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New flights from Chisinau to Croatia: Split or Pula, where would you go first?

Direct flights · Croatia 2027 · Admiral.Travel

Direct flights from Chisinau to Croatia in summer 2027: Split and Pula from about €80

Two new nonstop routes from Chisinau to Croatia. Find out which destination suits you, what each one offers and what a complete holiday really costs.

~80 €Split, from / one way
~80 €Pula, from / one way
2 / weekflights on each route
5 Jun 2027first flight to Split
✈️ Contents: jump to the section you need
The answer in 10 seconds

Yes, from summer 2027 you can fly direct from Chisinau to Croatia. SkyUp operates Chisinau-Split from 5 June 2027 and Chisinau-Pula from 13 June 2027, both nonstop, with fares from about €80 one way. With a biometric passport, Moldovan citizens enter Croatia without a visa.

If you keep putting Croatia off because you could never find a direct connection at a decent price, 2027 changes the picture. Before you hit “buy ticket”, it is worth seeing what each of the two cities offers and which one really suits you.

Let us start with the essentials: which flights exist, on which days and from when.

The SkyUp schedule

Which direct flights is SkyUp launching from Chisinau in summer 2027?

Both routes are nonstop, with two flights a week each. The flight days and start dates are in the table below.

Map of the direct SkyUp flights from Chisinau to Split and Pula
The two direct SkyUp routes from Chisinau to the Adriatic coast, summer 2027.
RouteFlight daysFirst flightIndicative price (one way)
Chisinau → Split Wednesday Saturday 5 June 2027 from ~€80
Chisinau → Pula Thursday Sunday 13 June 2027 from ~€80

The flight days are the announced ones. Flights to Split run until 18 September and to Pula until 12 September 2027. The schedule may be adjusted, so check it when you book.

Both routes are announced by SkyUp Airlines, a carrier flying since 2018, and are scheduled with Boeing 737-700 aircraft. The flights are nonstop and take approximately 1h50-2h10.

How to read the price of about €80. It is an indicative price for one direction, based on fares published in the press when the routes were announced (approximately €80-120 one way). The final price depends on the flight date and when you book. Checked baggage and other services may cost extra, depending on the fare you choose.

Now that you know the flight days, let us see what they mean for the length of your stay and for your first morning at the destination.

Plan your holiday

How many nights can you stay and what do the flight days look like?

With the Wednesday and Saturday flights to Split, or the Thursday and Sunday flights to Pula, you can stay 3, 4, 7, 10 or 11 nights. The plane lands before lunch, but the return flight leaves in the morning.

DestinationOutboundReturnPossible nights
Chisinau ↔ Split Wednesday or Saturday, 09:10-10:10 Wednesday or Saturday, 11:10-14:00 3, 4, 7, 10, 11
Chisinau ↔ Pula Thursday or Sunday, 09:10-10:20 Thursday or Sunday, 11:20-14:20 3, 4, 7, 10, 11

Times are local, announced for the 2027 season, and may be adjusted. Check the timetable when you book.

What does that mean in practice? You land at 10:10 in Split or 10:20 in Pula, but hotel rooms are usually handed over only in the afternoon. Leave your bags at reception and spend the first morning in town or on the beach. On the way back the flight leaves around 11:00, so your last day ends with the trip to the airport. Mind the clock too: Croatia is one hour behind Moldova, and the times in the table are local.

From the airport to town: how do you get there?

CriterionSplitPula
Distance to the centre approximately 19 km approximately 6 km
Public transport Bus line 37 to Split and Trogir, with regular service Dedicated bus, timed to the flights

Your first day: from landing to the first walk

  1. Landing, around 10:10-10:20 local time

    After passport control and baggage claim, you leave the airport. On your first entry into Schengen, passport control can take longer than you are used to, so do not rush any appointment in the first hour.

  2. Transfer to town

    In Split you take bus 37 or a booked transfer, while in Pula the ride to the centre is short, about 6 km.

  3. Bags at reception

    The room is usually handed over in the afternoon, around 14:00. Ask the hotel to hold your bags and head straight into town.

  4. First walk and lunch

    In Split, Diocletian's Palace and the Riva waterfront are close at hand. In Pula, the Roman amphitheatre and the old town are easy to see in half a day.

