Istria with its rich history, charming towns, and stunning coastline is perfect for exploring. Planning a visit? Flying is the easiest way to get there!
Today we will introduce you to the best airports to fly into Istria. You will have to take into account the location, available flight and a couple of another factors.
Pula Airport – The main gateway to Istria
Pula Airport, near southern Istria’s Pula, is the busiest hub for international travellers, just 10 minutes from the city centre and an hour from towns like Rovinj, Poreč, and Medulin.
Why choose Pula?
Pula Airport offers quick access to southern Istria, excellent connections to major European cities, and increased seasonal flights during summer, making it ideal for travellers.
Best for:
- Travellers heading to southern Istria – Pula, Rovinj, Medulin, Fažana.
- Those who want a more direct route with a wide selection of international flights during peak season.
Rijeka Airport – Northern Istria’s hidden gem
Rijeka Airport, on Krk Island, is about 30 km from Rijeka and an hour’s drive to Opatija, Labin, and Poreč, making it ideal for northern Istria.
Why choose Rijeka?
Rijeka Airport provides a quieter alternative. Its location is ideal for northern Istria, especially for those visiting Opatija, which is closer to Rijeka than Pula.
Best for:
- Travellers heading to northern Istria (Opatija, Labin, and Rijeka).
- Those looking for a less crowded airport and a quicker transfer to the northern Istrian coast.
Trieste Airport – Convenient for travellers from Italy
Trieste Airport is located in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, just 30 kilometres from the Istrian border. The airport connects well with Istria, with a straightforward 1-hour drive to towns like Umag, Poreč, and Rovinj.
Why choose Trieste?
Trieste Airport is a convenient choice for travellers from northern Italy or nearby cities like Vienna and Brussels. Its location in Italy makes it ideal for crossing into Croatia, often offering budget-friendly flights from select European destinations.
Moreover, Trieste is well connected to Istria’s northern towns, making it a quick option if you’re staying closer to the Italian side of the region.
Best For:
- Travellers coming from Italy or nearby northern Europe.
- Those who want a budget-friendly option and a smooth drive into northern Istria.
Travel Considerations: how to choose the right airport for your trip to Istria?
Choosing the best airport for your trip to Istria depends on several factors:
- location of your accommodation
- flight availability and budget
- convenience and travel time
- ground transportation
- airport size and amenities
Choose an airport based on your destination, flight options, and transport needs. Pula and Zadar offer more connections, while Rijeka and Trieste are better for quieter arrivals.
Why is Istria worth a visit?
Istria offers charming coastal towns, timeless hilltop villages, stunning beaches, cliffs, vineyards, olive groves, and idyllic Tuscan-like views. It’s a feast for the senses, known for its unique atmosphere and beauty. This is just a small part of the things that make it worth visiting Istria.
Groznjan – a city of artists in Istria
Groznjan is a city of artists, full of galleries, small studios, art, culture, and atmospheric cafes. It is a beautiful example of how important art and appreciation of artists are.
The city offers views of the surrounding area and nearby hills. The town has an irresistible charm, even in the off-season. Narrow, cobbled streets, medieval walls, colourful shutters and views of the mist-covered hills are things you will remember for a long time.
Motovun Istria – a medieval town with truffles
Motovun is another portion of narrow streets, cobblestone streets, charming corners and beautiful views. Walk down the quiet streets and enjoy views from the town!
This medieval town on a hill, surrounded by the Mirna River, is one of the most beautifully situated and preserved towns in this region.
The name of the city comes from its location, meaning “city in the mountains”. Behind the location of Motovun, there is a hidden treasure of this land, namely truffles! In the surrounding forests, truffles are collected, supposedly some of the best in the world. There are so many other things that make Motovun worth visiting.
Hum Istria – the smallest city in the world
Hum is a medieval town in Istria, which was entered into the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest city in the world. The number of inhabitants given in the statistics is from a dozen to 30 inhabitants. The town is entered through a gate in the city walls. Inside there are two streets, on which there are shops, cafes, apartments for rent and houses for permanent residents.