Rovinj, Croatia travel guide

Rovinj is a beautiful and picturesque town located on the west coast of Croatia, in the Istria region. Surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea and hills covered with lush Mediterranean vegetation, Rovinj is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and rich history. The city is known for its historic center, a maze of narrow streets with medieval squares and historic Venetian-style buildings that blend perfectly with the surrounding natural landscape. The Church of St. Euphemia, with its 60-meter high tower, is one of the most famous monuments in Rovinj and offers an impressive panorama of the town and the sea. Rovinj's beaches are famous for their natural beauty and crystal clear waters, making them ideal for swimming, diving and other relaxing activities. In the city, you can explore small souvenir shops, restaurants and terraces and attend cultural events such as music festivals. Rovinj is a fascinating town full of charm and personality, offering an authentic experience of Croatian history, culture and life. In the following you will find a complete guide that includes accommodation recommendations, places with delicious food, tourist attractions and unique activities for an unforgettable vacation.

Useful information

Accommodation – Where to stay in Rovinj

• Villa Ladavac B&B is a beautiful guesthouse located in the town of Rovinj, Croatia. The villa is located in a quiet residential area, just a few steps from the city center and the picturesque old town. The guesthouse has comfortable and well-equipped rooms, each decorated in a modern style, but with traditional elements, warm colors and wooden furniture. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom with shower. Some rooms also have a balcony with an impressive view of the sea or the surrounding countryside. Prices for a double room start from around 70 euros per night, depending on the season and the type of room.

• Luxury Apartment Fabris an elegant and comfortable accommodation option located in the center of Rovinj. This elegant property offers a wide range of facilities to meet the highest standards. Luxury Apartment Fabris is tastefully decorated and furnished with elegant pieces of furniture and art objects, offering a lush and refined atmosphere. It includes a comfortable living area, a fully equipped kitchen and a balcony with panoramic sea views. Prices for one night's accommodation start from around 70 euros per night, depending on the season and the type of room.

• Guest House Marta the Marta guesthouse is a comfortable and welcoming accommodation option located near the city center. This guest house is located in a quiet and picturesque area, just a few minutes' walk from the main attractions and beautiful beaches. Pensiunea Marta offers comfortable and well-equipped rooms, decorated in a modern and bright style, with cheerful colors and simple furniture. All rooms have a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Prices for a double room start from around 60 euros per night, depending on the season and the type of room selected.

Rovinj tourist attractions - What to visit in Rovinj

Church of Saint Euphemia Rovinj 

If you want to visit the Church of St. Euphemia in Rovinj, you have to go up the hill in the center of town, where this impressive church is located. When you arrive in front of the church, you will see a bright white facade with an impressive tower that rises above the city. Inside, you will find a grand church with a quiet and calm atmosphere. Throughout its history, the Saint Euphemia Church has been an important place of pilgrimage for believers. Here is the tomb of Saint Euphemia, who was martyred during the Christian persecutions of the 3rd century. In addition, the church has an impressive collection of religious artifacts and works of art such as paintings, frescoes, and sculptures. You will be impressed by its Gothic architecture, with its high arches, colorful vitals and impressively detailed frescoes. You will also be able to climb the church tower for a panoramic view of the city and the Adriatic Sea.

Balbi's Arch 

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, which has become a symbol for it, Balbi's Arch is a large and imposing gate with high arches and an ornamental facade. This gate was built in the 17th century by the Balbi family, which was one of the most influential families in the town of Rovinj. On each side of the gate there are inscriptions in Latin, which highlight the importance and power of the Balbi family, but also ornamental details, which add an artistic touch to this construction. If you want to learn more about the history of this building, you can go to the nearby Museum of Natural History, where you can find information and exhibits about the Balbi family and other aspects of local history.

Park forest Zlatni Rt 

If you want to spend a day in nature and enjoy the beauty of the area around Rovinj, then you must visit the Zlatni Rt Forest Park. Here you will be able to relax while discovering a beautiful wooded area with secluded beaches and coves that offer a peaceful atmosphere. Zlatni Rt Park is perfect for hiking and nature walks, with a variety of trails and paths leading to beaches and picnic areas. As you walk through the forest, you will be impressed by the lush vegetation, old trees and local flora and fauna. If you like sunbathing, the park offers a variety of beautiful beaches with fine sand and crystal clear waters. In addition, you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas so you can spend a whole day relaxing in the sun. In addition to nature walks and relaxing on the beach, Zlatni Rt Park also offers other activities such as cycling, hiking and water sports. There are also a variety of restaurants and cafes in the area where you can sample local food and drinks.

