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What To Do In Rovinj Croatia

If you’ve seen postcards or advertisements of the northwestern region of Croatia, chances are you’ve seen pictures of Rovinj in Croatia. It’s the idyllic Istrian city with a tall bell tower standing over the seaside city like a knight in shining armor.

Rovinj, the beautiful port city located in the north of the Adriatic Sea on a picturesque oval-shaped peninsula, was awarded the destination of the year for 2019 by the Croatian National Tourist Board.

Illyrian tribes settled the town before the Romans captured it and later incorporated it into the Byzantine Empire. Rovinj remains a large port and fishing center and has become a popular tourist destination.

If you’re planning on visiting the picturesque city of Rovinj, Croatia, which was named one of the most beautiful coastal towns of 2014 by Travel and Leisure Magazine, and you want to make the most of your vacation but aren’t sure where to start, keep reading. We’ve composed a list of the best things to do in Rovinj, Croatia, below.

Since our first visit, we’ve wanted to share these ideas with you. So, here is our list of what to do in Rovinj. Before heading off, ensure you have all the essential travel items that will make your vacation much more comfortable.

What To See In Rovinj

Take your pick from this list of top Rovinj attractions.

Visit Rovinj Old Town

One of the first things to do in Rovinj is to wander the cobbled streets of the Rovinj Old Town. Beset by the remains of three town gates and remnants of the walls that used to protect this historic city, you’ll get to enjoy beautiful architecture that dates as far back as the early 1700s. It’s one of my favorite Rovinj attractions.

We’ve stayed in a few hotels in the Rovinj Old Town and love the vibe. There’s a fantastic view from the town bell tower, while the small square is a regular tourist hotspot making this an ideal place to start your holiday. Keep an eye out for Balbi’s Arch, the original entrance to the town. The fact that there are no cars makes it an extremely kid-friendly destination.

While in Old Town Rovinj, don’t forget to pick up one of our all-time favorite souvenirs from Croatia.

St. Euphemia Church

The Church of St. Euphemia is the first thing visitors will see when they get to Rovinj. This church, built in 1736, stands on a hill in the middle of the peninsula overlooking the rest of Rovinj. The Church of St. Euphemia is a beautiful representation of the baroque architecture that dominated the era it was built in.

The tomb of sweet 14-year-old St. Euphemia is behind the altar. According to local legends, the patron saint was tortured and thrown to the lions by Emperor Diocletian for her Christian faith. Her body disappeared on a stormy night and washed up on the coast of Rovinj, from where a little boy and two calves moved the Saint to where she lies now.

Shop For Truffles

You simply can’t be in Istria and not eat (over and over again) truffles. Istrian truffles are genuinely world-class, with Mr. Chasing the Donkey claiming he can’t tell the difference between their Italian cousins. While shopping, also make sure to pick up some of Croatia’s best olive oil at the open-air market.

Valdibora markets are open from 7 am to 4 pm daily. If you do grab a truffle, here is an exquisite truffle recipe to prepare, or try one of the local restaurants. Surprisingly (or maybe not), quite a few Croatian recipes include the Istrian truffle. 

Stroll Through Grisia

The buildings that line the winding streets of Grisia show different styles of architecture from years ago. Quaint little shops and art galleries characterize this beautiful, old neighborhood. Visitors feel like stepping back in time when they walk down the cobblestone streets of Grisia.

You’ll see Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles. Most buildings were constructed when Rovinj experienced a population increase, and large families lived in one room with a fireplace.

Watch The Fishermen

It’s great to see that Rovinj has stayed true to its long history of fishing, and many families in the area are still making a living from it. The fishing port is still active, which is surprising given Rovinj is such an enormous tourist destination. I guess fishermen love the city’s pastel colors as their backdrop each day, too.

Scuba Dive The Baron Gautsch Wreck

If wandering around an island isn’t your cup of tea and you want something more action-oriented, you could scuba dive the Baron Gautsch Wreck. This old boat lies at the bottom of crystal clear waters, surrounded by numerous underwater flora and fauna species.

See The Islands

Fourteen islands make up the Rovinj Archipelago. Each one is full of lush green grass, and each is a popular destination to visit. We suggest St. Andrews Island or St. Catherine Island, both situated just off the coast of the old town. These beautiful islands take five to fifteen minutes to get to by boat. And best of all, they’re car-free, so you can walk around the island’s beaches or visit the old cathedrals. 

