Timetable Istria: time difference and opening hours

To see / To do Istria

The tourist season in Istria starts from the Easter vacations and ends at the end of October. During the off-season, the opening hours of points of interest are sometimes restricted. In downtown Pula, many establishments (cafés-restaurants, shops and incoming agencies) are closed in winter. A resumption of activity takes place during the end-of-year festivities and carnivals in February.

Public services are generally open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm. Banks that close at 5pm are open on Saturday mornings.

Public holidays are respected in Croatia. In addition to Catholic holidays, everything is virtually closed on May¹ (Labor Day), June 22 (Anti-Fascist Resistance), June 25 (National Day), August 5 (National Remembrance Day) and October 8 (Independence Day).

Museums. Some museums and galleries close on Sunday afternoons, or even all day. Others close on Saturday afternoon or Monday. In summer, museums are open longer. For further information, contact your local tourist office or visit the website of the Croatian Museums Association: www.mdc.hr

Enjoying yourself Istria

In Istria's small towns and villages, ports and seaside resorts, you'll always find a restaurant, a konoba or gostionica (tavern), a local fast-food restaurant, or something open in summer to eat. From one establishment to another, opening times generally vary between midday and 2 - 3 pm, then between 7.30 pm and 10 - 11 pm. Some serve at all hours. On the other hand, the winter break can turn whole districts of seaside resorts and seaside walks in coastal towns into veritable culinary deserts!

If you're looking for a gourmet restaurant or a well-known establishment with a well-placed table with a view, it's best to make a reservation!

Take a break Istria

In summer, most café-bars and tearooms are open from morning to night, from 7 to 8 a.m. until evening. The same establishment may offer continuous service throughout the day, serving breakfast, hot or cold drinks, with or without alcohol, as well as snack-restaurant formulas. Out of tourist season, they will be closed or have reduced opening hours.

(To) please yourself Istria

In summer, grocery stores, bakeries, supermarkets and shopping centers are open all year round, 7 days a week. Generally, they are open continuously from 8am to 8-9pm. Some close between noon and 3-4pm. Many souvenir stores and boutiques are also open 7/7 in summer, but keep their doors closed in winter. While tourist markets are open all day in summer, domestic markets close in the afternoon.

Get out Istria

Most of Istria's nightclubs are located on the west coast, with the exception of the Magnus club in Pazin. On the east coast, dancefloors have been opened mainly by large hotels, cocktail bars and beach bars. There are plenty of them in Opatija, Medulin and Premantura, but also in Pula, Rovinj and Poreč. Open 7/7 in summer, they close completely in winter or reduce their opening hours (weekends, from 10pm, but people arrive after midnight). Similarly, most casinos are run by the Admiral Hotel group, especially on the west coast, in Buzet and Opatija. Pula's elegant casino belongs to the Spanish Lucia Gaming Group.