Euro and Schengen. Croatia has used the euro since 1 January 2023, so you do not need any other local currency. It has also been part of the Schengen area since 2023, and the entry conditions for Moldovan citizens, including the ETIAS authorisation, are in the documents section.

With the days clear, the big question remains: Split or Pula?

The two destinations

Split or Pula: what do you get at each destination?

The flight costs roughly the same to both cities, so the choice comes down to the kind of holiday you want. Split airport is the second busiest in Croatia after Zagreb, with almost 3.9 million passengers in 2025. Pula is more of a niche destination, with a much smaller airport of about 0.5 million passengers in 2024.

Split · Dalmatia

Split: the gateway to Dalmatia

Split is not just a city but a starting point for day trips:

  • Trogir: the historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, approximately 27 km from Split and 6 km from the airport.
  • Krka National Park: about 75 km from Split, roughly 1h10 by car to the Lozovac entrance. The Skradinski Buk waterfall has 17 steps. Swimming in the cascades is not allowed, and the current rules are on the park's website.
  • Makarska Riviera: approximately 62 km away, about 1h15 by car, with pebble beaches beneath the Biokovo mountains, in resorts such as Brela or Baška Voda.
  • Brač island: Zlatni Rat is a white pebble spit lined with pines, approximately 2 km from Bol. Its shape shifts with the wind, and in the afternoon the maestral blows, loved by windsurfers.
  • Hvar island: the “lavender island”, approximately one hour by ferry from Split to Hvar town.

It suits you if you have children and want lively beaches, active evenings and island trips.

Pula · Istria

Pula: Istria without the crowds

Pula is the largest city on the Istrian peninsula and has a different holiday philosophy. From here you can head to:

  • Rovinj: approximately 35 minutes by car, an old town under Venetian rule between 1283 and 1797, with the Church of St Euphemia and the protected Zlatni Rt (Golden Cape) forest park.
  • Poreč: approximately 50 minutes by car, for a stroll through the old town.
  • Motovun: a hilltop fortress village at 277 m, approximately one hour by car, surrounded by forests known for truffles. The Motovun Film Festival has been held here since 1999.
  • Brijuni National Park: boats leave from Fažana, the crossing takes approximately 15 minutes, and tickets are bought at the park office in Fažana or online.
  • Trieste: about an hour and a half by car, for a city break in Italy.
  • Food and wine: truffles, Malvasia and Teran wines, seafood.

It suits you if you travel as a couple or solo, or with older children who prefer culture to the pool.

Explore all the options for a holiday in Croatia with Admiral.Travel and compare the hotels, apartments and resorts available for the season.

Split vs Pula: the quick comparison

CriterionSplitPula
Island access Brač, Hvar, Šolta (by ferry) Brijuni islands (national park)
Nightlife Lively, in the old town and on Hvar Moderate and authentic
Beaches In town, plus Makarska about an hour away Near town, less crowded
Cultural influences Dalmatian-Mediterranean Venetian-Mediterranean
Direct flights in 2027 5 June - 18 September 13 June - 12 September

Let's see, with photos, what is worth the trip from each city.

What to see

What can you visit in Croatia from Split and from Pula: where do you go on a day trip?

From Split you can easily reach Trogir, the Krka waterfalls, the Makarska Riviera and the islands of Brač and Hvar. From Pula, Rovinj, Poreč, Motovun and Brijuni. Choose your arrival airport and see what is within reach.

Diocletian's Palace and the old town of Split, seen from above
From Split

Diocletian's Palace

right in town, in Split

A Roman palace from the early 4th century, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today it is Split's old town, with narrow streets, terraces and the Riva waterfront a few steps away.

The old town of Trogir, on an island off the Dalmatian coast
From Split

Trogir

about 27 km from Split, 6 km from the airport

A medieval town built on a small island, with a historic centre on the UNESCO list since 1997. It is easy to see in half a day, even on your first day.

