Rovinj City Guide
Rovinj is a town situated on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula, in Istria region. Together with town Porec it is a tourist center of Istria, and among the top destinations on the Croatian coast. Once a harbour and fishermen’s village, the picturesque city of Rovinj has less than 15 000 habitants but offers a unique combination of traditional and modern that attracts numerous visitors every year. The official language in Rovinj is Croatian but Italian is common as well due to the long historical influence of the neighbours.
Thanks to the pleasant Mediterranean climate, Rovinj is recognized as a summer destination. Its weather is comfortable throughout most of the year with hot and dry summers and mild winters. The temperature can reach 35+°C during the hottest period but it rarely goes below 8°C, even during the coldest period.
If planning to include Rovinj in your holiday schedule, this guide will provide you with all the necessary information such as what to visit and do, as well as how to get there and where to stay.
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Getting to Rovinj
It is possible to visit Rovinj by several means of transportation thanks to its geographical position that makes it easily reachable from all European countries. Here are the detailed options in order to help you plan your trip.
Getting to Rovinj by plane
As a small town, Rovinj doesn’t have its own airport but there are several nearest airports which you can pick if travelling to Rovinj by plane.
- Pula Airport – The airport in Pula is the closest option being less than an hour drive away from Rovinj. It is Croatia’s fourth busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic. The airport serves over 70 destinations with different companies, including low-cost airlines such as EasyJet, RyanAir, and others. There is a direct bus connection from Pula Airport to Rovinj, check the schedule here.
- Rijeka Airport – Another option is airport in Rijeka, located approximately 130 kilometers from Rovinj. It is an international airport with most of the traffic occurring in the summer season when it is used by several European low-cost airlines.
- Trieste Airport – This international airport is located around 150 kilometers from Rovinj and it served over 780,000 passengers last year.
- Venice Airport – Marco Polo Airport in Venice is located about 260 kilometers from Rovinj and it counts over 11 million passengers each year. The airport serves as a base for Volotea and EasyJet.
Getting to Rovinj by bus
Rovinj main bus station is located less than 500 meters from the city center which is only a 6-minute walk. There are intercity and international routes operating at the bus station with destinations such as Porec, Pula, Umag, Zagreb, Split, Trieste, Ljubljana etc.
Getting to Rovinj by train
Train is not the most common option when arriving to Rovinj since it doesn’t have its own train station. In case you want to travel to Rovinj by train, the closest train stations are Kanfanar and the one in Pula. You can arrive from several directions such as Split or Zagreb.
Getting to Rovinj by boat
Rovinj port is situated near the city center and it is easily reachable by foot from most of the places in the city. There are several companies operating the port including Venezia Lines, Adriatic Lines, Gomo Viaggi and TriesteLines. There are no ferries operating any of the routes but only catamarans, meaning you cannot transport your car. During the season, especially in July and August, there are more routes and departures than during the winter time. Regarding domestic routes, there are no direct connections to cities such as Split or Dubrovnik. The closest option is an occasional route Pula-Zadar with several departures per week during the peak-season. Still, there are connections from Rovinj to Italy ports of Venice and Trieste or Slovenia port of Piran, check them below:
Catamaran: Venice – Umag – Poreč – Rovinj – Pula
Catamaran: Trieste (IT) – Piran (SLO) – Rovinj – Pula
Getting to Rovinj by car
Arriving in Rovinj with a car is one of the most convenient ways to get to the city. Istrian Y (a motorway in the shape of a letter Y) connects most of the Istrian region with the rest of the country as well as neighbouring countries, Slovenia and Italy.
If you’ve decided for a car hire in Rovinj, there are several car rental companies in the city. If you want to avoid queues and use the most out of your vacation, we recommend booking your car online.
Parking in Rovinj
As a small medieval town situated on a peninsula, the city core is closed for traffic. There are still many designated parking lots, but the size of the city simply does not correspond to the number of people visiting it every year, so parking in Rovinj could be challenging. There are 4 zones, and although it may look like the zones are intertwined, have in mind that Zone 1 has fixed prices and is the cheapest while in Zone 2 and 3 the prices increase during the peak season. Zone 4 is the cheapest zone during the summer months but it is also the furthest from the city center. Looking for a free parking space can be a challenge but it is not impossible. Anyhow, always look for the parking signs and don’t park where it is forbidden because your vehicle will be towed and you will have to pay a fine to get it back.
Rovinj sights
This charming and compact city can be easily walked over, meaning you can explore the sights thoroughly with no rush. As in the rest of the Istrian region, you will notice the huge Venetian impact that reflects in the architecture. Here are the most interesting places to visit and things to see in Rovinj.
