A coastal gem on Croatia's Adriatic, with Venetian-style houses and narrow streets. Visit St. Euphemia Church, explore the harbor, or take a boat to nearby islands.
Rovinj, situated on Croatia's Istrian peninsula, was once a fishing village and has evolved into a popular coastal town. Its Old Town, perched on a hill, is characterized by narrow cobblestone streets that lead to St. Euphemia's Basilica at the summit. The town's attractions include swimming at pebbly beaches, taking boat trips to nearby islands, and cycling through coastal pine forests.
Navigating Rovinj's Old Town
The heart of Rovinj is its Old Town, a peninsula where vehicles are not permitted. As you walk the cobblestone streets, you'll pass under stone archways and between colorful houses adorned with flower-filled balconies. Many ground-floor spaces house small art galleries and craft shops. The Church of St. Euphemia crowns the hilltop, its 60-meter bell tower visible throughout Rovinj. You can climb the tower for panoramic views of the town's rooftops and the Adriatic Sea.
Beaches and Water Activities in Rovinj
While Rovinj doesn't have long sandy beaches, its coastline has numerous spots for swimming and sunbathing. Lone Bay, south of the Old Town, features several pebbly beaches shaded by pine trees. For a less crowded setting, you can take a short boat ride to Red Island (Crveni Otok) or another of the small islands in Rovinj's archipelago. You have the option to rent kayaks for paddling along the indented shoreline or go scuba diving to explore underwater caves and shipwrecks. In the evening, people gather at the cafes lining the harbor to watch fishing boats return and the sun set over the sea.
Eating and Drinking in Rovinj
Rovinj's cuisine reflects both Italian and Croatian influences, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and Istrian specialties. You can try black risotto colored with cuttlefish ink or sample Istrian fuži pasta with truffles from nearby forests. Monte, which became Croatia's first Michelin-starred restaurant in 2017, serves tasting menus based on seasonal Istrian ingredients. Local wines include white Malvazija and red Teran. To see where restaurants source their ingredients, visit the daily market near the harbor where fishmongers and farmers sell their products.
Exploring Beyond Rovinj
Rovinj's location allows for easy exploration of the Istrian peninsula. A 40-minute drive inland takes you to Motovun, a medieval town on a hilltop surrounded by truffle-rich forests and vineyards. You can join guided truffle hunting excursions with dogs to search for the prized fungi. Brijuni National Park, an archipelago of 14 islands reachable by boat from nearby Fažana, contains Roman ruins, a safari park with exotic animals, and hiking trails. In Pula, you can visit the Roman amphitheater from the 1st century AD, one of the best-preserved in the world.
