Wish to explore Pula, Groznjan, Motovun, Rovinj in three days (driving from Ljubljana). Five days in all between Slovenia-Croatia ( starting in and returning to Ljubljana). Thinking two days in Slovenia, three in Istria.
Appreciate any, all ideas.
Gratefully,
Andy
Posted by
Noblesville, Indiana, USA
1412 posts
A few years ago we spent a night in Ljublijana and then drove to Rovinj for a couple of nights. The morning after departing Rovinj we visited Motovun, then Groznjan, before arriving in Piran, Slovenia that afternoon for 1 night stayover. We enjoyed our little adventure and the only issue was the hour-long line to cross into Croatia. On our return to Slovenia we pretty much drove right through the border checkpoint.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5534 posts
I’ve been to Istria so many times I can’t remember how many.
First, scour the Frank about Croatia website - he has great ideas.
Next, in three days, the must sees are Rovinj, Kamenjak peninsula (Safari Bar), Porec (St. Euphemia), Groznjan and food, food, food. I’ve never been a fan of Pula.
Go on an olive oil tasting, visit a winery, eat truffles and have a grilled Istrian steak
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
Andy, I don't know what you are interested in or what your travel preferences are. They may differ from mine. I have been to Istria. I enjoyed a few days there, and a couple of the hill towns were cool e.g. Groznjan, but it wasn't an area I especially fell in love with...except for Rovinj, an adorable little Venetian fishing port. Piran, Slovenia is similar - another little town on the sea that I loved. Other than Rovinj, I have little desire to return to Istria again.
On the other hand, I really love Slovenia and have been back several times. Ljubljana itself is an adorable little city, but there are some neat little towns and beautiful scenic drives nearby. If driving from Ljubljana to Bled for example, instead of taking the fast highway, I would detour via the town of Skofja Loka, a pretty little town. The drive from Ljubljana to Skofja Loka is nothing special. But the drive from Skofja Loka to Bled - via the hills, through the little towns like Dražgoše, Jamnik, and Kropa, is breathtakingly scenic. Again, I was just taken with this area - some might feel the same about Istria more than I did.
Posted by
1138 posts
You cannot see all of Istria in 3 days. Don’t try. Pick 1-2 of the favorites and go. Driving will take longer than you think and parking can be a problem. Rovinj fits everyone’s tastes, but will be extraordinarily crowded. Unless very early to Motovun, forget it. It is very small, unless you eat or drink there with the hordes, you can walk around and through it in 1/2 hour. Unless early enough parking will be a problem. Even down at the base.