Adris Gallery 

Galerija Adris is an art gallery located in the center of Rovinj, Croatia, which houses an impressive collection of contemporary and modern art. It is an ideal tourist attraction for art lovers or tourists who want to spend an afternoon in a cultural and peaceful place. The gallery's art collection is well-curated and includes works by local and international artists. Exhibitions are often themed and are organized regularly to offer visitors a variety of works of art. The gallery also organizes events and openings regularly, offering the opportunity to meet the artists and talk to them about their work. Galerija Adris is located close to other important sights in Rovinj, such as the Church of St. Euphemia and Rovinj Harbour. After a visit to the gallery, you can walk around the city to discover its beauties and enjoy the local gastronomy in one of the nearby restaurants.

Port of Rovinj 

If you want to see one of the most picturesque areas of Rovinj, you must visit the Port. This is a popular tourist attraction that offers an impressive view of the city and the Adriatic Sea. Beautifully landscaped with an old and colorful lighthouse, fishing boats and yachts this is the ideal place for a relaxing stroll. In addition, you will see traditional houses and picturesque cafes, which offer a beautiful view and a pleasant atmosphere. If you want to learn more about the history of the port and the town of Rovinj, you can go to the nearby History Museum, where you can find information and exhibitions about local history. During the summer, the harbor is bustling and lively with a variety of events and festivals.

Collis station 

If you are passionate about gastronomy and local products, you must visit Stancija Collis in Rovinj. This traditional Croatian farmhouse offers an impressive view of olive fields and peach and walnut orchards, as well as a wonderful culinary experience. Here you will be greeted by the friendly owners, who will give you a tour of the farm and explain about the local production of olives and other agricultural products. You will also be able to see animals that are raised in a traditional way. After the farm tour, you will be invited to try delicious food and local wines in the family restaurant, which is located in a traditional stone building. The menu is inspired by local produce and traditional Croatian recipes, and includes dishes such as bruschetta with olives, peach and walnut salad, or roast beef with fresh vegetables. In addition, Stancija Collis also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as cycling, hiking or even horse riding, so you can explore the area around the farm.

Mulini Beach  

If you want to spend a relaxing day at the beach in Rovinj, you must visit Mulini Beach. This beach with fine sand and crystal clear water is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area and is perfect for sunbathing, swimming or just relaxing. When you arrive at Mulini Beach, you will be impressed by the wonderful view of the Adriatic Sea and the clear, turquoise waters. The beach is well laid out, with umbrellas, sunbeds and showers available for visitors. There is also a beach bar where you can buy refreshments and snacks. If you're into water sports, Mulini Beach is the perfect place to practice swimming, diving or snorkeling. There are also a variety of leisure activities available, such as beach volleyball or boating. In addition, Mulini Beach is located in a beautiful and picturesque area of Rovinj, surrounded by peach orchards and olive fields. You can take a walk around the area and discover the surrounding beauties. 

Rovinj Heritage Museum 

If you are interested in the history and culture of Rovinj, you must visit the Rovinj Heritage Museum. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's history, with exhibitions that include ancient artefacts, contemporary art and old photographs. Among the objects on display are Roman coins, ancient vessels and historical photographs illustrating the way of life in the city over time. The museum's main exhibition is dedicated to the history of fishing in Rovinj, with an emphasis on traditional fishing techniques and the life of the fishing community in the area. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and photography, featuring works by local and international artists. In addition, the Heritage Museum of Rovinj is located in a beautiful old building in the city center, which offers an impressive view of the surrounding narrow streets and squares. The Rovinj Heritage Museum is a tourist attraction that offers an interesting look at local history and culture. 

Lone bay  

If you want to enjoy a beautiful beach and an impressive view of the Adriatic Sea, you must visit Rovinj's Lone Bay. This wonderful place is located just a few kilometers from the city center and is perfect for those looking for an oasis of peace and relaxation away from the urban bustle. The beach is surrounded by pine forests and Mediterranean vegetation, and the crystalline waters of the Adriatic Sea stretch to infinity. You can choose to relax on the fine sand and take a swim in the warm water, or explore the area around the beach on foot or by bike. Lone Bay is also a popular spot for water sports such as diving, windsurfing and kitesurfing. In addition, the area is full of magic at sunset.

