01Does Motovun Have Islands?
No. Motovun sits on a 277 m hill above the Mirna river valley in inland Istria. The nearest coast is roughly 20 to 25 km west near Poreč and Vrsar, and the nearest island groups sit 50 to 80 km away by road. Searches for "island hopping in Motovun" usually mean one of two plans: a day trip from Motovun to the islands, or a trip that combines Motovun with a coastal island stop. Both work, but they need a car and an early start.
02Best Islands Reachable From Motovun
Brijuni Islands (closest major archipelago)
Brijuni is a national park of 14 islands off the coast of Fažana, north of Pula. From Motovun, the drive to Fažana is about 75 km and takes roughly an hour. The official park ferry crosses in about 15 minutes. Ticket prices change by season: around €25 in low season and up to €40 in high season (June to September), with children aged 7 to 18 paying about €10. Always check the park's own timetable, because departures drop to 3 to 5 per day outside summer.
On the main island, Veliki Brijun, visitors see a safari park, Roman ruins, an old olive tree dated at over 1,500 years, and a small museum. Entry is bundled into the park ticket. Cycling is the best way to cover the island's flat roads.
Boat trips around Brijuni
Private operators in Fažana run 1.5-hour panorama and glass-bottom boat trips from about €16 to €20 per person. Sunset dolphin cruises run 1.5 to 2.5 hours and start around €17 to €20. These boats pass the islands but do not always land, and any landing fee is usually not included. Listed fees are about €8 for Brijuni and €7 for Jerolim, an island with a swim area that is covered by a separate 4-hour trip. Private boats for groups start around €350 to €600 depending on the length of the trip.
Cres and Lošinj
These are the next step up in effort. The Jadrolinija car ferry runs from Brestova (east Istria) to Porozina on Cres, a crossing of about 20 minutes. From Motovun, Brestova is roughly 80 km, or about 1 hour 15 minutes by car. Cres and Lošinj are linked by a short bridge at Osor, so one ferry gives access to two islands. Plan at least one overnight stay. A day trip leaves very little time on the islands once the ferry queues and the drive back are counted.
Rovinj and Poreč islets
Rovinj is about 50 km from Motovun. Sveta Katarina and Crveni Otok (Red Island) lie just off the old town and are reached by short boat taxi rides from the harbour. Poreč, about 30 km from Motovun, has Sveti Nikola island, a few minutes offshore by taxi boat. These are the easiest choices for a half day and need no ferry planning.
03Example Routes From Motovun
| Plan | Route | Time on the road |
|---|---|---|
| Half day | Motovun – Poreč – Sveti Nikola island | approx. 35–40 min each way |
| Half day | Motovun – Rovinj – Sveta Katarina / Crveni Otok | approx. 50–60 min each way |
| Full day | Motovun – Fažana – Brijuni | approx. 1 h each way |
| Two days or more | Motovun – Brestova – Cres – Lošinj | approx. 1 h 15 min to Brestova, plus ferry |
04How to Get There
A rental car is the practical option. Public transport from Motovun to Fažana or Brestova is limited and slow, and bus connections run through Pazin, Poreč or Pula, with changes. Motovun's lower parking area sits at the foot of the hill, and parking near the old town is limited. Drivers should expect a short uphill walk or shuttle. Pula Airport is about 75 km away and is the usual arrival point for visitors to this route.
05When to Go
Brijuni and the coastal boat trips run year-round, but most boat tours operate from roughly June to mid-September. Shoulder months (April, May, October) bring fewer crowds and lower ferry prices, and departures are less frequent. Dolphin sightings on cruises are not guaranteed in any season. The Cres ferry fills up in July and August, and cars can wait more than an hour at Brestova on weekends.
06Local Tips
- Combine the coast with Motovun in the same trip. Spend the morning at Fažana or Rovinj and return to Motovun for sunset, when the town walls are quiet after the day-trippers leave.
- Book Brijuni in the first ferry slot. The island is quietest before midday and the heat in July is strong on the bike roads.
- Carry cash for island landing fees. Some operators take only cash at the island entrance.
- Truffle season in the Motovun forest runs through autumn. October and November pair well with a Brijuni day, which is less crowded and cheaper.
- Bring water shoes. Beaches on Jerolim and the Rovinj islets are rocky.
07Honest Opinion: Do Not Try a Multi-Island Day From Motovun
Planning a full day that covers Brijuni, Rovinj's islets and a sunset in Motovun sounds efficient on a map, but it fails in practice. Ferry timetables, a 1-hour drive each way and landing queues turn it into a rush with little swimming. Pick one island group per day. For visitors who want real island hopping, a two-night base in Rovinj or Fažana is a better plan than staying in Motovun and commuting.
08Where to Stay for Island Trips
Motovun suits visitors who want a quiet base for wine, truffles and hill views, with the coast as a day-trip option. Those focused on islands should stay in Fažana, Rovinj or Poreč, which cut the drive to under 15 minutes for the harbour. Motovun makes a good final night before heading to Pula Airport or onward to the interior.
09Costs at a Glance
- Brijuni park ferry and entry: approx. €25 to €40 per adult depending on season.
- Panorama or dolphin boat trip from Fažana: from €16 to €20.
- Private taxi boat: €80 to €150 per hour.
- Private Brijuni boat for groups: from approx. €350.
- Fuel and parking for a day trip from Motovun: plan for approx. €20 to €30 in total.
Prices are given in euros and can change each season, so confirm them with the operator before booking.
