Visiting Rovinj, Croatia? Plan activities and day trips with this guide on the best things to do in Rovinj, Croatia!
Rovinj is among the most visited places in Croatia and an excellent destination for couples, foodies, camping enthusiasts, and families. Exploring Rovinj’s old town, getting lost in the maze of its cobbled streets, having a glass of wine by the sea, and watching the world go by are just a few of the activities that bring joy to those who visit Rovinj.
Rovinj is a small, charming, laid-back, and artistic city. Yet, with top-notch luxury hotels in Croatia, Rovinj also attracts affluent guests without feeling posh or pretentious. Rovinj is a place you easily fall in love with, a place that simply feels right.
We live close to Rovinj and visit it daily. Below, we have compiled a list of must-do attractions, experiences, and activities in Rovinj to help you plan your own itinerary in Rovinj, Croatia!
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What To Do In Rovinj, Croatia: Ultimate Guide
Small, walkable town, Rovinj is easily visited on foot, and it will only take you a couple of hours to see all its attractions. However, Rovinj will charm you into repeatedly exploring its cobblestone streets, discovering lovely corners, and relaxing on many outdoor terraces.
Whether you travel alone, as a couple, or family with kids, and regardless of your budget – our list of what to do in Rovinj, Croatia is the place to plan your Rovinj activities!
1. Explore Rovinj Old Town
Exploring Rovinj Old Town is our favorite thing to do in Rovinj, Croatia. Rovinj Old Town is a compact area that can be easily explored on foot. It is comprised of numerous cobblestone streets, alleys, town squares, and charming corners, making it a delightful place to visit.
Most of your time in Rovinj will likely be spent in Rovinj Old Town. You can leisurely walk through the town, take photos, enjoy a cup of coffee, taste the local food, shop for unique souvenirs, or simply take a moment to watch the world go by.
Rovinj’s main landmarks include the lively green market, the city’s museums, small harbor, the main entrance to the town, Balbi’s Arch, and La Grisia streets.
2. Climb the bell tower At St. Euphemia Church For The Great Views
The Church of St. Euphemia is a remarkable landmark located on a hill in Rovinj Old Town. It is a must-visit for those exploring Rovinj Old Town.
The church’s towering baroque steeple dominates the town’s skyline, making it visible from almost every angle. It is named after the city’s patron saint, Saint Euphemia, and houses the saint’s preserved body in a Roman sarcophagus. Its interior is adorned with intricate baroque art.
Climbing the bell tower offers an unparalleled panoramic view of Rovinj and the surrounding Adriatic Sea.
The ascent to the church is gradual and not too difficult, and there are several routes to choose from. Santa Croce Street is the easiest and least steep but also the longest.
Once you reach St. Euphemia Church, be prepared to climb an additional 192 steps to reach the top of the bell tower. However, the stunning views that await you at the summit make the effort well worth it!
3. Visit Batana Museum
The Batana Museum is a small museum in Rovinj, Croatia that focuses on the traditional wooden fishing boat called batana, which local fishermen have used for centuries. The museum offers visitors a glimpse into Rovinj’s maritime and fishing history and its close ties to the sea.
The exhibition spreads across three gallery rooms. It includes photographs, slides, video presentations, and a guided tour in multiple languages. Batana Museum not only showcases the importance of batana for the people of Rovinj but also lays out the process of building a batana. The entrance for adults costs 3.32 €.
But the highlight of the visit is taking a ride in a traditional batana.
4. Take a ride in a traditional Batana Boat
The traditional Batana boat truly represents Rovinj’s long fishing tradition. Don’t miss a ride around Rovinj’s old town in this traditional boat. The cruise departs from Mali Mol at 8.00 pm, every Tuesday and Thursday during the summer. The price of the ride is around 13 € per person. A must-do!
5. Check ateliers and art galleries in Grisia
Rovinj’s most popular street, La Grisia, is hard to miss. The widest of all cobblestone streets leading up to the church of St. Euphemia, La Grisia is full of small art galleries, ateliers, and souvenir shops, as well as a couple of restaurants. And if you happen to be in Rovinj in August, you can enjoy the open-air exhibition that takes place annually in La Grisia Street.