Rovinj Old Town – Picturesque Old Town is an ideal starting point when visiting Rovinj. The city core is situated on a small peninsula filled with cobbled streets and colorful buildings. In 1963, the town was declared a national monument. Pay attention to the chimneys and their characteristic design and the overall Venetian style.
Church of Saint Euphemia – In the middle of the Old Town rises a recognizable bell tower of the Church of St. Euphemia that dominates the peninsula. Climb up the stairs because the splendid view that stretches from this 60 meters high bell tower is a ‘must see’.
St. Andrew’s Island – The biggest island in Rovinj’s archipelago is St. Andrew’s Island (Sveti Andrija), also known as Red Island. It consists of two islets, St. Andrew and the smaller one Maskin to which a 15 minutes boat ride can take you. You will find a castle which was originally a Benedictine Monastery, a church and a never finished mausoleum of the family Huetterott.
The Franciscan Monastery – Another historical building lies in De Amicis street and it is a Franciscan Monastery built in the 18th century in a Baroque style. In the Monastery you can visit the library, a museum and discover sacral artifacts.
Rovinj Museum – The County Museum of the Town of Rovinj hosts the library with more than 30 000 books and displays valuable pieces of art. The museum was founded in 1954 and it organizes various exhibitions during the year. This is another perfect place to get to know the city’s history and culture.
Rovinj Aquarium – As a part of the Sea Research Center of the Institute “Ruđer Bošković”, the aquarium offers its visitors the incredible experience of the underwater life. Opened in 1891, this huge Rovinj attraction belongs to the oldest institutions of that kind in the world and it presents various and unique flora and fauna of the Adriatic sea.
Day trips from Rovinj
Rovinj is a remarkable city but it can be explored in a few days. It’s position gives you a chance to explore the Istrian peninsula and some of the most attractive tourist places. The options are endless but here are some of the suggestions for best day trips from Rovinj.
Pula and National Park Brijuni – Within 45 minutes you can visit one of the most attractive cities in Istria. Pula is known for its buildings dating back to the period of the Roman Empire, and the most recognizable is Pula Arena. From there, you can easily get to the National Park Brijuni by boat and visit a holiday resort of the former Yugoslavian president Josip Broz Tito, explore the museum and enjoy the Safari park. Check out the bus from Rovinj to Pula.
Porec – Historically and culturally rich town of Porec might not be big in size but definitely offers the charm of a small town with some interesting sights. The town’s main attraction is Euphrasian basilica, dedicated to the bishop from the 6th century. Also take a chance to visit Gothic and Roman house, and the remains of Neptune’s Temple which is believed to be one of the greatest ancient temples in Istria. Check out the bus from Rovinj to Porec.
Motovun – This adorable village situated in the middle of the Istrian region, in the form of a hill, attracts visitors for so many reasons. Fall in love with its steep cobbled streets, medieval walls and incredible view they offer. Climb the longest staircase in Croatia and cycle along river Mirna. In the end, if you still haven’t tried Istrian truffles, here you’ll get the perfect opportunity.
Venice – Magnificent Venice is just a bit more than 3 hours drive, so definitely try not to miss the chance to visit one of the top tourist destinations of Italy. Venice is known for its Carnival festival and romantic gondola boats but that isn’t all. Did you know that Venice has one of the narrowest streets in the world, only 52 cm wide? If you don’t get stuck in Calletta, visit Piazza San Marco, the central public square with the famous Doge’s Palace.
As an alternative option to exploring any of the aforementioned day trip destinations, as well as any other you desire to visit, renting a car lets you discover all the hidden places and stunning landscapes on the way. Also, visiting islands near Rovinj is possible anytime by organized boat trips and excursions. Those who would like to sail on their own can decide for a boat hire.
Beaches in Rovinj
Rovinj and the area around the city has some of the truly most beautiful beaches in Croatia. In general, clean sea and the stunning Istrian riviera won’t leave anyone disappointed and everyone can find their paradise beach. The average sea temperature around Rovinj beaches is 24°C and the swimming season is long, so even those who want to avoid the peak-season crowds can enjoy their holidays in May and September. Here is the list of the best beaches in Rovinj.
Mulini Beach – This concrete and relatively small beach is located very close to the city center, next to ACI marina which makes it easily accessible. The beach is well maintained and it is close to the 5-star hotel. You will find plenty of facilities on the beach such as beach bar, hotel restaurant, showers, water sport activities, rent-a-bike and rent-a-boat options.
