Visitor Guide & FAQ (Plan Your Visit)

BY CAR

Rovinj is well connected to the rest of Croatia, Slovenia and Italy via the Istrian Y motorway network.

From Zagreb: Zagreb, Rijeka, Učka Tunnel, Istrian Y, Rovinj. Allow approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic.

From Ljubljana: Ljubljana, Koper, Buje, Rovinj. Approximately 2.5 hours.

From Trieste: Trieste, Koper, Buje, Rovinj. Approximately 2 hours.

From Vienna: via Graz and Ljubljana, approximately 5.5 to 6 hours.

If you are travelling from Slovenia or Austria, check whether a Slovenian e-vignette is required for your chosen route. Croatian motorways and the Istrian Y operate a distance-based toll system.

BY AIR

Rovinj does not have its own airport, but several international airports are within a reasonable driving distance.

Pula Airport (PUY)

Approximately 40 km | Around 40 minutes by car

The closest airport to Rovinj. International connections are more limited in late autumn than during the summer season, so we recommend checking the latest flight schedules before booking.

Rijeka Airport (RJK)

Approximately 115 km | Around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours by car

Another possible option, although flight connections outside the main tourist season are more limited.

Trieste Airport (TRS)

Approximately 147 km | Around 2 hours by car

A convenient option for visitors travelling from Italy and other international guests.

Ljubljana Airport (LJU)

Approximately 205 km | Around 2.5 hours by car

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

Approximately 256 km | Around 3 to 3.5 hours by car

The largest airport in the wider region and a useful alternative if there are no suitable flights to Pula, Trieste or Ljubljana from your departure city.

Zagreb Airport (ZAG)

Approximately 262 km | Around 3 to 3.5 hours by car

For international visitors, we recommend comparing flight options to Pula, Trieste, Ljubljana, Venice and Zagreb, then arranging a rental car or a pre-booked transfer to Rovinj.

FROM PULA AIRPORT BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Pula Airport offers a shuttle service to Pula Bus Station. The current one-way fare is €6, with departures coordinated with flight schedules.

Regular bus services operate between Pula Bus Station and Rovinj, with a journey time of approximately 35 to 45 minutes.

We recommend checking the latest timetable shortly before travelling.

BY BUS

Rovinj has direct bus connections with Zagreb, Pula, Rijeka and other cities.

From Zagreb: several services operate daily, with journey times generally ranging from 3 to 5 hours, depending on the route and number of stops.

From Pula: the journey takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes.

Rovinj Bus Station is located in the town centre, just a few minutes’ walk from the waterfront and the old town. Most centrally located accommodation can therefore be reached on foot without additional transport.

WHERE TO STAY?

For your visit to Design District, we particularly recommend staying in central Rovinj or close to the waterfront.

The Old Tobacco Factory is located in the heart of town, and many centrally located hotels and apartments are within easy walking distance of the venue. This means less time in the car, no daily search for parking and a much more flexible schedule if you plan to visit the exhibition or attend professional programme events several times throughout the day.

But there is another, less business-related reason why we love this option.

Rovinj in late November has a completely different atmosphere from the height of the summer season. A morning walk by the sea, coffee on the waterfront before the first conference session and an evening stroll back through the town centre make Rovinj itself an enjoyable part of the Design District experience.

If you are staying for two or three days, choosing accommodation in the centre means you can practically leave your car parked until it is time to head home.

PARKING

The Old Tobacco Factory is located in central Rovinj, where most public parking areas are subject to parking fees.

The closest option is the public parking area along Obala Vladimira Nazora, practically next to the Design District venue. Parking spaces are limited, so visitors planning to spend the entire day at the event should also consider parking areas slightly further from the town centre.

If you do not mind a short walk, Zone 4 and parking areas in the Cademia neighbourhood offer more affordable options for all-day parking.

DO I NEED TO REGISTER TO VISIT?

Yes. A dedicated registration option is available for business visitors, currently free of charge until 20 November 2026 or until capacity is reached.

IS REGISTRATION FREE FOR BUSINESS VISITORS?

Yes, registration for business visitors is currently free of charge.

DO I NEED TO REGISTER SEPARATELY FOR CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS?

For some programme events, yes. Each programme section will clearly state the participation requirements and provide a separate registration option where necessary.

CAN I VISIT THE EXHIBITION ONLY?

Yes. You do not need to attend conferences or workshops to explore the Design District exhibition.

CAN I VISIT DESIGN DISTRICT IF I AM NOT A BUSINESS VISITOR?

Yes. Design District is open to the general public as well. However, certain programme events and registration options are specifically designed for business and industry professionals.

WHAT LANGUAGE ARE THE PRESENTATIONS IN?

The language of each session will be indicated in the programme. The DESIGNING FOR 2030 conference will be held in Croatian, without simultaneous interpretation into English.

CAN I ATTEND FOR JUST ONE DAY?

Yes. You can plan your visit around the programme and activities that interest you.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE LIST OF EXHIBITORS?

The latest list of exhibitors is available in the EXHIBITORS 2026 section.

CAN I PURCHASE PRODUCTS AT THE EVENT?

Some exhibitors may offer products for purchase or special exhibition deals. A selection of exclusive offers will also be available at the DD FURNITURE & INTERIOR DESIGN OUTLET.

WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?

You can find the organising team’s contact details in the CONTACT & TEAM section.