnjan & Motovun Hill Towns
Istrian Peninsula（Grožnjan、Motovun）
Drive from Poreč to Grožnjan (about 40 minutes), then continue for about 30 minutes to Motovun. Park in the lower parking lot.
You can book a truffle hunting experience in autumn. Driving up into the historic hill towns is not recommended.
Stay: Motovun and the Inland Hill Towns
Day 7 · Pazin Abyss & Return to Pula
Istrian Peninsula（Pazin Cave (Pazinska jama)、Pazin Castle、Svetvinčenat）
Drive from Motovun to Pazin (about 30 minutes), then head to the airport via Svetvinčenat (about 1 hour).