Amarin Beach – One of the most beautiful beaches in Rovinj lies 3 kilometers from the city center. It is a pebble and partly rocky beach awarded a Blue Flag and equipped with showers and changing rooms as well as several water sport options. You can rent chairs and umbrellas but you can also explore the selection of restaurants and bars in a nearby Amarin resort.
Valalta Beach – North of the city center lies a nudist beach. It is a pebble and sandy beach located in nudist camp. The beach is clean and awarded a Blue Flag, and it contains various facilities such as water slides, outdoor pool, showers and more.
Cisterna Beach – This beach is located a bit further from the city center, so you will need to either drive or take a taxi. The beach provides some shade, and nearby you will find a beach bar. There are not many other facilities on the beach so you might consider bringing everything you need for the stay on the beach.
Cuvi Beach – Cuvi bay stretches for almost 1 kilometer and it is definitely the most visited place for swimming and sunbathing. Cuvi is a gravel beach with rocky parts and easy access to the sea that makes it perfect for families with children. Besides the toilets, showers and changing rooms on the beach, Villa Rubin resort nearby offers various facilities including bars, restaurants and recreational facilities.
Lone Beach – Many consider Lone Beach as town beach because it is one of the most visited beaches in Rovinj, only a 15-minute walk from the center. The beach is also in the vicinity of several hotels, so various facilities are on offer around the beach. The gravel beach is a part of the protected forest ‘’Zlatni Rt’’ (Golden Cape), suitable for families with small children.
Monte Beach – Another beach close to the Old Town is only 150 meters long and it is divided into parts which are suitable for children and elders and the others which require getting into the sea by either jumping or careful climbing down the rocks. The beach doesn’t provide any shade, also, during the strong winds it would be safer to avoid it. Anyway, there are several bars and restaurants close to the beach where you can hide from the sun.
Polari Beach – If you would like to camp on the beach, then beautiful campsite Polari is the place to go. This beach has it all, from regular equipment such as toilets, showers, sunbeds and umbrellas to bars, restaurants, sports grounds, water sports rentals and more. The beach is pet friendly and has a nudist/naturist zone.
Vestar Beach – This sandy beach is also situated next to the campsite and it was awarded a Blue Flag. It offers many facilities including the pool and restaurant nearby, sports grounds and water sports rentals. The beach is perfect for families with small children, and pets are also allowed in a designated place.
Outdoor activities
Rovinj offers a wide variety of outdoor activities to keep you active while on your vacation. Here are the suggestions of many interesting things to do while staying in Rovinj.
Rovinj is a recognized summer destination so there are plenty of water sports on offer. Experience a true adventure and explore the amazing underwater life by diving and snorkeling in Rovinj. Several diving centers organize lessons for beginners and group divings to some of the most attractive places in Rovinj including Baron Gautsch Austrian shipwreck at the depth of 39 meters and reefs at Lim Shallows, Saline Wreck, Banjol, Figarola, Rubini reef, Sturag and more. Those who would like to see the coast from the sea can decide between jet skiing and kayaking. Rovinj sea is mostly calm with occasional summer breeze which makes windsurfing a great activity. Look for local windsurfing centers and check their organized tours. Most of the mentioned sports can be found in Water Sport Kalimera, as well as a water park that children will adore.
Besides the water sports, there are plenty of interesting things to do on the ground. Various sports courts are on offer in the city such as football or tennis. The most economical way of remaining active while on a holiday is hiking. Rovinj and its surrounding area offer several well-marked trails that require different physical preparation. The same trails can be used for cycling and there are bike rental agencies where you can easily rent a bike for the entire stay in Rovinj.
Rovinj nightlife
Nightlife in Rovinj is not as exciting as the one in Pula for example, but summertime brings the entire coast alive so there is a lot going on during the summer nights. Maybe you won’t find clubs where you can dance till sunrise but there is a huge number of charming bars and places where you can spend some unforgettable nights.
The most popular bar in Rovinj happens to be Valentino Cocktail & Champagne bar, located near the harbour. Havana, as the name reveals it, has that Cuban atmosphere, latino rhythms and a huge outdoor terrace. Piassa Granda wine bar, located in the heart of the city, offers a great number of wines and local products. Riviera with its grand terrace offers an extensive list of cocktails as well as nights full of events. Recently opened Boa club offers clubbing experience with great DJ parties by the sea.
The list goes on but no matter where you decide to go, we guarantee you will have a good time in Rovinj.