Local Tip: Hotel Katarina on St Catherine Island offers a unique view of Rovinj. 

Go Big Game Fishing

You can’t visit the Adriatic without going for a boat tour. For something a bit different from the traditional tourist excursions, consider going big game fishing. With the chance to hook a massive tuna, reef sharks, and marlin, you should try this.

Although when you’re waiting out on the boat for a bite, just remember to take something to kill time, like a book. 

Climb Rovinj Bell Tower For The Best View

Who doesn’t love a great view? You can combine two things here – explore the Old Town and check out the bell tower, but climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views that show you the whole of the local area with sweeping views over the colored buildings of Rovinj.

You can’t miss it when you sit adjacent to the Cathedral of St. Euphemia in the middle of the heart of the old town. 

Wear comfortable shoes for the climb and know that some stairs are sometimes narrow. However, the effort is more than worth it for the view at the top. 

Cruise Through The Lim Fjord

We’ve briefly mentioned the Lim Fjord above, but it’s worth expanding on it a little more. Although it’s sometimes called a “fjord,” that’s not what it is, though. This is technically a “ria,” a flooded river valley connected to the sea. As it’s often also called, the Lim canal is a 10-kilometer-long estuary of the Pazinčica River.

The beautiful natural attraction lies just north of Rovinj. You can get there by car or boat tour from the port of Rovinj. There are plenty of hiking and biking opportunities along the river, while the water itself is excellent for boating of all kinds, from stand-up paddleboarding to kayaking.

Lim is also well-known for its abundant fish and seafood, like mussels and oysters. As such, you can find some fantastic food in local restaurants. Definitely try some!

Istria Wine Tours

Anyone who loves fine wine and exploring historic locales will love the Best of Istria Wine Tour. This tour offers a full day of wine tasting. Starting in the morning at Groznjan, anyone who takes the tour will visit the best wine locations across Istria.

The areas are hidden and off the beaten path, true gems of the gorgeous Istrian countryside. Visitors tour wineries and cellars, all the while taking in the views that this beautiful land has to offer.

Kayaking

For anyone who loves sports or water activities, Adistra is the place to go. Adistra offers a variety of water tours around the archipelago on the coast of Rovinj. Their most popular is the kayak tours.

These tours vary from a 9-kilometer trip around the islands to a 14-kilometer trip to the Lim Fjord. The tours include lunch and rental snorkeling gear. Another popular tour of Adistra is the Sunset Paddle which includes wine, cheese, and olives, arguably the most fantastic way to end a day in Rovinj.

Rovinj Museums

Batana Museum

A flat-bottomed fishing boat, the Batana, symbolizes Rovinj’s history and culture. The Batana House is a museum located in the harbor of Rovinj, documenting the Batana boat’s impact on the people of Rovinj Town. Although the museum is small, it’s positioned in a beautiful 17th-century townhouse.

There are occasional museum events where you can take a boat ride around the town in a Batana before having a traditional Croatian meal afterward. Some tours include visiting a local fisherman, who will demonstrate the art of fishing net repair. The museum’s many interactive displays, including captions and audio that appeal to all ages, are great for those in Croatia with kids. 

Cost: 10 HRK | Open: Daily June-September 10am- 2pm and 7pm-11pm

Rovinj Heritage Museum

You’ll find the museum in the Baroque palace that once belonged to the Califfi counts in the 17th and 18th centuries. Founded by a group of artists from Rovinj in 1954, the Heritage Museum now serves as the town gallery with a rich collection of temporary and permanent exhibits.

Website | Cost: 15 HRK | Open: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm

Enjoy A Little Wellness

I was blown away by the look and feel of the Lone Hotel Spa. It’s not only very welcoming and relaxing, but the “design” concept of the hotel continues to flow into this space and has a serious “wow” factor.

The wellness spa is large at 1,700 square meters and offers everything you would expect from a 5-star hotel. It features a swimming pool with hydro-massaging chairs, whirlpool rooms, saunas, and massage and treatment rooms.