6. Explore beaches In Rovinj
Make sure you don’t leave Rovinj without experiencing the beautiful beaches it has to offer. Rovinj boasts many wonderful rocky and pebbly beaches along its almost 70 km long coastline. Exploring Rovinj beaches is among the most popular activities in Rovinj, Croatia!
The best beaches in Rovinj include Punta Corrente Beaches, Lone Beach, Cisterna Beach, Borik Beach, and the beaches of St. Andrew and St. Catherine’s Islands.
7. Spend a day at the Golden Cape forest park, Rovinj
Golden Cape Forest Park, also known as Punta Corrente, is a beautiful nature park situated just a 20-minute walk away from the old town of Rovinj. This area is ideal for various outdoor activities including hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and swimming. The park features several well-maintained paths for both walkers and cyclists, and you can find many coves within the area, perfect for swimming.
The beaches in the park are mainly pebbly and rocky. The further you go into the Golden Cape Forest Park, the more serene and less crowded it becomes. There are also a few cafes along the way where you can relax and enjoy a glass of wine, beer, or coffee.
8. Go Rock climbing In Rovinj
Rock climbing enthusiasts would be happy to know that Rovinj has some excellent rock climbing spots.
The popular rock climbing site in Rovinj is located in Punta Corrente Park. Its location next to the sea makes it extra attractive. This rock climbing site in Rovinj features well-equipped routes of varying difficulty levels. All climbing routes are bolt-fixed on sharp, hard limestone rocks.
A local agency called Adistra offers guided climbing tours for beginners and equipment rental for experienced climbers.
9. Visit energy fields on Rovinj’s St. Andrew Island (Red Island)
St. Andrew Island, also known as Red Island, is a popular swimming spot in Rovinj that both locals and tourists enjoy. The island comprises two parts, St. Andrew and Maskin, which are connected by the beach.
However, few visitors are aware that the island has six energy fields, each associated with love, creativity, energy, life and death, wisdom, and freedom. These fields are an excellent source of peace, harmony, rejuvenation, and positive energy. If you feel that you could benefit from any of these qualities, you should hop on a boat from Rovinj to St. Andrew Island and experience these energy centers for yourself.
The boat departs from Rovinj every hour between 5:30 AM and 12:30 AM. The ride takes 20 minutes. A return ticket costs 12 € for adults and 6 € for children.
10. Visit St. Catherine’s Island
A small island off the shores of Rovinj, St. Catherine Island has beautiful gardens and parks featuring over 450 different plants. Beaches here are rocky, and drinks are expensive. However, the views over the old town are lovely, and the boat ride (the same boat that also serves Red Island) is affordable and lovely.
11. Bike to the campsite Vestar
Take an easy and flat cycling path along the sea from Rovinj through the Punta Corrente Park, Villas Rubin, and Polari Resort all the way to the camping Vestar. The campsite Vestar is an excellent place, not too big, with a busy harbor for small boats. There is a small beach bar at the dock, and it is a fantastic place to chill out between the biking!
12. Cycle the Limes Trail
If you are a more experienced cyclist and ready to make a 40 km round through Rovinj’s nature, go take on the Limes Trail. It starts and ends at the Amarin Resort. You’ll pass by interesting natural and cultural sites, including ruins of the small historic churches, the Maklavun archaeological site, Rupnjak Pond, and Haber’s Horseriding Center. Also, halfway through, plan a stop at the St. Martin viewpoint!
There are a few rent-a-bike places, like Rental Center or Rovinj Bike Rentals in Rovinj, with prices going from 20 € for a daily bike rental.
13. Watch the sunsets
You can’t visit one of the most romantic places in all Croatia and then not enjoy at least a sunset or two. Get to the Puntulina, Mediterraneo, or the XL bar for a sundowner, or set yourself for a picnic in the Lone Bay while watching the sun goes down in Rovinj.
14. Take a dolphin boat tour
This is one of the most popular and the cheapest boat tours in Rovinj. And with so many dolphins in Rovinj’s waters, seeing them is 100% guaranteed. Besides, you get to see Rovinj from the sea, a spectacle in its own right.
