Discover Croatia’s coastal cities: short ferry trips from Venice 

Aerial view of the Roman amphitheater, the city of Pula in Istria, Croatia (Photo: Unsplash)

Have you heard? Croatia is just a breezy 3.5-hour ferry ride away from Venice. Yup, that’s right! With ferries cruising to Pula, Poreč, Rovinj, and Umag along the Istrian coast, your European summer adventure is just a hop, skip, and a jump away. 

All you have to do is head over to Ferryhopper.com and download the Ferryhopper App, your ticket to seamless ferry bookings with just a few taps. So, snag your ferry tickets to Croatia from Venice, and let’s dive into some Croatian fun! 

Ferry arriving in Croatia (Photo: Unsplash)

Unraveling Pula: a journey through ancient ruins 

Once you hop off the ferry, you will dive into Pula’s coastal charm! Start your adventure from the enchanting Old Town, where you can meander through its medieval alleys and discover hidden squares, perfect for Instagram-worthy snapshots. 

When it’s time for a breather, grab a seat at one of the cozy cafes in Forum Square. Sip your drink with a view to the Roman Temple of Augustus! And to top it all off, don’t miss the star attraction: the colossal Roman Amphitheater. 

Step into the Pula Arena, one of the world’s largest and most well– preserved Roman Amphitheaters. Once a battleground where the earth trembled under the feet of fierce gladiators, it now pulsates with the vibrancy of live performances including the upcoming appearance of the renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli in the upcoming August. 

Can you imagine how Andrea Bocelli’s voice will echo in the Roman Amphitheater? However, the real question is why just imagine it when you can experience it firsthand? 

Useful info about the ferry to Pula: you can catch a ferry to Pula from June to the end of September with up to 3-4 weekly crossings. The ticket price is around €80-€90 and the ferry trip to Pula from Venice takes about 3.5 hours. 

The Roman Amphitheater of Pula, known as Pula Arena in Pula, Croatia (Photo: Unsplash)

Discovering Poreč: history, heritage, and truffles 

Just a few nautical miles north of Pula, you will find the 2,000-year- old town of Poreč. Somewhere between the Aquarium and Decumanus Street, you will spot the main attraction of Poreč, the Euphrasian Basilica, and its imposing complex with stunning Byzantine mosaics. 

Then, you can stroll along Decumanus Street, the ancient Roman cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, boutiques, and cute shops for a souvenir or two. The road will lead you straight to the Marafor Square which once served as the main square (forum). 

There, you will tantalize your taste buds with the traditional Istrian fuži pasta, but wait, there’s more! Do you know what else Istria is renowned for? Truffles! So, treat yourself to a plate of fuži pasta with truffle sauce and a glass of local wine… and prepare to loosen your belt after the meal. 

With a full belly and a happy heart, you can walk parallel to the waterfront promenade and take in the stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. And if you’re all about beach life, head to the Poreč Riviera. Pick a spot like Plava Laguna or Zelena Laguna, and dive into the sparkling waters for some fun in the sun! 

Useful info about the ferry to Poreč: you can take advantage of the seasonal crossings between Venice and Poreč and explore the Croatian coastal city in just a few hours! The ferry to Poreč from Venice takes about 3.5-4.5 hours and tickets start at around €70. 

Poreč, Croatia (Photo: Pixabay)

Romancing Rovinj: art, architecture, and Adriatic sunsets 

Did you catch wind? Rovinj is yet another stunning destination connected to Venice by ferry! While Dubrovnik often steals the spotlight, the ancient port city of Rovinj stands out for its stunning sunsets, colorful Old Town, and artistic vibes. 

The ferry from Venice will leave you in the small yet quaint port of Rovinj. So, the first thing you see is the beautiful promenade lined with fishing boats, sailboats, and waterfront cafes. And since we mentioned the boats, have you ever heard of the Batana boats? You can learn all about these traditional wooden fishing boats with the particular design at the Batana Eco-Museum! 

Now, let’s move towards the artistic side of Rovinj, Grisia street. Regardless of the season, this cobblestone street is a piece of art itself with many art studios nearby. However, during the Grisia Art Exhibition that’s been held every August since 1967, local artists transform it with vivid colors and bold brushes. 

From there, follow the paint drips like a trail of breadcrumbs up to the city’s crowning jewel atop the hill: the iconic Baroque church of St. Euphemia. From its lofty perch, enjoy the sunset along with the city’s patron saint depicted as a golden angel on the tower’s top. 

Useful info about the ferry to Rovinj: with several weekly sailings to Croatia from Venice, including daily ferry connections during peak season, you’ll have lots of opportunities to explore the Istrian coast. Ferries to Rovinj from Venice usually take around 3 hours and the ferry ticket prices start at around €80. 

The glowing church of St. Euphemia overlooking the city of Rovinj (Photo: Unsplash)

Umag unveiled: tennis, beaches, and coastal charms 

And now, for the grand finale of our list of the top Croatian destinations that you reach from Venice by ferry… drum roll, please … Umag! After a 3.5-hour ferry trip, you’ll find yourself in this charming coastal town, ready to explore its ancient sites, beautiful churches, and quaint historic center. 

Umag isn’t just about sightseeing, though. It’s also a hotspot for tennis lovers! Every July, the town hosts the prestigious ATP Umag Open, a tennis tournament that draws top players and fans from all over the globe. Who could resist a game or two while on vacation, right? 

But hey, if you want to chill and spend the whole day on the beach, it’s also fine! Skip the Old Town’s exploration and the Aquarium and Maritime Museum for later and have some fun in the sun instead! 

Located near Umag, Katoro Beach with crystal-clear waters and golden sand is the perfect setting for a relaxing day by the sea. Alternatively, you can head towards Laguna Stella Maris Beach where you can sunbathe on the pebbly shore, swim in the azure waters, and do water sports. 

Useful info about the ferry to Umag: the ferry from Venice to Umag typically takes around 3.5 hours and tickets start at approximately €84, making it an affordable option for your next adventure! However, keep in mind that the Venice – Umag ferry is usually available in July and August with 1 ferry crossing per week (on Wednesdays). 

Umag

So, you’re taking the ferry from Venice to Croatia’s captivating coast – it’s not up for debate! However, the burning question still remains: Which port will you choose? Pula, Poreč, Rovinj, or Umag? 

Check Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries to see all the available connections and plan your trip to the stunning Istrian coast hassle- free! 

And if you want to go one step further (literally) and continue your trip, you can also check all the Italy – Croatia ferry schedules for 2024 and go on an island-hopping adventure!