If you are spending your holiday in Istria, you don’t need to worry about supplies. The density of supermarkets and shopping centers is now on par with Western Europe. However, since Croatia adopted the Euro (€) and introduced strict Sunday shopping laws, there are a few things you need to know before you arrive.
Here is your essential shopping guide for Istria (Updated for the 2026 Season).
⚠️ CRITICAL: Sunday Opening Hours & Public Holidays
This is the most important update for international visitors, especially those used to 24/7 convenience: Croatia has a strict Sunday work ban for retailers. Shops are only allowed to open on 16 Sundays per year.
- Summer Season (June – September): In tourist hotspots (Pula, Poreč, Rovinj, Medulin), supermarkets and malls usually use their “16 Sundays” allowance to stay open during the peak season.
- Off-Season (October – May): Almost all shops and malls are closed on Sundays.
- Public Holidays: On national holidays (important dates in summer: August 5th and August 15th), ALL supermarkets and malls are closed by law.
- Recommendation: Do your grocery shopping on Saturday or Monday morning to be safe.
Tip: Bakeries, gas stations, and shops inside campsites are often exempt from this rule and remain open.
Shopping Malls in Istria
A decade ago, Istria had almost no large malls. Today, if you need clothes (H&M, Mango, Decathlon), electronics, or camping gear, you have plenty of options.
- Pula (The shopping hub):
- Max City (Stoja): The largest mall in Istria. It features international brands like H&M, Bershka, Pull&Bear, a cinema (Cinestar – movies are usually in English with subtitles), and a food court.
- Pula City Mall: A large retail park containing dm and Müller (toiletries), McDonald’s Drive-In, Intersport, C&A, and large supermarkets.
- Poreč:
- Galerija Poreč: A smaller mall on the outskirts with essential stores like Müller, C&A, and a Spar supermarket.
- Rovinj:
- Retail Park Rovinj: A newer commercial zone at the entrance to the city.
Supermarkets: Decoding the Brands
Prices in Croatian supermarkets have risen since the Euro adoption and are generally comparable to Western Europe. Imported brands (Nutella, Pringles, international cosmetics) can sometimes be more expensive than in the UK or US.
1. The Big Hypermarkets (Best for Weekly Shop)
- Kaufland & Lidl: These are German-owned chains found in almost every major town (Pula, Poreč, Rovinj, Umag).
- Lidl: Great for budget basics. The layout is identical to Lidl stores in the UK or elsewhere in Europe.
- Kaufland: Much larger hypermarkets. They have excellent fresh fish counters (look for Sea Bream/Orada or Sea Bass/Brancin) and butcher counters.
- Plodine: A major Croatian chain. These are large supermarkets with a huge selection of beverages, BBQ meat, and beach gear.
- Interspar / Spar: Familiar to many Europeans. Reliable quality, good bakery sections, and a wide selection of international products.
2. Convenience Stores (Best for Quick Trips)
- Studenac: You will see these small yellow shops everywhere, often in village centers or near campsites. They are perfect for grabbing a cold beer or bread, but prices are slightly higher than in big hypermarkets.
- Konzum: Ranges from tiny corner shops to large superstores. They are the “local” choice for many Croatians.
3. The “Italian” Option: Eurospin
Eurospin is an Italian discount chain expanding in Istria (e.g., in Pula and Poreč). They sell almost no big-name brands, just their own Italian labels.
- Tip: Go here for excellent pasta, parmesan cheese, prosecco, and Italian-style cold cuts at very low prices.
Where to Buy Toiletries & Sunscreen?
In Croatia, you buy cosmetics, baby food, and sunscreen at specialized “Drugstores” (Drogerie), not usually at a pharmacy (Ljekarna, which is for medicine only).
- Müller: A German chain. It feels like a department store for toiletries. They sell high-end perfumes, toys, stationery, and premium snacks.
- dm (Drogerie Markt) / Bipa: The standard places for sunscreen, mosquito repellent, organic food, and baby supplies.
Insider Tips for Foodies
If you want to eat like a local, skip the pre-packaged goods.
Meat & BBQ
- Butchers (Mesnica): For the best BBQ experience, visit a local butcher.
- Local Tip: In Pula, the “Dino” Butchery (Mesnica Dino) at Grožnjanska ulica 30 is legendary. It supplies many top restaurants. Try their Ćevapčići (skinless sausages) or aged beef steaks.
Wine & Olive Oil
- Supermarket Choice: If you are in a rush, look for the Agrolaguna brand (labeled “Ol Istria” for oil and “Vina Laguna” for wine). They are available in every supermarket and offer reliable quality for a fair price.
- The Real Deal: For gifts or premium quality, visit the local producers directly or check out the House of Istrian Olive Oil in the center of Pula for a tasting session.
Bottle Deposit System
Croatia has a deposit scheme for plastic bottles and cans to protect the environment.
- You pay a deposit on beverages, and you get 10 cents (€0.10) back when you return the empty PET bottles or cans to the reverse vending machines found at the entrance of most large supermarkets.
- Note: Please do not crush the cans or bottles, or the machine won’t read them.
Camping & Pet Supplies
- Camping Gear: Need to fix a tent or buy a new camping chair? In Pula, there is a large Bauhaus and Pevex (Croatian hardware store) in the industrial zone.
- Pets: Pet Centar in Pula is a massive superstore with everything for dogs and cats. Pet shops are also found at malls.