The Skradinski Buk waterfalls in Krka National Park, near Split
From Split

Krka National Park

about 75 km from Split, roughly 1h10 by car

Waterfalls and wooden walkways among turquoise water. Skradinski Buk, with its 17 steps, is the best-known spot. Set out early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

The pebble beach of the Makarska Riviera, under the Biokovo mountains
From Split

Makarska Riviera

about 62 km, roughly 1h15 by car

Pebble beaches under the Biokovo mountains, in resorts such as Brela or Baška Voda. A day by the sea at the foot of the mountains, away from the bustle of the city.

Zlatni Rat beach on Brač island, a white pebble spit between turquoise waters
From Split

Zlatni Rat, Brač island

by ferry from Split, then towards Bol

A white pebble spit with pine trees, about 2 km from Bol. Its shape shifts with the wind, and in the afternoon the maestral blows, a favourite of windsurfers.

The harbour of Hvar town, on the lavender island
From Split

Hvar island

about an hour by ferry from Split

The "lavender island", with the town of Hvar, known for its lively evenings. A good fit if you want both a beach and nightlife.

The Roman amphitheatre in Pula, Istria
From Pula

Roman amphitheatre in Pula

right in town, in Pula

The amphitheatre is remarkably well preserved and still hosts concerts today. It is best seen in the morning, before the hottest hours of the day.

The old town of Rovinj, with the bell tower of St Euphemia above the harbour
From Pula

Rovinj

about 35 minutes by car from Pula

An old town under Venetian rule between 1283 and 1797, with the Church of St Euphemia on the hill. Next to it is the Zlatni Rt (Golden Cape) forest park, a protected area.

The historic centre of Poreč, on the Istrian coast
From Pula

Poreč

about 50 minutes by car

An old town best explored on foot, with the Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It suits half a day.

The fortress village of Motovun, on a hill in the heart of Istria
From Pula

Motovun

about an hour by car

A hilltop fortress village at 277 m, surrounded by forests known for truffles. The Motovun Film Festival has been held here since 1999.

The Brijuni islands, a national park near Pula
From Pula

Brijuni National Park

boat from Fažana, about 15 minutes

An archipelago and national park. Boats leave from Fažana, and tickets are bought at the park office in Fažana or online.

If you also want to see Dubrovnik, keep in mind that it is about 3 hours by car from Split, so it suits a full-day trip or a night on the road better. For the rest, a holiday package in Croatia can include the excursions too, if you ask your consultant.

Want to see how all the places connect to the two airports? The map is next.

Map

Where are the places in Croatia on the map: how close are they to the airport?

Tap "Split area" or "Pula area" to zoom the map and see how the places connect to the airport where you land. Choose a point for details and open it straight in Google Maps.

Tap "Split area" or "Pula area" on the map, then choose a point to see the details.

Schematic map, positions are approximate. The outlines come from Natural Earth (public domain). Distances and travel times are those in the section above.

If you still cannot decide, the selector below will help you in a few seconds.

The decision

Split or Pula: who are you travelling with?

Tell us who you are travelling with and we will show you the right destination.

🌊 Quick selector

Who are you going on holiday with?

Pick your profile and see which destination suits you.

Pick a profile to see the recommendation.

Once you have chosen the destination, one equally important question remains: which month do you go?

The season

When is the best time to fly to Croatia: June, July, August or September?

If you want pleasant sea and gentler prices, pick the second half of June or the start of September. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months, but also those with the warmest sea.

MonthSea (approx.)CrowdsLodging pricesBest for
June 21-23 °C Medium, rising towards the end Lower City visits, excursions, couples
July 24-25 °C High High Beach, families with children
August 25-26 °C Peak Highest Beach, lively evenings
September 22-24 °C Declining Lower Quiet, food, hiking

The temperatures are indicative averages for the Adriatic coast and can vary from year to year; in Pula, the sea is usually 1-2 degrees cooler than in Split. Flights to Split run until 18 September and to Pula until 12 September 2027.

So how do you choose? If you are travelling with small children, July or August spare you the cool water, but book accommodation early. If you prefer to visit fortresses and parks and to eat on a terrace without a queue, June and September are the best months. For Pula, the flight programme starts on 13 June, so you cannot get there at the beginning of the month.

With the month chosen, you can work out what the holiday actually costs.

Real costs

How much does a complete holiday in Croatia cost from Chisinau?

An indicative budget for 7 nights covers the return flight, the transfer, accommodation in a 3-star hotel and medical insurance. The table and calculator below show the ranges for each destination.