Punta Corrente Forest Park

Also known as Zlatni Rt to locals, Punta Corrente Forest Park is a lovely place for a walk, bike ride, or swim. It was founded by the Austrian Admiral Baron Hutterott in 1890 after he began keeping a villa on Crevni Otok. Ten species of cypress trees dot the park, which opens up to the waterfront where visitors can take a swim. Punta Corrente Forest Park also boasts a spectacular view of the islands off the shore of Rovinj.

A mere 20-minute walk from the center of town, this area is pretty much perfect for anyone who wants a severe dose of nature. Located on a peninsula south of the Old Town, this is simply wonderful, almost fairy-tale-like woodland. You’ll find beautiful beach areas on the peninsula, such as Golden Cape, Lone Bay, and Škaraba.

Swoon Over The Sunsets

We were in awe of the shades of orange and blue the sky turned on our trip to Rovinj. There are several park benches to sit on while you soak up the hues yourself. You can also enjoy a stroll along the water’s edge and watch as the fishermen ready their boats for the following day.

Explore The Monkodonja Archaeological Site

Located on a hill just outside of Rovinj, Monkodonja is a Bronze Age hill fort dating from 1,800 to 1,200 B.C. Nowadays, parts of this ancient settlement have been excavated, and you wander through them, exploring former houses and walking through the remains of millennia-old alleys. The information board explains the site’s history in both Croatian and English.

Explore Local Restaurants

Foodies will love Rovinj. The whole Istria region is known for its food and local produce, and checking out some of the smaller local restaurants is a must-do for anyone who adores trying new things. You’ll also notice that a lot of the food in this part of the country has a slightly Italian feel, so be sure to check out a twist on pizza! You’ll also find plenty of options if you’re into fine dining or seafood. 

Don’t blame us if you go back heavier than when you arrived! 

Enjoy The Cycling Trails

There are many cycling trails around Rovinj that are relatively easy to follow. You can easily hire a bike in the town and then follow one of the many trails that take you through forests, coastal views, and vineyards. The local countryside is stunning, and you can combine exercise and check out the view with a spot of cycling. 

If cycling isn’t your thing, you’ll also find plenty of walking trails, including several at Zlatni Forest Park. 

There is no end to places you can cycle in Rovinj. Particularly famous is the coastal bike route. Easy enough for the whole family, including kids. However, if you want something trickier, you can find cycle routes in and around Rovinj with varying degrees of difficulty.

Day Trips From Rovinj

Got itchy feet and want to explore Croatia a little? There are many great day trips from Rovinj.

These are just a few fun things you can do in this beautiful Croatian town. There are loads of other sights and fun things to do in Rovinj, so just make sure you make the most of your stay when visiting this beautiful town.

Best Beaches In Rovinj Croatia

Amarin Beach

Amarin Beach is one of the most popular Rovinj beaches. This Blue Flag beach is beautiful, made up of pebbles and rocks; its water is azure blue and perfectly clean. There are plenty of visitor facilities, including cafes, swimming pools, lifeguards, showers, changing rooms, and campsites. Dogs are allowed on the beach in designated areas.

There is free parking on the front part of the beach, but there is a small entrance fee to use this beach because it is a part of the Amarin Resort. This is unquestionably one of the best beaches in Rovinj.

Local Tip: Check here for rates and details on the Family Hotel Amarin. This beach is within perfect walking distance from the best family hotel in Croatia (as voted by the Little Donkey).

Valdaliso Beach

Another rock and pebble beach, Valdaliso Beach, has various cafes and restrooms for users. There are lifeguards on site, while there are also plenty of sports facilities. Dogs are not allowed on the beach. Valdaliso is located on the north side of Rovinj and offers a beautiful view of Old Town.

There is free parking in the campgrounds’ reception area and a playground for younger visitors. This beach is an excellent location to moor and dock boats for recreational purposes.

Porton Biondi Beach

To the north of and within easy walking distance from the Old Town, you’ll find Porton Biondi Beach. This 700-meter-long pebble, rock, and concrete beach lies in a beautiful cove and is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. There are plenty of facilities in the area, ranging from beach bars and restaurants to a water sports center, public toilets and deckchairs, and umbrella hire services.

Borik Beach

Arguably the best beach in Rovinj, small and sheltered Borik Beach offers outstanding Figarola Islands and the Old Town views. Its crystal-clear water and green surroundings make it a fantastic spot for simply relaxing, soaking up some Adriatic sunshine, and going for refreshing swims.