15. Hear Rovinj’s traditional Bitinada singing
Bitinada singing is so unique, and so enjoyable that it is a kind of polyphonic folk music from Rovinj traditionally performed by fishermen and farmers. A good way to hear this singing, to experience local food and a way of life is to book dinner at Spacio, a typical Rovinj tavern, where the local singers bring entertainment during and after dinner.
16. Come to Grand Park Hotel Rovinj for drinks, stay for views
Are you looking for the best spot where to photograph Rovinj? Then, you have to visit the newly built Grand Park Hotel Rovinj! The fifth-floor reception and the bar offer jaw-dropping views of the old town. The lobby bar is accessible to all, even if you aren’t staying here. Drinks are expensive, but the views are really stunning and worth the money.
17. Experience sea kayaking
Whether you prefer a self-guided or organized kayak tour, Adistra is the place to go. They rent kayaks but also have a 5-hour-long group sea kayaking tour. The tour takes you around St. Andrew, Maskin, Sturag, and Sv. Ivan Islands, as well as around Sv. Ivan na Pucini Lighthouse. This tour departs at 9.30 am, and it lasts 5 hours with two stops on the islands for a picnic and swimming.
The price is 38€ per person.
18. Paddle into sunset
Bring a date for this gentle paddling tour at sunset in the waters around Rovinj. Take in the sights, enjoy the sounds of the birds and the waves lapping on your kayak, and if that’s not already enough to convince you, it includes wine, cheese, and olives, too! The price is 26 € per person.
19. Go shipwreck diving
The most popular scuba diving site out of Rovinj is the shipwreck Baron Gautsch, one of the best-preserved and most-visited shipwrecks in all of Croatia. Sunk in 1914, this passenger steamer was 85 m long and 12 m wide. Today, the wreck lies at depths of 28-40 m, 12,5 nm off the coast of Rovinj. Many local diving centers offer organized dives to the Baron Gautsch site.
20. Go fishing
Pick one of the Mora Fishing & Pleasure various fishing trips, like big game, bottom, and night fishing, and enjoy a day at sea! Big game fishing takes you 30 nautical miles from Rovinj for ten hours of fishing tuna, bonito, and sometimes swordfish. Bottom and night fishing trips take 12 NM from Rovinj for 4 hours of fishing for mackerel, sardines, and alike.
21. Go horseback riding
You’ll find all this at the Haber Farm: horseback riding, therapeutic riding, horse breeding farm, and Rovinj’s Equestrian Club. They offer 45- and 90-minute rides.
22. Hop on a boat tour to Lim Fjord
A boat excursion to Lim Fjord (that isn’t really a fjord, but we all call it that name) is Rovinj’s most popular boat tour. Just walk along the harbor in Rovinj, and you’ll be enticed to book this tour with one of many operators. It’s actually not a bad tour. You sail along Rovinj’s north shores to Lim Bay, where you stop for a swim and lunch.
23. Shop At Rovinj’s Green Market
Another great experience while visiting Rovinj is shopping at the Green Market. Located in the old town, this market offers a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and locally sourced products. It’s an excellent opportunity to taste some of the traditional flavors and support local businesses.
Moreover, the Green Market is not just about food. You can also find handmade souvenirs. The market is open every day from 7 AM to 1 PM, except on Sundays when it closes at noon.
24. Watch the world go by in the Spacio Grota
A typical wine bar located right at the farmer’s market, the Spacio Grota is a place to have a glass of house wine, a few snacks, and watch the world go by. There is always something going on in the green market!
25. Have a gelato in the Gelateria Italia
This small ice cream parlor, run by an Italian family from Brescia, has the best ice cream in Rovinj. But for us, also, the best gelato in all of Istria. Their gelato is freshly made, natural, yummy; it comes in a variety of flavors and is crafted right there on spot, often in front of your eyes. Don’t miss grabbing a scoop of a favorite Rovinj treat!