Component (7 nights, 1 person)SplitPula
Return flight (estimate based on announced fares) 160-240 € 160-240 €
Airport transfer (return) 15-25 € 15-25 €
Accommodation, 7 nights, 3* hotel 280-500 € 350-600 €
Travel medical insurance 10-18 € 10-18 €
Estimated total / person 465-783 € 535-883 €
🧮 Interactive tool

Calculate your holiday budget

Choose the destination, number of nights and number of people. The estimate uses the same ranges as the table above.

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    Methodology note. Flight prices are calculated from the announced fares (approximately €80-120 one way) and vary widely with the booking date. The transfer, accommodation and insurance are indicative estimates. A 3* hotel on the coast in July and August can exceed the ranges above at peak season.

    If you prefer ready-made beach holiday packages, you save both money and hours of searching.

    With the budget in front of you, the documents, bags and practical details remain to be checked.

    Before the flight

    What documents, bags and money do you need for Croatia in 2027?

    You need a biometric passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date. The European ETIAS authorisation was not yet in force at the last check, but it is expected in 2027, so verify it before you book.

    Documents and entering Schengen

    • Biometric passport, valid for at least 6 months after the return date. Without a visa, you can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
    • Border registration (EES). The European Entry/Exit System, being introduced gradually since October 2025, may ask for your fingerprints and photo on your first entry into Schengen. The first crossing takes longer, so do not count on a very tight transfer right after landing.
    • Romanian citizens travel with a valid ID card or passport.

    What is ETIAS and does it apply to you? It is an electronic travel authorisation, applied for online by visa-exempt citizens, including those of the Republic of Moldova. The announced fee is about €20, and the authorisation would be valid for 3 years. On 26 October 2026 it was not yet mandatory, and the launch date is not confirmed, with 2027 as the estimate. Check the current status only on the official website travel-europe.europa.eu and avoid unofficial intermediaries.

    Bags and ticket: what to check before you pay

    • Hand and checked baggage: what is included in the fare you choose and what costs extra.
    • Name on the ticket: it must match the one in the passport.
    • Seat selection and online check-in: on basic fares they may be paid or have strict deadlines.
    • Rules for children and special baggage: pushchair, sports equipment, instruments.

    The exact conditions depend on the SkyUp fare and appear when you book. If you take a package, an Admiral.Travel consultant checks them for you.

    Money and costs on site

    • Currency: the euro, so you do not change money. Cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops, but keep a little cash for parking, markets and small beaches.
    • Tourist tax: usually paid through your accommodation, per person and per night. The amount varies by town and season, and the property will tell you the exact figure.
    • Medical insurance: not required for visa-free entry, but recommended, and you will find it in the budget above.

    With your documents in order, the last step follows: how and where to book.

    Booking

    How do you book: a plain ticket or a complete package with Admiral.Travel?

    You have two options: buy only the SkyUp ticket and organise the rest yourself, or take a complete package through Admiral.Travel, with flight, transfer, accommodation and insurance under one contract and one point of contact.

    Option A

    A plain ticket on the SkyUp website

    You pick the route, choose a date in June 2027 and pay. Simple and quick. But you still have to find the accommodation, transfer and insurance yourself: three suppliers, three separate confirmations, three coordination risks.

    Option B

    A complete package through Admiral.Travel

    One contract and one point of contact. The package can include the return flight, transfer, accommodation and medical insurance, depending on the offer you choose. If the schedule changes or a flight is cancelled, you talk to your Admiral.Travel consultant.

    Booking in 4 steps

    1. Check the June 2027 dates

      Prices are usually better when you book early.

    2. Contact Admiral.Travel

      Online or by phone, and ask for an all-in-one package or an offer for flight tickets.

    3. Check your documents

      Citizens of the Republic of Moldova with a biometric passport enter Croatia without a visa. The full conditions, including passport validity and ETIAS, are in the documents section.

    4. Confirm and save your documents

      The PDF ticket, the accommodation voucher, the insurance policy and the transfer confirmation.

    Other seaside destinations in the same region

    Want to leave sooner? Take a look at the last minute offers in Croatia from Chisinau or the other new flights from Chisinau.