This beach lies north of the town center in a quiet residential area. Amenities include free parking, restaurants, showers, chair rentals, and a beach bar.

Zlatni Rt Beach

A long rock and pebble beach in Zlatni Rat Forest Park (see above), also known as Golden Cape or Punta Corrente, lies in one of Croatia’s greatest coastal park areas. This is the largest and most popular beach in Rovinj. Set in a calm bay, its waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling; on land, you can sunbathe, hike, bike, and do many other sports.

Lone Bay Beach

Arguably the most incredible beach in Istria is Lone Bay Beach in Rovinj.

Located in Zlatni Rt Park, a short walk from the Old Town, this narrow strip of pebbles is ideal for families with young children. Amenities include two nearby bars and a place where you can rent equipment for boating and windsurfing.

This bay consists of several coves and promontories, allowing you to pick a spot that tickles your fancy. Wherever you choose to lay down your beach towel, there’ll be a great view of the Old Town.

Best Restaurants In Rovinj Croatia

La Vela

La Vela restaurant has a delicious menu with very reasonable prices, focusing on the classic Mediterranean and Italian dishes. You’ll find tasty treats ranging from seafood to pizza at La Vela restaurant. All of the seafood used in their dishes is caught locally. Everyone falls in love after a meal here. The staff always treats everyone like family, making everyone feel welcome when they enter the door.

Restaurant Dream

Restaurant Dream serves delectable dishes and unique Croatian wines. Located in the Old Town, this restaurant offers a mid-range priced menu of local dishes. They serve a wide variety of Mediterranean, Italian, and contemporary foods. There is no mistaking that the food is delicious. To top off the experience, the staff are amiable and will love to chat with you. From appetizers to desserts, no one leaves Restaurant Dream dissatisfied.

Puntulina

Puntulina Restaurant & Wine Bar is a popular and well-rated eatery in the heart of the Old Town, located on the waterfront overlooking the sea. Its kitchen is a mix of traditional Rovinj dishes and new culinary trends. All food is prepared with fresh and seasonal ingredients, its menu featuring everything from grilled scampi and seabass fillets to beef in truffle sauce and lobster pasta. Naturally, fish and seafood are prominent in this elaborate menu.

Tipico

Another excellent Rovinj restaurant serving dishes made with Istrian ingredients and paired with Istrian wines, Tipico lies literally in the middle of the Old Town, just underneath the towering church. They grow their own herbs and mix spices, while all other ingredients are sourced locally. The menu is exceptionally extensive and also includes vegetarian and vegan options. If you’d like to experience what Istria tastes like, this is one of the places you should go to.

Monte

Monte is a contemporary restaurant boasting a fine-dining atmosphere. Every item on the menu is plated to perfection, and all dishes taste spectacular. The wines come from Croatian vineyards and offer a taste of Rovinj flavors. Located in the Old Town, Monte’s unique dining experience on the cobblestone streets is one of a kind.

Rio Bar

Serving Mediterranean cuisine and the finest cocktails in Rovinj, the Rio Bar is a fan favorite. This place is open for breakfast and stays open well into the night for all night owls. All the food served at Rio Bar is delicious, and all the wines are from local wineries. With reasonable prices, it’s no surprise that visitors come back to Rio Bar time after time.

Gelateria Italia

This cute little café is a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee on a rainy day or take an ice cream break during a crazy day of family sightseeing. Gelateria Italia serves delicious coffees and ice creams as well as yummy snacks. Anyone who loves Italian-style ice cream should head here to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Essential Festivals In Rovinj, Croatia

Grisia Art Show

The arts are prevalent throughout Rovinj, which becomes evident during the annual Grisia Art Show. Every second Sunday in August, the Grisia Art Show takes place. This open-air art exhibition attracts visitors from all over the country. Anyone can display their artwork during this festival, from professionals to amateurs and children to adults. The painting is displayed in churches, studios, and even along the streets. Everyone is welcome to participate.

