# Istria: coast towns and truffle hills

> 3-day road trip of about 145 km (90 mi) with 5 stops, from Pula to Opatija. About 2 h 01 min of driving in total.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/istria/

**At a glance:** 3-day road trip of about 145 km (90 mi) with 5 stops, from Pula to Opatija. About 2 h 01 min of driving in total. Pula’s arena, Venetian Rovinj, hill towns above the truffle woods and belle-époque Opatija.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 145 km (90 mi) |
| Driving | 2 h 01 min |
| Suggested days | 3 |
| Stops | 5 |
| Route | Pula → Opatija |
| Countries | Croatia |
| Updated | May 3, 2026 |

## Route description

Pula has a Roman amphitheatre, one of the best preserved in the world, and the Temple of Augustus in the old forum. Follow the coast road north to Rovinj, whose old town sits on a peninsula crowned by the church of St Euphemia.

Rovinj’s old town is car-free, so park outside and walk in. Then turn inland into green hills and oak woods to Motovun, a walled hill town above the Mirna valley.

The road up to Motovun is steep and narrow; park below the town and walk to the ramparts for views over the truffle woods. Autumn is truffle season, when local restaurants put them on the menu. Nearby Grožnjan is a quiet hill village of artists’ studios and galleries.

Cross the Učka mountain, through the toll tunnel or over the pass road, to Opatija on the Kvarner Gulf, with belle-époque villas and a long seaside promenade. The Istrian motorway is tolled, while the older roads are slower but more scenic.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Pula** (Croatia)
2. **Rovinj** (Croatia)
3. **Motovun** (Motovun, Croatia): A walled hill town above oak woods known for truffles. Walk the ramparts for views over the Mirna valley.
4. **Grožnjan** (Croatia)
5. **Opatija** (Croatia)

## FAQs

**How long is Istria: coast towns and truffle hills?**
3-day road trip of about 145 km (90 mi) with 5 stops, from Pula to Opatija. About 2 h 01 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Istria: coast towns and truffle hills?**
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 01 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Istria: coast towns and truffle hills start and end?**
It starts in Pula and ends in Opatija.

**Which countries does Istria: coast towns and truffle hills pass through?**
Croatia.