    If any doubts remain, the answers below cover the most common questions.

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions about flights from Chisinau to Croatia

    When are the SkyUp flights from Chisinau to Croatia available?

    The first flight to Split is on 5 June 2027 and to Pula on 13 June 2027, with two flights a week each. Tickets can be bought on the SkyUp website, and Admiral.Travel consultants can help you with flight tickets or a complete package.

    Can you fly direct from Chisinau to Split, without a stopover?

    Yes. SkyUp operates nonstop flights on the Chisinau-Split route on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

    How many nights can I stay with the direct flights?

    With the Wednesday and Saturday flights to Split, or the Thursday and Sunday flights to Pula, you can stay 3, 4, 7, 10 or 11 nights, depending on the days you choose for the outbound and return flights.

    How do I get from the airport to the city centre?

    In Split, the airport is about 19 km from the centre, and bus line 37 connects the airport with Split and Trogir. In Pula, the airport is about 6 km from town, and a dedicated bus runs according to the flight schedule.

    What is the difference between a holiday in Split and one in Pula?

    Split is for lively beaches, islands and families. Pula, in Istria, is for peace and quiet, culture and food. The details are in the comparison above.

    Do Moldovan citizens need a visa for Croatia?

    No, if they hold a biometric passport. Citizens of the Republic of Moldova can stay in Croatia and the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date. Romanian citizens travel with a valid ID card or passport. The ETIAS authorisation, once it becomes mandatory, is added to these conditions.

    Do I need ETIAS to travel from Moldova to Croatia?

    At the date of the last check, 26 October 2026, ETIAS was not yet in force, and the launch is estimated for 2027 without a confirmed date. Once it becomes mandatory, visa-exempt Moldovan citizens will apply online for an authorisation of about €20, valid for 3 years. Check the current status on the official website travel-europe.europa.eu before you book.

    How long is the flight from Chisinau to Croatia, and is there a time difference?

    The flight takes approximately 1h50-2h10. Croatia is one hour behind Moldova, and the times in the schedule are local, so a flight leaving Chisinau at 09:10 lands at 10:10 local time in Split.

    When is the best time to go to Croatia with the direct flights from Chisinau?

    For pleasant sea and gentler prices, pick the second half of June or the start of September. July and August have the warmest sea, but also the biggest crowds and the highest accommodation prices. Flights to Pula run from 13 June to 12 September 2027.

    What currency is used in Croatia, and can you pay by card?

    Croatia has used the euro since 1 January 2023, so you do not need to exchange currency. Cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops, but it is worth carrying a little cash for markets, parking and small beaches. The tourist tax is usually paid through the accommodation.

    What baggage is included on SkyUp flights?

    It depends on the fare you choose. On basic low-cost fares, checked baggage is usually paid separately, and the exact conditions appear at booking. Check them before paying or ask an Admiral.Travel consultant.

    Can I combine Split and Pula in the same holiday?

    You can, but the road distance between the two cities is approximately 450 km, about 5.5-6 hours by car. The combination makes sense for a holiday of 10-14 days, not for one of 7 nights.

    Are there direct flights from Chisinau to Dubrovnik?

    Not in the summer 2027 programme announced by SkyUp, which includes only Split and Pula for Croatia. The closest airport in the programme for Dubrovnik is Split, approximately 3 hours by car.

    What happens if the flight is cancelled?

    With an Admiral.Travel package, the situation is handled through a single point of contact. With a ticket bought directly from the airline, you follow the SkyUp refund or rebooking procedure.

    Sources and update. Last checked: 26 October 2026. The prices of approximately €80 are indicative, based on fares published in the press in August 2026, and may change; check the current fare when you book. Entry rules can change, so check the conditions before you travel.

    Photos. Banner image: Jeroen Komen, via Wikimedia Commons, licence CC BY-SA 2.0. It may be redistributed under the same licence with credit to the author.

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    ✈️ Croatia, closer to Chisinau

    Croatia is two hours from Chisinau by air. Choose your flight for summer 2027

    Two direct routes, nonstop, from about €80 one way. Admiral.Travel consultants can prepare a complete package for you: flight, accommodation, transfer and insurance.

    Final prices depend on the booking date, availability and the fare chosen.