26. Dine with style at Monte
Foodies’ will like to know that the first-ever Michelin-starred restaurant in Croatia is in Rovinj. Monte serves exquisite and yummy, creatively presented dishes, and an impressive wine list highlighting the best Croatian wines. Add to that a romantic atmosphere, and friendly and attentive service, and you’ll understand why the dining experience in the restaurant Monte is a must-do in Rovinj for all foodies.
27. Taste fisherman’s pie at the Maestral
If you are into seafood, you can’t leave Rovinj without tasting the fisherman’s pie at Meastral, an open-air restaurant at Rovinj’s waterfront. It’s Rovinj’s version of Komiza pie, a kind of flatbread filled with tomatoes, onions, salty anchovies, and drizzled with olive oil.
28. Eat at the smallest terrace in Rovinj
The Male Madlene is the quirkiest restaurant in town! This is really a one-woman show. The owner, in her 60s, is your host, cook, waiter, and storyteller (if you want). You sit in what seems like her own house (where she actually lives!), either in a small dining room or at the smallest waterfront terrace in Rovinj (four small tables only!). The food is yummy! And trust us, if you are a serious foodie, the experience is something you will remember!
29. Have a drink at the Mediterraneo
Mediterraneo is the quirky little bar just at the water’s edge with lovely seating, some literally perched on the rocks. The place is colorful, has a chilled vibe, friendly staff, and reasonable prices. Just come for a sundowner and enjoy the views and the music!
30. Eat where locals eat
A simple, no-frills tavern, Konoba Jure has a crappy location and uninspiring interiors, but it has fresh, tasty food, affordable prices, and friendly staff. This is the place to go if you want to eat good, honest comfort food. Locals love it!
31. Have a drink in the Mulini Beach Bar
The trendiest beach bar in town, Monte Mulini, is the place to be! The DJ plays day and night, the staff is friendly, the atmosphere is excellent, and the drinks are expensive.
32. Have a glass of wine at Dobravac
Dobravac is one of the few winemakers from Rovinj. At his family home, a 10-minute walk from the old town, they run a little B&B and a wine bar. Just grab a seat on the garden terrace and enjoy Dobravac wines. They also sell there fruits and veggies that they grow.
33. Have a breakfast at the Adriatic Hotel
The Hotel Adriatic is located at the most prominent spot in the old town, and it has a lovely outdoor terrace that gives out to the town’s main square. It’s also great for people-watching. Coffee is reasonably priced, but all other drinks and food are super expensive!
34. Sleep in the Palazzo
This 100-year-old palace was thoughtfully restored, and today, it houses Rovinj’s most stylish boutique hotel. If you want to stay in an exceptional place, book one of the seven rooms of the Spirito Santo Heritage Storico.
35. Explore Rovinj’s remote beaches
Rovinj’s south coastline hides lovely coves, bays, and rocky and pebbly beaches. The entire coast, from the camping Vestar to the camping Monperin, is intact, little visited, and very private even in the peak season. The best way to explore it is to rent a boat (you can rent it in any of the two campsites). Otherwise, go to Palud, and from there, with some help from Google Maps, hike to the nearest beach.
36. Shop For Souvenirs in Rovinj
A new shopping address in Rovinj, located on the ground floor of the hotel Park, the Lungomare Plaza is the place to shop for the best independent eyewear brands, Vilebrequin’s clothing, fine jewelry and watches, designers’ items from the household items, and electronics, to perfumes and books.
37. Visit Monkodonjo ruins
Visit the archaeological site of Monkodonjo. The site dates back to the Bronze Age. It is situated 5 km east of Rovinj. 1 km long stone walls encircled the settlement.
It consisted of three parts: the central barrow, the crafts district, and the living quarters. Over a thousand people lived here. Today, you can visit the ruins of this once-important settlement.
38. Visit Dvigrad
A nicely preserved abandoned medieval town, Dvigrad is just a short drive from Rovinj. Easy parking, free admission, and few people around make Dvigrad a nice trip from Rovinj. The restoration works are ongoing, but you can walk the old cobblestone streets and check many former homes, the church, water tank. The view over the valley is also very nice.
39. Go bird watching in Palud
Palud, a swampy area 10 km from Rovinj, is the only ornithological site in Istria. It’s an excellent place for those who enjoy bird watching. Due to its geomorphology, this site is home to many migratory and resident birds, turtles, eels, mullets, etc. Over the year, more than 200 bird species visit this area.
