Explore Rovinj

One of the first things you may want to do, is head to the old town. You may notice the Italian, and Venetian influence with the colorful buildings, shutter framed windows, terracotta tiled roofs, and narrow streets. As with most old towns in Croatia, the streets are primarily pedestrian only.

Originally built by Romans as an island port (the narrow channel separating it from the mainland was filled in the 18^th century), Rovinj was later ruled by Byzantines, Franks and the Republic of Venice among others. The old city is marked by its well-preserved medieval center, as an effervescent example of Istrian life, whose history holds many stories to tell.

Walk the angled cobbled streets lined with colorful Venetian style homes, and laze in a sunlit piazza. At the waterfront, an active fishing port, local fisherman deliver their haul each morning, before taking their breakfast at an open-air café. Find your way to the center of town for a closer view of the imposing church of St Euphemia, built in 1736, the icon of Rovinj that sits high on a hill in the middle of the peninsula. Each September 16, Rovinj celebrates the St. Euphemia Festival, honoring its patron saint.

Stoll Grisia street, home to many art galleries, and local artists set up outdoors crafting their next work. Grisia is home to an annual open-air art festival the Second Sunday in August. As you linger along the sweetly lived in streets of the charming town, you may notice the signs of its inhabitants, such a laundry hanging between buildings, and cats sleeping in the sun. Stop for a tasty gelato, slow down, and enjoy the sweetness that is Rovinj.

Experience the Batana

The Batana, a flat bottom wooden boat, the symbol of Rovinj’s fishing culture listed in the UNESCO register for preservation of intangible heritage, is an essential part of Rovinj’s charm.

Before you jump in, discover its history, revealed at the Batana Eco-Museum. The museum will arrange for your cruise, cash payment only is accepted.

Each of the preserved Batanas of Rovinj, around 30 in total, are moored along the waterfront at Mali Mol (little Pier).

For your ride in a Batana, we recommend sunset, as the lights of the city begin to glow as a compliment to the romantic nostalgia of the experience. Your barkarioli (boatmen) will row you from Mali Mol, around the peninsula of the old town. Some boatmen may serenade their guests with a performance of bitinada songs.

Beaches Near Rovinj

Throughout Croatia, the clarity and cleanliness of the sea, paired with the scenic of beauty of the coastline, make for a dreamlike setting. The beaches near Rovinj are no exception.

Soothed by the gentle sounds of water lapping upon soft pebble shores and Cicadas choral songs humming from exotic forest parks, Rovinj’s hidden coves, pristine pebble beaches, and exquisite bays lined with lush pine trees offer some of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean. 

Locals enjoy making a picnic from fresh market goods to bring to the beach. Or when seeking a bit of chic ambience, you’ll find them enjoying a drink at one of Mediterraneo’s outside cushions set on seaside rocks to watch the sunset.

Monte Beach – Just below the St. Euphemia church, only minutes from the center of town where the rocky shore cascades into a perfectly clear sea, is Monte Beach. A popular spot for teens and adults to sunbathe, dive, and swim.

Mulini Beach – South of the town, a paved promenade featuring gorgeous landscapes connects the 5-star complex of hotel properties to the marina. This public beach is popular with visitors and offers an elegant bar.

Lone Bay – Within the protected forest park of Zlatni Rt, a 15-minute walk from town, a wooded path brings you to Lone Bay. The gentle pebble beach is dotted with umbrellas and sun chairs, framed by a canopy of shady pine trees. With beach bars serving snacks and beverages and the peaceful backdrop of the nature park, Lone is a nice spot for families to enjoy a delightful beach atmosphere.

Golden Cape Beach – Continuing within the Zlatni Rt forest park is this rock and clay colored pebble beach popular for swimming and snorkeling, with beautiful views of Sveti Andrew Island.

Katarina Island – Located only a few hundred meters off the mainland, Katarina Island can be reached easily by water taxi. The eastern shore is home to sandy coves and rocky beaches, as well as great views of the old town or marina.

Lim Channel – a gorgeous inlet between Rovinj and Poreč, with steep verdant walls reaching heights up to 100 meters that meet the blue water. The bay is home to sea life, with estuaries of interesting biodiversity. Visit by boat from Rovinj and stop to enjoy some fresh oysters and muscles for a treat!

The region of Istria is home not only to Rovinj, the photogenic darling of coastal towns, but also dozens of other delightful locales. Its abundant character offers a view into the authentic life and distinct culture of this magical destination. We invite you spend time exploring this paragon of Mediterranean life in the towns and villages of Istria, both on the shimmering Blue coast, and in the bucolic Green interior.

Green Istria is a mélange of verdant fields climbing their way up from the valley until they meet a medieval citadel resting on the hilltop. The undulating hills roll across the peninsula, one into the next, separated by the valleys and rivers that produce the renowned harvest of olive oils, vegetables, indigenous plants, and aromatics herbs that make up the regional cuisine. Hill towns blend medieval architecture and history, with niche art communities and exquisite dining.

Here we offer some of our favorite towns to spend a day in exploring Green Istria:

Motovun – Dramatically situated high above vineyards sits Motovun, one of the best-preserved Istrian medieval hill towns. Motovun is possibly the most picturesque on the peninsula, with sweeping views across the lush Mirna River Valley to Grožnjan. Its center is made up of stunning Venetian architecture; an intricate system of walls, towers, gates and elegant piazzas.

Grožnjan – Grožnjan is a 14^th-century Venetian fortress town. Once-abandoned, it has been reborn as a thriving arts colony. Perched on a hill high above the Mirna River Valley, Grožnjan’s location provides breathtaking views over the Adriatic as well as over the valley below. Many of Grožnjan’s medieval monuments are well preserved today with its ancient urban core remaining almost entirely untouched. Art galleries and studios rest among small production oil shops in the charming streets, free of modern kitsch.

Blue Istria, the dazzling Adriatic coastline is resplendent with charming coastal towns that ring in each day with the fresh catch of local fishman and end with dreamy sunsets over the gentle blue sea.

Here we offer some of our favorite towns to spend a day in exploring Blue Istria:

Novigrad – A typical fishing village, Novigrad has a protected port and picturesque seaside promenade lined with tall pines and medieval walls. The town is almost unknown by tourists, giving it an easy breezy feel, and making it a great place to mingle with Istrian locals.

Poreč – A 2,000-year-old town and former Roman colony set on a harbor, Poreč is protected from the sea by the small island of Sveti Nikola (Saint Nicholas). Wander the orthogonal streets, taking in the Romanesque architecture and Venetian gothic palaces. Stop in the UNESCO Euphrasia basilica, built in the mid 6^th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian, distinguished for its stunning interior and exterior mosaics. Visitors in the summer will enjoy the annual concert series.

Umag – Embraced by its town walls constructed in the tenth century, Umag is laced with picturesque streets and charming town squares as well as sport facilities such as paths for cycling, horseback riding, and of course tennis. Umag is the stage for the ATP Tour “Croatia Open” each July and home to more than one hundred tennis courts.

Wine Tasting

With more award wining wines and wineries than any other destination in Croatia, Rovinj is a perfect starting point for hitting the wine roads of Istria. Tasteful Croatian Journeys offers private chauffeured car service which will guide you though the stunning countryside to visit our favorite wineries.

Find out more about the wines of Istria

Active Holidays

With hundreds of miles of trails, cyclists enjoy exploring the region in the open air.

Find out more about the cycling trails of Istria.