Avantgarde Jazz Festival

The Avantgarde Jazz Festival is a significant festival celebrating jazz music. This festival brings audiences and performers worldwide to honor and celebrate jazz music. From May to July, this annual event is held throughout Rovinj. Festival-goers can find musical performances from the old tobacco factory on the waterfront to the main city square. Jazz lovers will enjoy this long-lasting celebration of a worldwide and highly popular style of music.

Rovinj Hotels & Accommodation

If your looking for accommodation in Rovinj, you’ve come to the right place. We compiled a list of Rovinj hostels, Rovinj apartments, and Rovinj hotels to make it easy for you to choose where to stay. We have a bigger list of where to stay in Rovinj here, but the overview below is a good starting point.

Rovinj Hostels

Roundabout Hostel

This new Rovinj hostel is located near the main roundabout when coming from the city Pola. It is close to beaches and the hospital and is located right across the street from excellent restaurants. A ten-minute walk from Old Town, the Roundabout Hostel offers an eight-bed dorm and a four-bed dorm with air-conditioning and Wi-Fi. Guests always enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the Roundabout Hostel. 

Rooms Montalbano

Rooms Montalbano is a guest house in the heart of Rovinj. It is only minutes away from the downtown and beach areas and is surrounded by lovely restaurants and shops on a quaint cobblestone street. Each room offered at the Rooms Montalbano can sleep two people, has a refrigerator and portable fan and has a bathroom with a shower and bathroom facilities. Cots are also available for guest rooms if they need to sleep more people. 

3-Star Rovinj Hotels

Maistra Villas Rubin Resort

The Maistra Villas Rubin Resort is located on the beach in Rovinj. It is close to Golden Cape Forest Park and Monkodonja Hill Forest. Each room has a private patio and satellite T.V. Various amenities are available to guests, including an outdoor tennis court, a water slide, and an outdoor pool. There is childcare, a game room, a gift shop, and a bar for guests’ convenience. Additionally, the Maistra Villas Rubin Resort also comes with internet access.

 

Boutique Hotel Lili

This small hotel is located near the Adriatic Sea. With only 17 rooms, the Vila Lili offers a quaint, personalized stay. Even though it is small, this hotel does have many amenities. For guests’ convenience, there is a spa and bar in the hotel, while each room is unique and offers different views of Rovinj. There is on-site parking and a shuttle to pick guests up from the airport.

 

4-Star Rovinj Hotels

Hotel Arupinum

Hotel Arupinum lies close to Nature Park Zlanti Rt. Each room has a private balcony overlooking the city, a flat-screen T.V., a safe, a minibar, and air conditioning. The hotel has Wi-Fi, parking, a restaurant and bar, and an outdoor swimming pool to enhance guests’ experience. A short walk also brings you to shops, restaurants, spas, recreational areas, and hiking trails.

 

Hotel Angelo D’oro

Hotel Angelo D’oro comes with a unique history. It was formerly a Bishop’s palace in the 17th century, and the hotel’s look is supremely Venetian, with vaulted ceilings and exposed stone walls. The small rooftop loggia gives guests breathtaking views of Rovinj from the city’s heart. Every room views the garden, the sea, or the quaint cobblestone street. Amenities of the Hotel Angelo D’oro include air-conditioning, breakfast, and Wi-Fi.

 

5-Star Rovinj Hotels

Hotel Monte Mulini

The Hotel Monte Mulini is ten minutes away from the center of Rovinj. Each room has a beautiful view of the pool, the garden, and the sea. Rooms were created to be of luxury to guests with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, satellite T.V., a minibar, and a walk-in shower. For guests’ convenience, the hotel offers airport shuttles, a fine-dining restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, and a sauna. The hotel has beach access, changing facilities, showers, beach rental equipment, and a beach-side cocktail bar. This certainly is one of the best hotels in Rovinj.

 

Hotel Lone

The modern Hotel Lone lies within the Golden Cape Natural Park and is dedicated to making guest experiences perfect. We know; we loved it. With hotel amenities including an indoor pool, a sushi bar, a nightclub, several restaurants, a spa, a garden, a buffet breakfast, and airport shuttles, it is hard not to be satisfied with the Hotel Lone.

Each room has free Wi-Fi, a private balcony, a flat-screen T.V., air-conditioning, and a laptop safety box. The best part is that this hotel is close to the sea and a 15-minute walk to the town center. This is also one of the best hotels in Rovinj.

 

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