What to see in Rovinj: 15 great tips for the best spots
What to see in Rovinj? This town is one of the most beautiful in Croatian Istria, and in my opinion, it’s well worth spending a week-long holiday here. It’s ideal if you want to combine swimming, historic streets, sea views, and nature. A characteristic feature is the silhouette of the old town with the Church of St. Euphemia, which stands on a small peninsula surrounded by a harbor, restaurants, and several beaches accessible on foot.
I recommend at least 3 or more days for Rovinj. You can easily manage the center itself in one day, but it’s worth dedicating more time to the beaches, the Golden Cape (Zlatni rt), and trips to the surrounding area. If you’re heading here for the first time, I know from experience that just a weekend won’t be enough and you’ll soon want to come back again.
Accommodation in Rovinj:
Find accommodation in Rovinj using the map:
Eden Hotel by Maistra Collection
- I especially recommend it to families and those who want to combine the center with swimming.
- The hotel is located on the edge of Zlatni rt, right by the coast, has three pools, a wellness center, and a very highly-rated breakfast.
- Booking currently gives it a 9.0/10 and 9.5 for location.
Lone Hotel by Maistra Collection
Lone Hotel by Maistra Collection
- This is a more design-focused option approximately 200 meters from the sea and about 15 minutes on foot from the center.
- It offers three pools, wellness, and a buffet breakfast.
- On Booking, it has an excellent 9.4/10 and a value-for-money rating of 8.9.
- Price-wise, it falls into the upper-middle category, but you can find interesting offers outside of peak season.
Lone Hotel by Maistra Collection
The Melegran
- If you want to stay right among the streets of the old town and don’t need a pool.
- This boutique hotel has a 9.1/10 on Booking, a location rating of 9.7, and serves a continental buffet breakfast.
The Melegran
What to see in Rovinj? 15 most beautiful places
1. Historic Center of Rovinj
Start without a map and wander through the narrow stone streets of the Old Town. The historic core stands on a former island and has been a protected cultural monument since 1963.
2. St. Euphemia’s Church / What to See in Rovinj
The town’s landmark is the Baroque St. Euphemia’s Church. Its bell tower measures 60 meters and is the highest in Istria. For a small fee, you can climb to the top for a 360° panorama of Rovinj, the Adriatic, and the surrounding islands. The view is most beautiful in the late afternoon.
3. View from the bell tower
If you can handle about 190 steps and aren’t afraid of heights or cramped spaces, climb to the top. A 360° panorama of Rovinj, the Adriatic, and the surrounding islands opens up from here. The view is most beautiful in the late afternoon.
- I recommend sturdy shoes; the final few steps aren’t suitable for flip-flops—I know what I’m talking about.
4. Grisia Street
Grisia is the most photogenic path to the church. The stone street is known for its galleries, studios, and artistic tradition, and it is one of the most characteristic parts of old Rovinj. I could walk here every day during our vacation in Rovinj.
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5. Balbi’s Arch
Enter the historic center through the Balbi’s Arch. The Baroque arch was built in the 17th century on the site of a former city gate; only three of the seven original gates have been preserved.
6. Harbor and Trg maršala Tita / What to See in Rovinj
Walk through the central harbor with its colorful fishing boats and the Trg maršala Tita square. From the waterfront, you get one of the classic views of the historic center’s houses.
7. Batana Eco-museum
A Batana is a traditional wooden boat with a flat bottom, typical for Rovinj. The project to protect this tradition is included in the UNESCO Register of Good Safeguarding Practices.
8. Zlatni rt – Punta Corrente / What to See in Rovinj
The Zlatni rt forest park is the best place for a walk or cycling. It offers pine and cypress forests, trails, and many small coves just about 15 minutes from the town. This is our secret tip for where to go for a swim. Even in high season, you can find a spot just for yourself. Additionally, there is a marked dog beach—you’ll recognize it by the sign.
9. Lone Bay
Lone is one of the best family beaches. It is pebbly, has a gradual entry into the water, and is surrounded by the shade of the Zlatni rt forest park. There are also bars and sunbed rentals.
10. Mulini Beach
Mulini is a more manicured combination of rocks and pebbles just a short distance from the center and the Golden Cape. It’s suitable if you want comfortable swimming and then to continue into town on foot. During the summer, I feel like locals move here along with the tourists. Therefore, I recommend arriving early in the morning.
11. Cuvi Beach
We also recommend Cuvi to families, approximately 3 km south of the center. It has a pebbly shore, easy access, and shallow water, making it one of the favorite beaches for children.
12. Monte and Baluota / What to See in Rovinj
If you want to swim directly under the walls of the Old Town, head to Monte or Baluota. These are rocky plateaus where the water gets deep quickly, so the place is more suitable for good swimmers than small children.
13. Škaraba / What to See in Rovinj
For a quieter swim without the tourists, I recommend Škaraba beach on the edge of Zlatni rt. The coast consists of large flat rocky slabs and the water gets deep quickly, so the spot is more suitable for good swimmers than small children.
14. Cisterna / What to see in Rovinj
One of the most beautiful natural beaches south of Rovinj lies about 6 km from the center. Cisterna offers two bays with white pebbles and a sandy shallow area a few meters from the shore. If you are looking for a less urban swimming experience, for Kája and me, this place is one of the best choices in the area.
15. Lim Fjord
For a longer stay, also plan a trip to the Lim Fjord north of Rovinj. The approximately 12 km long sea bay is surrounded by forested slopes, and the area is also known for mussel and oyster farming. You can visit it by car or during a boat trip from the harbor.
Which beach in Rovinj to choose?
With small children, we especially recommend Lone, Cuvi, or parts of Monte. Amarin, north of the center, also has very convenient access. On the other hand, for peace and nature, choose Škaraba or Cisterna. The ability to explore the old town in the morning and reach the clear sea within a few minutes by foot or car in the afternoon is, in my opinion, the greatest advantage of a holiday in Rovinj.