Food in Rovinj
If visiting Rovinj, then trying some traditional Istrian cuisine is “a must”. Istrian cuisine is based on Mediterranean which is generally similar to Italian one. You will find a lot of fresh ingredients prepared with olive oil and herbs like rosemary and sage, garlic and tomatoes in almost every sauce. Widely popular meal in Istria is fuži with truffles, a dish prepared with a Croatian type of pasta made of homemade dough and truffles, which are considered to be some of the most valued mushrooms. Combined with prosciutto, it is a harmony of taste very typical for Istria. Istrian prosciutto is a type of cured meat covered in a mixture of different herbs, exclusively produced within Istria, at least 12 kilometers from the coast. Another popular dish is maneštra stew, once the meal of peasants and today a true specialty. It consists of beans and potatoes prepared with seasonal vegetables.
Rovinj restaurants offer the opportunity to try the best of Istrian cuisine. For fresh, tasty meat and fish meals head to Barba Danilo, a lovely place at the outskirts of Rovinj. Mali Raj is another place which serves Mediterranean cuisine with fresh ingredients, but also offers vegetarian and vegan options. Typical Mediterranean menu can be found in Tutto Bene, also, along with vegetarian and vegan options. If you’re up for a fine dining, La Puntulina won’t be disappointing with excellent food and the best location on the waterfront. Among the top rated restaurants in Istria is Monte, located in the heart of the city. It offers fixed 5-course and 7-course meals, also intended for fine dining. The list goes on, but you can hardly make a bad choice since Rovinj’s fish market and green market abound with fresh, local groceries that chefs from all over the town collect to prepare the best Istrian delicacies in some of the best restaurants in the region. Great food goes hand in hand with great wines. Istria is widely known for its wine, so while visiting Rovinj, try some of the best wines from the region such as Muškat, Borgonja or Refošk.
White truffles
Festivals and events in Rovinj
Adriatic coast flourishes in the summer season offering a huge number of open-air concerts, events and manifestations that attract both locals and tourists more and more each year. From music and dance to cultural events, Rovinj has an exciting program for its visitors.
Croatian Summer Salsa Festival – This unique festival became known world-wide to all those who love to combine long sunny days by the beach with dancing. Every summer, by the end of June and the beginning of July, people from across the globe come to enjoy salsa, mambo and many more different workshops.
Summer Sensual Days – Another festival that celebrates dance is actually created by the organizers of the previous one. Situated in two Istrian towns, Rovinj and Opatija, the festival is dedicated to the lovers of sensual Carribbean and Latin dances such as bachata and kizomba.
Rovinj Jazz Festival – Summer is also reserved for some good music events. Everyone who enjoys the good jazz music should be a part of this event taking place in July since it hosts some of the worldwide known jazz artists, as well as some local ones.
Weekend Media Festival – This three-day festival gathers leading experts in communication and business industry. Visitors can learn new creative solutions to problems and new skills that could be useful in their careers. The goal of this event is to leave visitors full of new ideas while having a lot of fun learning.
Rovinj Music Festival – One of the events that don’t take place during the summer, but during the winter period is a demo festival with a long tradition. Festival gives the chance to numerous young bands from Croatia and region to present their music.
ETNOFILm – The full name of the event is Ethnographic Film Festival and it takes place in April. The goal is to present a wide spectre of films of different genres and topics. The festival is organized and hosted by Ethnographic Museum of Istria.
Accommodation in Rovinj
Finding a place to stay in Rovinj is easy. There are plenty of options including hotels, hostels and private accommodations. Since the city attracts a large number of visitors, especially during the summer season, make sure you make your reservations on time.
Besides the usual accommodation, many would like to spend the night under the stars. Camping is an ideal option in the season and there are several campsites in Rovinj and the surrounding area. Recently, the new trend appeared in Istria, therefore in Rovinj too, and it is called glamping (glamorous camping) where visitors can combine the stay in nature with modern features of accomodation.
Good to know when travelling to Rovinj
Shopping – We all like to bring something authentic from our trips. Still, have in mind that buying souvenirs at frequent tourist places can be pricey. The official currency in Croatia is Croatian Kuna, but the Euro is acceptable at some tourist places. We recommend you always stick to the local currency.
Money exchange – Finding an exchange office or an ATM is easy. Look for ‘’Mjenjačnica’’ if it doesn’t say ‘’Exchange’’. Also, try exchanging money in a less frequent places for better rates.
When to visit Rovinj – Rovinj is most popular during the summer and that is when you can enjoy the beautiful coast and interesting events. Still, if you would like to avoid the crowds, but still arrive when it is suitable for swimming, May and September are the best months.
Rovinj safety – Croatia in general is a very safe country with index 83/100 according to SafeAround.com. Still, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay extra attention to your belongings, especially in the crowded places.
Useful contacts
Police: +385 192
Fire department: +385 193
Ambulance: +385 194
Emergency: +385 112
Pharmacy: +385 52 813 589, Matteo Benussi 6
