Traveling between Italy and Croatia is likely to be much easier for tourists and locals. A new ferry will be launched from Trieste's historic port to the coast of the Balkan country. Starting June 26th, the service will connect cities with the most popular coastal destinations in both Croatia and Slovenia.
New routes running until September 1st include stops for Piran, Poleci, Robinji and Mariroshinji on Losinji Island. The goal is to provide sustainable travel alternatives to cars, especially during busy summer tourist seasons. After a failed public bid in December 2024, the regional government began a negotiation process to award contracts to Liberty Line, which operated the service until 2023.
A three-year new contract worth around 4.5 million euros (£3.7 million) guarantees international ferry connections between Trieste and the Northern Adriatic Sea. This means that the summer seasons from 2025 to 2027 will be covered and there will be an option to expand in 2028.
According to Rijeka Danas, the announcement was confirmed by Cristina Amirante, head of infrastructure and territory in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. She emphasized that the project is consistent with the local strategy aimed at improving environmentally friendly transport networks.
The ferries operate daily except on Tuesdays, except that they depart from Pier IV in Trieste. The route includes: Trieste – Piran – Rovinj (return); Trieste – Rovinj – Mali Lošinj (return); Trieste – Piran – Rovinj Trieste.
Each trip accommodates over 180 passengers and seating is available indoors. At least 10 bikes can be transported per trip, further promoting environmentally friendly travel.
The ferry connection between Trieste and Istria dates back to 1963, when the motor vessel Edra called all major towns along Istria's west coast. The service continued into the early 1990s due to several changes over the years. The last regular ride-on ferry, Dionair, stopped operations in 1990.
Last September, Trieste was named Italy's “most underrated city.” It's packed with as much history and culture as Rome, but there's no crowd. Located east of Venice and hidden on the border with Slovenia, Trieste is off the tourist trail. Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is only 62 miles away, and Trieste became part of Italy in the 20th century.
Visitors can wander the ancient Roman amphitheater, perching on the Capitlin hills and still standing before strolling to St. Guist Castle, which offers spectacular views of the city.
Piassa Unitaia is Europe's largest seaside square and the main square of Trieste. It features many stunning buildings of historical importance, making it a great place to monitor people while sampling delicious Italian food.
Trieste, home to the largest coffee harbor in the Mediterranean, has earned the nickname “Coffee Capital.” That coffee trend began in 1719 when the port was declared tax-free under the Austro-Hungary regulations. Trade began with the arrival of coffee from the Ottoman Empire. Soon, Trieste was supplying beans to cafes throughout the empire, including Vienna's famous coffee houses.
Coffee consumption is twice as high as the average number in Italy, and some cafes also have their own coffee brands and blends.
