Rovinj: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!

The charming holiday resort of Rovinj welcomes you on the west coast of Istria. As you stroll through the picturesque old town, which is located on an island, you will experience a nostalgic atmosphere. The former fishing village offers first-class restaurants and, with the Church of St. Euphemia and its free-standing bell tower, a distinctive landmark.

Table of contents

Rovinj - Must-see attractions
Rovinj - Secret spots
Rovinj - In 3 days
Rovinj - Climate

Rovinj - Must-see attractions

Rovinj - Holiday homes & apartments

Old Town of Rovinj

The historic core of the Croatian port town of Rovinj enchants. The pastel-colored old town houses, which line the narrow, cobblestone streets and stairs, appear as if from a picture book and, alongside dreamy courtyards, also house charming cafés, souvenir shops, and small galleries full of handicrafts. Through the baroque Balbi Arch, not far from the Trg Maršala Tita square, you slip into the old town. At its highest point, the Sveta Eufemija Cathedral, with its high Venetian bell tower, stands prominently visible, offering magnificent views over the rust-red sea of roofs of Rovinj.

St. Euphemia Cathedral

The Church of St. Euphemia is one of the landmarks of Istria: It sits elevated above Rovinj. Allegedly, the famous Campanile of St. Mark's in Venice served as a model for the free-standing 60-meter-high bell tower. Its top is adorned with a statue of the namesake. Inside, you can explore, among other things, six arcades and five columns. The main and side altars were artfully designed by Giacomo Laureto from Venice. The four angel statues on the altar of the Most Holy Sacrament are also true masterpieces.

Limfjord

Actually, the term fjord is misleading, as the Lim Fjord is not a body of water formed by former glaciers. You can enjoy the most beautiful view of the canal, which is up to 100 meters deep, during a boat trip. The Lim Fjord is home to many animals: with a bit of luck, you might spot hawks, owls, and wild boars on the shore. Oysters and mussels, as well as gilt-head bream and sea bream, are found in the water, delicacies that you can enjoy in the surrounding restaurants.

Port of Rovinj

Stroll along the harbor promenade of Rovinj and admire the many small ships that dock here. Directly along the coast, there are numerous cafés inviting you to linger. Harbor tours and boat trips around Rovinj are also highly recommended. You will find numerous providers for boat tours directly on the promenade, although you can alternatively reserve them online in advance. During the boat trips, you will not only discover the old town on the peninsula from completely new perspectives but also reach secluded beaches.

Batana Museum

In Rovinj, in the west of the Istrian Peninsula, the Batana Museum is a must for anyone interested in maritime and fishing culture. The eco-museum is dedicated to the traditional wooden boats called Batana, which are part of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage, through a multimedia exhibition. Interesting workshops and captivating folklore evenings make a visit to the Batana Museum even more worthwhile. In the summer, you can watch the construction and repair of the boats in a small shipyard in front of the exhibition building and even circle the city in a Batana.

St. Catherine Island

Sveta Katarina is an ideal place to escape everyday life a little. A leisurely walk along the harbor promenade takes you directly into a dense pine forest and to dreamy bays. For sports enthusiasts, the Croatian island offers plenty of diversion. You will find a diving center, a beach volleyball court, and equipment for windsurfing on your exploration tour of the island. At the Zlatna Stijena cliffs, adventurers can plunge into the cool water. Or you can simply enjoy the breathtaking view of the deep blue sea.

Rovinj - Secret spots

Rovinj - Holiday homes & apartments

Hillfort Monkodonja

Monkodonja, a hidden gem near Rovinj, is an impressive prehistoric hill fort. This mysterious site, inhabited between 2000 and 1200 BC, offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. Interestingly, the arrangement of stones in Monkodonja shows a remarkable similarity to that of the famous Stonehenge.

Palud Bird Sanctuary

The Palud bird reserve near Rovinj is an undiscovered paradise for nature lovers. In this idyllic retreat, over 200 bird species live, including rare species like the purple heron. A fascinating detail is that it is the only brackish water swamp area in Istria, making it a unique biotope.

Romuald's Cave Quarry

Hidden near Rovinj lies the Romuald Cave, an undiscovered jewel. This fascinating cave, once inhabited by hermits, is known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. A remarkable detail is that it is home to the rare cave olm, a type of blind salamander. A must for adventurers and nature lovers.

Bale

Bale, in the lesser-known hinterland of Rovinj, is a picturesque medieval village with narrow streets and well-preserved architecture. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, Bale offers a peaceful, authentic atmosphere. Attractions include the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Soardo-Bembo Castle. A true insider tip for culture and nature lovers!

Rovinj - In 3 days

Rovinj - Holiday homes & apartments

Day 1

On the first day in Rovinj, immerse yourself in the historic old town. Start your day with a walk through the narrow, cobbled streets lined with charming, colorful houses. Visit the Church of St. Euphemia, which majestically towers over the city and offers a breathtaking view of the sea and surrounding islands. Then, continue to the Balbi Gate, an impressive entrance to the old town built in the Venetian style. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque harbor of Rovinj, where you can watch the fishing boats and enjoy the maritime atmosphere. Take a break in one of the cozy cafes and try local specialties like truffle dishes or fresh fish. To end the day, take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the sunset over the Adriatic. Conclude the evening in a traditional konoba, where you can enjoy authentic Istrian cuisine and a glass of local wine.

Day 2

Visit the market in the morning, where you can discover fresh fruits, vegetables, and local products. Immerse yourself in the vibrant hustle and bustle and try regional delicacies like olive oil and cheese. Then head to the Zlatni Rt Nature Park, also known as Golden Cape. Here you can stroll through the shady pine forests, enjoy the fresh air, and relax on the picturesque beaches. After a relaxing morning in the greenery, visit the Batana Museum in the afternoon, which is dedicated to the traditional fishing boats of the region. Learn more about the maritime history and culture of Rovinj. Afterwards, stroll through the city's art galleries and studios, where you can meet local artists and their works. For dinner, return to one of the many taverns and enjoy typical Istrian dishes like Fuži with truffles or Peka. End the day with a glass of Malvazija wine and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Day 3

First, explore the St. Euphemia Church today, the landmark of the city. Climb the bell tower and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view over Rovinj and the surrounding coast. Afterwards, stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets of the old town and discover charming boutiques and souvenir shops. In the late morning, head to the Rovinj Aquarium, one of the oldest aquariums in Europe. Here you can discover the fascinating underwater world of the Adriatic and learn more about the local marine fauna. After a light lunch, continue your exploration and visit the Franciscan Monastery, known for its impressive architecture and peaceful atmosphere. In the afternoon, relax at the beach of Lone Bay, where you can swim or simply enjoy the sun. To conclude your stay in Rovinj, enjoy a dinner with fresh seafood and end the day with a walk along the picturesque waterfront promenade.

Rovinj - Climate

In Rovinj, the sun shines for at least 130 days a year. In May, temperatures reach 20 ℃. The swimming season begins in June: the sea then warms up to 22 ℃, and in August it is even 25 ℃ warm. You don't have to fear rainy periods in July and August: during these months, there is an average of only three days of precipitation. Instead, you can enjoy 13 hours of sunshine per day. There are ten rainy days on average in November. The coldest month is January with an average of 7 ℃.

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