Last year, Aer Lingus commenced a new service from Dublin to Pula in Croatia enabling us to add the Istrian Riveria to Click&Go’s Croatia Holidays programme.
As part of the former Yugoslavia, Istria, and in particular Porec, was very popular among Irish holiday-makers. The region fell out of fashion but is now on the rise again.
Since the announcement, we’ve had a lot of inquiries about holidays to Pula and the surrounding Istrian peninsula, so here in no particular order, are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we’ve received.
Where is Pula?
Pula is located on Croatia’s Istrian Riviera at the very north of the Adriatic Sea, just a 2½ hour ferry ride (and ideal day trip) to Venice. We’re currently offering holiday packages to the resort towns of Pula, Porec, Rabac, Rovinj, Opatija and Lovran. The map below shows their exact locations.
Click here to view a full size map of our resorts in Istria.
What’s the Istrian Riviera like?
The Istrian Riviera is renowned for its lush unspoiled landscape, picturesque villages and pebble beaches with crystal clear turquoise water (ideal for swimming, diving and wind-surfing). Just some of the main attractions in the area include the 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater in Pula, the UNESCO listed Euphrasian Basilica in Porec, the Ucka Nature Park just outside of Lovran and the 40+ blue flag beaches dotted along the coastline.
You’ll find loads of information about Istria and what the region has to offer on the official Istrian tourist website.
How do I get there?
There are now Aer Lingus flights to Pula from Dublin every Saturday from April to October, with additional flights on Tuesdays between May and September. From Pula Airport the transfer times by car to the main resorts in Istria are:
- Pula – 20 mins.
- Rovinj – 40 mins
- Porec – 45 mins.
- Rabac – 45 mins.
- Opatija – 70 mins.
- Lovran – 75 mins.
What’s the currency in Croatia?
Croatia joined the EU in July 2013 but has not yet adopted the euro. The local currency is the Croatian kuna and you should get about 7½ of them for your euro. For the latest exchange rates see www.xe.com
What’s the weather like in Istria?
Lovely! The Istrian Riviera enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with the highest temperatures typically occurring in July. Below is a chart showing the average highs and the average hours of daily sunshine for each month.
What’s the food like?
Food in Istria is heavily influenced by its Italian neighbour with pasta, prosciutto ham, seafood and award-winning wine all high on the menu. The region is also known for its truffles while the local signature dish is Maneštre, a kind of thick soup with potatoes and beans. Dishes are normally prepared using lots of fresh, locally sourced ingredients ensuring a top quality dining experience. For more information on food and dining in Istria, including lists of recommended restaurants, see www.istria-gourmet.com
Anything else I should know?
If you’re thinking of a holiday to Croatia, but would prefer to avoid the well-trekked options around Dubrovnik, you should definitely consider the Istrian Riviera. Note however that as the new Aer Lingus flights are the only direct option from Ireland to Istria, we expect demand will be high and recommend booking early.
Where do I book?
We have a great selection of holidays to the Istrian Riviera all with direct flights to Pula from Dublin. To see what we have on offer, check out our Istrian Riviera Holidays page.
Planning a trip to istria in sept, and have picked a nice hotel in pula but after looking at ronvinj think that it may be a better option. we are a couple late 40’s looking for a relaxing holiday would love your advice
Pula is a larger town whereas Rovinj is smaller and more picturesque (sorry Pula) and more geared towards tourists. Also, in Pula a lot of the hotels are outside of the town, while in Pula they tend to be more central. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time no matter where you stay in Istria, but if you’re looking for a relaxing break, I’d probably suggest Rovinj (but Pula is still well worth a visit).
Hi. You can find best excursions and day trips in Istra on http://www.hepi.hr/
Hi Liam, myself and my wife (both mid 50’s) are heading to Opatija in Mid June for two weeks. We are just going to chill out but can’t sit on the beach everyday. Is there anything you could recommend for a fairly fit and healthy couple like us? I would love to visit the Ucka Nature park. Is it worth a visit?
Thanks,
Tommy
The Ucka Nature park is definitely worth a visit, and if you like you can do one of their guided tours: http://www.pp-ucka.hr/en/information-for-visitors
The Opatija Tourist Office also offers a wide range of tours and excursions including rafting, day trips to Venice and tours around Istria. You’ll find full details at http://www.opatija.net/en/excursions
One of the most popular tours is to the spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/98
If you have a look around the above websites, I’m sure you’ll find plenty to do!
Thanks for that Liam. Checked out the web sites and will certainly take your advice.
Cheers
Tommy
Hi Liam, going to Pula in 2 weeks time shoud I bring Kuna with me or wait until I get there – Thanks
Hi. It’s probably more convenient to wait until you get there. There are plenty of ATMs that accept euro bank cards and most hotels will also exchange euro to kuna.
Hi I love Croatia and have been twice. I plan on trying Pula this year but wonder now that they have joined the EU does that mean no duty free? Great value in the airport shops, would hate to loose that! Anyone thinking of going to Croatia should have no doubts whatsoever, just click and go……….
Hi Carmel.
Yes, since Croatia joined the EU you won’t be able to avail of duty free shopping when travelling to/from Ireland. For full details see http://www.revenue.ie/en/customs/leaflets/pn1878.html
All the best,
Liam.