Driving in Istria: motorways, tolls, parking and road rules

Most visitors to Istria drive, and with good reason: the beaches, hilltop towns, wineries and day trips are spread across the peninsula, and public transport between villages is limited. The good news is that driving here is generally relaxed.

The Istrian Y motorway

Istria’s main road network is shaped like a Y:

• The A9 runs down the west coast from the Slovenian border near Umag to Pula, with exits for Novigrad, Poreč and Rovinj along the way.
• The A8 branches off at the Kanfanar interchange and runs north-east through Pazin to the Učka tunnel and on towards Rijeka.

The Učka tunnel, about 5.4 km long, is the main road link between Istria and the rest of Croatia.

Tolls

The Istrian Y uses a closed toll system: you enter at one point and pay at the exit, with the amount depending on distance and vehicle class. Card and cash are accepted. The Učka tunnel is tolled as part of the same system. Toll prices change, so check the current rates on the operator’s website.

Coming through Slovenia

Croatia has no vignette, but Slovenian motorways require an e-vignette, bought online before you drive on them. Many guests from Germany and Austria drive via Ljubljana and Koper, so factor it in.

Country roads

Away from the motorway, roads are quieter, narrower and often winding, especially climbing to hilltop towns like Motovun and Grožnjan. Expect tractors in harvest season, cyclists at weekends and the occasional bus on a tight bend. Distances look short on the map but take longer than you think; allow time and enjoy the views.

Parking in Poreč

The old town of Poreč is pedestrian. Around it there are paid car parks and street parking zones; you can usually pay at machines or with a parking app. In July and August, parking near the centre fills up by late morning and again in the evening, so arrive early, walk in from further out or take a taxi when you plan to have a drink with dinner.

At beaches near town, parking is often paid in summer. At our villas, parking is free and private.

Road rules

• Drive on the right; overtake on the left.
• Seat belts for everyone, and children in suitable seats.
• Dipped headlights are compulsory in daytime from the end of October to the end of March.
• Alcohol limit: 0.5 g/l in general, and zero for drivers under 24 and professional drivers. The simplest rule: if you are driving, don’t drink.
• Phones hands-free only.
• Speed limits are usually 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h outside towns and 130 km/h on motorways, unless signs say otherwise.
• Carry your driving licence, vehicle documents and insurance papers.

Fuel and charging

Petrol stations are plentiful on the motorway and around Poreč, and those on the motorway are usually open late. Electric car charging points are increasingly common at shopping centres and hotels; plan ahead for longer trips inland.

Summer Saturdays

Most holiday rentals in Istria change over on Saturdays in summer, so the motorway from Slovenia and the roads to the coast are busiest then, especially around midday. If you can, travel early in the morning or later in the evening. Read why our villas also follow a Saturday changeover in summer.

Distances from our villas

From	Villa Duga (Špadići)	Villa Bina and Villa Cvita Domenica (Labinci)
Poreč old town	3.6 km	11 km
Novigrad	13 km	12 km
Istralandia aquapark	18 km	18 km
Pula Airport	55 km	57 km

Distances are by road and approximate. See how to get to Poreč for airports and routes.