Lim 

If you want to discover a special place in Croatia, you must visit Lim, a fjord located near Rovinj. This place is considered one of the most beautiful in the country and attracts thousands of visitors every year. The fjord stretches for a distance of 10 km and is surrounded by dense pine forests and steep cliffs. The clear waters of the fjord are covered with algae, which creates an extraordinary landscape. To fully enjoy the beauty of the place, you can take a boat ride around the fjord. You can also take a relaxing walk around the fjord, on one of the specially designed hiking trails. Lim is also a popular spot for fishing and tasting fresh seafood. There are some nice restaurants along the fjord that offer a wide selection of dishes prepared according to local recipes.

Plage Balota 

If you want to spend a quiet day at the beach during your holiday in Croatia, then Plage Balota is a great option. This beautiful and quiet beach is located near the town of Rovinj and is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sun and sea. The beach is surrounded by steep cliffs covered with lush vegetation and offers a stunning view of the Adriatic Sea. The clear and cool waters of the sea are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and the fine white sand of the beach is perfect for relaxing and sunbathing. Plage Balota is also a popular spot for outdoor picnics and barbecues. There are a few tables and benches available for tourists and the area is shaded by trees, providing a cool oasis during hot summer days.

Beach Cistern 

Cisterna Beach is a small but picturesque beach, an ideal place for tourists who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a day of relaxation and tranquility. The beach is small but offers an amazing view of the Adriatic Sea and the nearby islands. The water is clear and cool, providing excellent conditions for swimming and snorkeling. Cisterna Beach is also an ideal place to enjoy the sun and relax on the fine white sand. There are some umbrellas and sunbeds available for tourists so that you can rest and enjoy the comfort. The beach is located next to a small natural harbor where you can see boats and yachts anchored. There is also a small bar serving drinks and quick snacks.

Gastronomy & Restaurants

As a picturesque town located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, Rovinj has a variety of traditional dishes that reflect Mediterranean and local influences. Some of the most popular traditional dishes in Rovinj include:

• Embroidery – a delicious fish soup made with several kinds of fish, tomatoes, onions, garlic and other vegetables, which is often served with polenta or unleavened bread.

• Run away – a traditional Croatian pasta made with flour, eggs and water, which is often served with various sauces, such as meat sauce or truffle sauce.

• Crni risotto – a black risotto made with black rice and cuttlefish, garnished with parmesan and olive oil.

• Pinch of paprika – peppers stuffed with minced meat and rice, often served with tomato sauce and fried potatoes.

• trumpet – a traditional dish made with flour noodles and meat sauce, often topped with grated cheese and served with a seasonal salad.

• Ombolo – a traditional dish of smoked pork, served with fried potatoes and vegetables.

Seafood and fish are also an important part of Rovinj's gastronomy, due to the location of the city on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. In this regard, seafood is often grilled or steamed and served with various side dishes and sauces. You should not miss the traditional Croatian desserts during your trip to Rovinj. These include fritule, a kind of toasted raisin muffin, and kroštule, a crunchy cake made with flour, sugar and eggs, and for lovers of chocolate sweets, the Španski rižot cake is an excellent choice.

• Monte One of the best and most refined restaurants in Rovinj, Monte offers an elegant and sophisticated dining experience. The dishes are made from top quality local ingredients and the menu consists of a combination of traditional and contemporary dishes. The restaurant's specialties include seafood risotto, salmon with pea puree and berry sauce and delicious desserts.

• stutter This restaurant offers a unique culinary experience that combines local and Mediterranean ingredients with modern cooking techniques. The restaurant's menu is focused on fish and seafood dishes, but also offers delicious options for vegetarians and vegans. The restaurant's specialties include fresh fish fillets with lemon and caper sauce, grilled seafood and asparagus risotto.

• Typical Green Garden A traditional Croatian restaurant, Tipico offers a wide range of local cuisine, including fresh seafood and meat dishes. Decorated with traditional Croatian furniture, the restaurant creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for a dinner in the picturesque old town of Rovinj. Dishes to try include ham and cheese pie, Croatian meatballs and flatbread goulash.

Rovinj is a city with a rich history, stunning architecture, spectacular scenery and a wide range of accommodation and dining options. Here you'll find a perfect mix of old and new, as well as a multitude of leisure activities including beach, water sports, hiking and cycling. Rovinj is definitely one of the most beautiful towns in Croatia and a tourist destination that you should not miss.