Trips in Rovinj, which is described by many as the historical pearl of Istria. However, the city itself and its surroundings have much more in store for visitors than just an encounter with its rich history. Rovinj is a port city on the western side of Croatian Istria and is the second most visited in the area after Pula. In its vicinity, we find 22 islands, two of which, St. Andrew and St. Catherine, are our favorite retreats.
Search for accommodation in Rovinj by map:
Accommodation in Rovinj / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
Croatia Rovinj – pearl of Istria
You could say that what Piran is to Slovenia, Rovinj is to Croatia. At least for its Istrian part. As expected, most tourists concentrate around the main historical center, which was an island until 1763. At the end of the 18th century, the channel between the mainland was filled in, and since then the city of Rovinj began to slowly grow on the mainland as well.
Despite a rich history where Rovinj was part of several powers, the historical center of the city from the Venetian period maintains its unmistakable medieval charisma, and the architecture of Rovinj strikingly resembles Renaissance Venetian cities.
Rovinj / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
Rovinj / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
Rovinj / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
Read also:
- 7 TOP summer destinations
- 7 tips for Austrian lakes
- Langbathseen: 2 lakes hidden in a natural paradise
- Barcelona: a city worth experiencing at any time of year
- 16 tips for trips in Fuerteventura
- SPECIAL OFFERS on accommodation in Rovinj
Where to go for trips in Rovinj
1. Historical center
Rovinj / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
Rovinj at night / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
Whatever trips in Rovinj you plan during your holiday in Istria, you should definitely not miss a walk through the historical part of the city. A classic circuit will take you one morning or afternoon, including stops in the picturesque streets, and even if you decide to spend the whole day here and make your visit to Rovinj more pleasant by sitting in one of the renowned local restaurants or cafes, you certainly won’t regret your choice.
Each of your first walks should head to the top of Rovinj, where the Church of St. Euphemia, the city’s patron saint, greets you majestically from afar, along with a 12th-century bell tower that you can climb.
Rovinj / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
Rovinj / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
Rovinj / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
In good weather and for those who don’t have a fear of heights, this tip will be one of the most breathtaking experiences you’ll take away from here. The climb to the top itself, and of course the stunning view of the city’s surroundings and the adjacent islands of this part of Istria, will surely be your unforgettable memory of trips in Rovinj. Sturdy shoes are recommended. A fee of a few euros is charged.
Dinner in Rovinj / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
2. Zlatni Rt Park
In the immediate vicinity of the historical part of the city, the gates to one of the oldest protected parks in Croatia open for nature lovers and active holidaymakers. Golden Cape, or Zlatni Rt, is a natural park that is literally an oasis of peace and a paradise for both hikers and cyclists, and is among the most popular trips in Rovinj.
However, to get your dreamed-of peace, you need to walk more than a few meters from the entrance, where most visitors stay on the public beaches.
Trips in Rovinj / Zlatni Rt Park / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
Trips in Rovinj / Zlatni Rt Park / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
Trips in Rovinj / Zlatni Rt Park – seaside restaurant / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
About 60 kilometers of marked trails await cyclists here, and bikes can be rented right at the park entrance. There are designated beaches for dogs, which you can recognize by the signs, so even they won’t miss out on trips in Rovinj. If you enjoy rock climbing, then you shouldn’t miss a visit to this forest park either.
In addition to bike rentals, paddleboards or kayaks can also be arranged around the park. Just like the prices for renting sunbeds and umbrellas, the prices for renting this sports equipment vary significantly. Often, it’s enough to just walk a few meters further.
Trips in Rovinj / Zlatni Rt Park / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
Trips in Rovinj / Zlatni Rt Park / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
Trips in Rovinj / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
3. Trips and accommodation on nearby islands
You don’t have to do trips in Rovinj only on the mainland. An interesting option is to visit one of the nearby islands and enjoy a slightly different experience of Istria. Ideally, of course, you would stay on one of the two mentioned islands. However, if you haven’t found any available dates, or a longer stay on these islands doesn’t fit into your plans, don’t despair.
It is possible to reach the islands by small ferries that leave the port every hour from early morning until late at night, when hotel staff also return to the mainland by ferry. Expect a small fee in Croatian kunas.
St. Andrew Islands
Accommodation Rovinj / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
St. Catherine Island
Accommodation Rovinj / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
4. Restaurants in Rovinj
I believe that trips in Rovinj will be among your most beautiful experiences of Istria. To give them the right finishing touch, spice them up with a visit to one of the local renowned restaurants, whether in the port or in one of the romantic streets inside the historical part of the city. Especially popular are those with a view of the church and bell tower from the port, or those in the city that look out over the cliffs to the sea.
For true gourmets, there are also two popular and highly-rated Michelin restaurants, Monte and La Puntulina, which also boasts a breathtaking sea view. Reservation required during the season.
Dinner in Rovinj, Da Piero / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
Dinner in Rovinj, Da Piero / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
This picturesque and romantic town in Istria attracts tourists from all over the world every year, and you can now take the opportunity to enjoy the charm of Rovinj in an almost intimate number of visitors. I wish you a wonderful holiday.
Trips in Rovinj / Zlatni Rt Park / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
Were you inspired by any of my trip tips? Don’t forget to share with me on Instagram: @dovolenkarka