Palud is open year-round, and it’s free of charge unless you would like to be accompanied by a professional guide. A professional guide is available on request.
40. Visit Stancija Collis
A lovely boutique winery, Stancija Collis is set amidst the vineyards and just 6 km from Rovinj. Get a cab or bike and come here for wine tasting, beautiful views, and a relaxed atmosphere.
41. Taste Croatia’s best olive oil
Yes, you read that right! The Chiavalon Olive Oil is the best Croatian olive oil and one of the best olive oils in the world. Don’t just take our word for it. The World’s Best Olive Oil Association named them one of the top 25 producers in the World, and Premio il Magnifico placed them among the 12 producers in Europe.
Their newly built tasting room is on the road between Bale and Vodnjan, 25 km away from Rovinj. You will meet the producers, taste their olive oil, and you will learn so much that you’ll never again look at the olive oil with the same eyes. They also produce other natural farm products, like tomato sauce, jams, or organically grown melons.
42. Go wine tasting in San Tommaso Winery
We are not yet through all the incredible wineries in Rovinj. San Tommaso is a boutique winery with a small shop and a wine bar in Rovinj. Besides their bottled wines in their shop, you can also buy their house wine for cheap, like 3 € per liter. But, the highlight of San Tommaso’s wine tasting is a visit to their winery in the small village of Golas, 15 km from Rovinj. The winemaker also offers fantastic accommodation on his wine estate.
43. Spend A Day At Brijuni National Park
One of the eight national parks in Croatia, Brijuni is a beautiful archipelago consisting of 14 islands and islets. The boat for Brijuni departs from Fazana, 30 30-minute drive from Rovinj. Visiting the Brijuni islands makes a great day out! Take your swimming suit because there are many nice swimming spots in Brijuni.
44. Visit Pula
Are you a history buff? The Roman amphitheater, Temple of Augustus, Forum, Arch of Sergii, mosaic floors, little Roman theater, and many more Roman relics are the number one reason to visit Pula, the largest town in Istria.
45. Go On A Day Trip From Rovinj
Visit Venice by boat
The only town that is more romantic than Rovinj – Venice is less than 3 3-hour boat ride from Rovinj. Don’t miss visiting one of the most beautiful towns in the world while you are vacationing in Rovinj! Two companies operate this route, Venezialines and Kompas. You can also book it online in advance!
Go see Ljubljana
A bare 150 km away from Rovinj, Ljubljana is actually a great place to visit for a day from Rovinj. The Slovenian capital city is small and easily walkable, with an array of hip cafes along the river banks and lovely bridges crisscrossing the two sides of the river. Plus, it is youthful with a laid-back vibe and great restaurants.
Ride an underground train in the Postojna cave
If you are into the underground world, the caves, and caverns, head to Postojna Cave in Slovenia, the largest and the most famous cave in this area. For the most part, you’ll visit this fantastic system of halls, passages, and tunnels by an electric train. A unique experience in its own right! You can do a self-driving tour to Postojna or book this small group tour.
A day trip to Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes is a must-visit site in Croatia. However, it is a bit of a stretch to visit it in a day from Rovinj. But, if you don’t have time to stay there overnight, check many tour companies that offer a day trip from Rovinj to Plitvice. Get good hiking shoes, plenty of water, and a camera!
Have you been to Rovinj? What’s your favorite thing to do there?
Further reading:
My husband and I are so excited to be leaving Alberta, Canada in a week for a two week trip through Croatia. It has been on my bucket list for several years and I have read many of your blog entries in preparation. Thanks for all of the great information! We fly into Dubrovnik and plan to visit Split, Zadar, Plitvice Lakes, Several Istrian towns as well as Lake Bled and Ljubljana.
Yes, sure, no worries
Early September is a great time to visit. Perhaps the best of all. And normally it’s not rainy
Rovinj is definitely a winner! Porec is also kids-friendly.
