Introducing a New Ferry Service Connecting Trieste, Italy with Croatia and Slovenia

In the summer of 2025, a new seasonal ferry service will connect Port Trieste in Italy with various key destinations in Croatia, significantly enhancing maritime travel across the Adriatic. This initiative aims to improve transport links and offer convenient options for tourists and locals alike, highlighting the region’s dedication to seamless travel between popular locations.

The anticipated route will also stop at Piran in Slovenia and will see Trieste as the starting and endpoints. Along the journey, the ferry will make additional stops at Porec, Rovinj, and Mali Losinj in Croatia. The planned schedule includes two weekly departures for each of the four routes: Trieste–Piran–Porec–Rovinj, Trieste–Rovinj–Mali Losinj, Trieste–Porec–Piran, and Trieste–Piran–Rovinj.

The service is scheduled to operate from June 26 through early September, with a contract extending over three summer seasons from 2025 to 2027, with an option to renew in 2028.

To support this initiative, the Italian government will provide financial assistance, aiming to revive a maritime tradition between Trieste and Istria that began in 1963. The initial ferry connection was serviced by the motor vessel Edra, which catered to key towns along Istria’s western coast until the early 1990s. The last of these regular services, operated by the ferry Dionea, ended in 1990.

This new ferry service symbolizes a revival of the region’s maritime legacy while presenting a modern solution to enhance accessibility among Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. It presents a prime opportunity for cultural exchange and tourism stimulation.

In 2023, Croatia saw about 19.5 million tourist arrivals, a 9.7% increase from the previous year, with Zagreb being the standout destination, attracting over 1.3 million visitors. Rovinj led among destinations in the County of Istria, reinforcing the country’s growing allure as a prime travel spot in the Adriatic.

Italy’s tourism figures were even more impressive, with around 57.3 million international tourist arrivals in 2023, making it the fourth most visited country globally. Tourism contributed significantly to Italy’s economy, accounting for 10.5% of the country’s GDP. By December 6, 2024, estimates projected Italy’s tourism numbers to rise to 62.2 million arrivals, signaling a robust recovery from the pandemic and a return to pre-COVID levels, reinforcing its reputation as a leading destination celebrated for its cultural, historical, and natural attractions.

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