Travel between Italy and Croatia is about to get much easier for tourists and locals alike, as a new ferry from the historic port of Trieste to the Balkan country’s coast is set to launch. From June 26, the service will connect the city with some of the most popular coastal destinations in both Croatia and Slovenia.

The new route, which will run until September 1, includes stops in Piran, Poreč, Rovinj and Mali Lošinj on the island of Lošinj. The goal is to offer a sustainable travel alternative to cars, especially during the busy summer tourist season. After an unsuccessful public tender in December 2024, the regional government initiated a negotiation process that awarded the contract to Liberty Lines, who previously operated the service until 2023.

The new three-year contract, worth around 4.5 million euros (£3.7 million), ensures international ferry connections between Trieste and the northern Adriatic. This means the summer seasons from 2025 through to 2027 will be covered, with an option to extend it to 2028.

The announcement was confirmed by Cristina Amirante, the Head of Infrastructure and Territory for the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, according to Rijeka Danas. She highlighted that this project aligns with regional strategies aimed at improving an environmentally friendly transport network. 

The ferry will operate daily except on Tuesdays, departing from Pier IV in Trieste. The routes include: Trieste–Piran–Poreč–Rovinj (return); Trieste–Rovinj–Mali Lošinj (return); Trieste–Poreč–Piran-Trieste; and Trieste–Piran–Rovinj-Trieste.

Each journey will accommodate over 180 passengers, with seating available indoors. At least 10 bicycles can be transported per trip, further encouraging eco-friendly travel.

Ferry connections between Trieste and Istria date back to 1963, when the motor vessel Edra called at all the major towns along the western coast of Istria. With some changes over the years, the service continued until the early 1990s. The last regular passenger ferry, Dionea, ceased operations in 1990.

Last September, Trieste was named Italy’s “most underrated city.” It is jam-packed with just as much history and culture as Rome but without the crowds. Located east of Venice, tucked away by the border with Slovenia, Trieste is off the tourist trail. Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is just 62 miles away and Trieste only became part of Italy in the 20th century.

Visitors can wander the ancient Roman Amphitheater that still stands before making the walk to the Castle of Saint Giusto, perched upon the Capitoline Hill, offering fantastic views of the city.

The Piazza Unita d'Italia is the largest seaside piazza in Europe and Trieste's main square. It features many stunning buildings of historical importance and is the perfect place to people-watch while sampling delicious Italian cuisine.

Home to the Mediterranean's largest coffee port, Trieste has earned the nickname "coffee capital". Its coffee craze started in 1719 when the port was declared tax-free under Austro-Hungarian rule. Trade began with coffee arriving 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 even have their own coffee brands and blends.