Hi Sarah,
if you are just looking for a bit of a nightlife in Istria, then we suggest you to check accommodation options in Porec. I think that Porec is the best place in Istria for a nightlife (but don’t expect crazy nightlife, just a bit of it). Hope this helps.
Love your site! we have been to Southern Croatia a couple of times and are now considering Istria. We have two teenagers (17 & 15) who like a bit of nightlife. Is Istria a good option for us or would you recommend somewhere else? Thanks
Hi Chandu,
check Atlas Travel
Their online presence isn’t very strong, but most of the hotels and small local agencies sell Kompas excursions.
Hope this helps.
Hi Frank
Can you please suggest any local tour operators that go to Lake Bled, Plitvice lake
Thanks
Hi Frank!
We’re planning our trip to Croatia Aug 29-Sept 6. Rovinj sounds wonderful. Will there still be plenty of attractions open then?
Thank you!
Hi Frank
Great website you have!
I am going away with my wife and 18month son in July. I’ve been to Dubrovnik, Split,Hvar and Vis – loved all of them. I was thinking of going north to Rovinj as looks quite toddler friendly? i.e we won’t be moving from one spot too much. They have nice beaches, the town looks lovely, plus aquarium etc.
Do you think I’m on to a winner there or would you recommend somewhere different in Istria?
Cheers
Duncan
Hello there. great blog indeed. I am planning to visit Rovinj but am not sure if to visit in June or September? would it be still good weather early september for a one week stay and enjoy the beach and some sightseeing in the nearby towns??? I know there is no nightlife in Rovinj so relax vacation it would be I guess in such towns.
Please let me know your feedback if september is non-rainy month for rovinj…. I will be visiting Italy so why not pass by croatia since it’s not that far from Venice passing by Trieste I suppose.
Thank you … and any idea about hotel/apartment/room rentals in old town of rovinj (we are on budget).
Hi Pamela, it’s a bit dead. But it can be a great base to explore the rest of Istria. If you have a car, all wineries, olove oil estates, and top restaurants are still open. You can alos visit Trieste for a day.
Hi Frank!
We’re deciding between Rovinj and Trieste during end November, and are worried Rovinj would be a dead town during winter. Would really appreciate your input! Thanks in advance :)
Hi Lexie,
thanks for stopping by. Istrian olive oil is of an excellemt quality, and olive oil tasting is a must-do when in Istria. Any plans to visit here soon?
Hi Kate,
thanks for stopping by, and sorry for my late reply. It’s very easy to rent a bicycle in Istria, especially within tourists resorts. Have fun in Pula!
Cannot wait to get to Croatia, especially Istria! Olive oil tasting is calling to me!
Lexie
Hi,Frank! Thanks for an amazing blog! We are going to David Gilmour concert in arena Pula in September and then going to explore some towns nearby. Especially we are interested in cycling. Could you tell us if it is easy to rent a bycicle?
Wow, great blog!
I am arriving in Rovinj on 17th August for 3 nights for a suprise holiday for my husband. We are staying at the Hotel Lone, and I was hoping to visit a vineyard and other local food productions such as olive oil and truffles? I understood they were popular here- any suggestions?
Hi Jerry,
thanks for your comment. We’ve got a nice, brand new apartment to rent in Porec, or rather in a small village Rosini near Porec. Here is the link: https://www.frankaboutcroatia.com/franks-place/
Let us know if that fits you. If not, let us know what kind of place you are looking for.
Hi Frank. We’ll be renting a car and will have 5-nights of stays that are currently unbooked in mid-October 2015. Our plan is to drive the coast from Kotor, stop where we want and end up in Istria. Once in the Istrian area, what are your recommendations as to stays so we can visit all the little villages you’ve suggested? Should we look for an apartment/hotel in the area once it starts getting late or book a centrally located stay for ~4-nights and travel the Istrian area from there on day trip? Your insight would be very much appreciated.
Hi Frank,
thanks for the informative blog! I know you wrote it a while ago but we are planning our vacation with 2 dogs and we were wondering if you have any tips for fun things to do with a dog in Rovinj. We love the city and cannot wait to see it! I was also wondering if the boat trips to the nearest islands are possible with dogs. Thank you again and have a lovely day!
Hi Michelle, thanks for stopping by. I would say that Rovinj is really one of the better places to base yourself in Istria. However, it’s is more expensive than other coastal towns in Istria. So if the budget is an issue, you might be better staying in Porec.
Hi Frank! Love your blog. Very informative. Is Rovinj the best place to base yourself if you want to explore more of Istria? Do you have other recommendations? Thanks!
Hi Susan,
It depends how long you’ll be staying in Rovinj. There are plenty things to do in the region, and to be honest Plitvice Lakes, although gorgeous, are quite busy in August. But if you don’t mind crowds, they’re sure worth a visit. Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Susan,
plenty places for running in and around Rovinj. You have the Zlatni Rt forest within a walking distance from the town. Then you can also do it on any cycling trail. You can leave your car near Valalta and follow Basilica cycling trail. Or Limes cycling trail. Very nice trail is also from the village of Kloštar along Lim Fjord to Vrsar. Have fun in Rovinj and let us know if we can help with anything else.
Hi Frank,
Love your blog. Great info. Out of interest, how safe are the cycle trails for running? I’m in the middle of half marathon training so need to fit in some running whilst we’re staying in Rovinj.
Many thanks,
Susan
This blog is great! We’ll be in Rovinj next week. A few friends say we have to take a trip to Plitvice Lakes. Do you think it’s worth a day trip? Thank you!
Hi Damian, 2 weeks might seem like a long time, but if you are looking for some relaxing time too, you should be fine. One week you can chill out by the beach, and another week do some sightseeing in the area. Check new beach in Lone Bay. As for sport activities, there is an interesting zip line and high ropes park Glavani, near Barban. Also in Porec, you have a ski lift (basically you ski on the water but you are pulled by cable and not by boat). Then there is all the rest: tennis, kayaking, diving, etc… Let us know if we can help with anything else.
Hi,
Great website. My wife and i arrive in Rovinj on Sat but are unsure about whether to spend 1 or 2 weeks there. we will be wanting to mainly sunbathe (rock/beach/pool are all fine) with some cultural and sporty things thrown in. Is 2 weeks to long? Also how reliable is the weather this far north? i have spent lots of time south of split and adore it so I am sure we will love it. What is the evening temp like?
Thanks
Hi Kirsten,
Istrian inland is a must-visit. Hilltop towns like Groznjan, Motovun, Oprtalj, and abandoned village of Zavrsje are interesting to see. Visit to Chiavalon olive oil tasting room is a great place where you can learn about olive oil produvtion, how to taste and use olive oil properly. Chiavalon is one of the best Istrian olive oils. Basic tasting is only 50 kn per person. Wineries and wine tours are also very popular in Istria. Close to Rovinj you have San Tomasso winery (in a village Golas). We’ve just been there 2 weeks ago, and had a great time. Coastal towns of Novigrad, Porec and Vrsar are worth a visit. Have a drink in Novigrad at Vitriol bar (great choice of Istrian wine by glass, and international beers). Just few ideas. Let us know if you need more info.
Hi Frank
Loving the local area guide and info on Rovinj! My boyfriend and I have just booked our flights to come along in July and we are so excited! We are hoping to hire a car and I wondered if you could reccomend any day trips we could do to explore a bit further afield? Any help you could offer would be amazing.
Thanks
Kirsten
Thank you so much for your reply! It was so helpful! In the past few days, I’ve been visiting your site everyday, always finding new places we want to see and taking notes of restaurant we want to try. Like I said in my previous message, this is exactly the site we needed! We will certainly give you a shout out when we are there, we’d love to meet fellow Canadians!
Bonjour Marie-Michèle, thanks for stopping by. Bus transport in Istria is limited. While the coastal towns can teorethically be visited by bus, to visit the inland villages is impossible without the car. Since you are coming in December, I would definitely plan to visit the inland. The life is slow here in December (but still way better than in January when everybody goes skiing and most of the commerces close down). Anyway, if you are curious about local food and wine, you can plan to visit local olive oil producers (check Chiavalon in Vodnjan), great local taverns (we’ve reviewed the best ones on our website), and wineries (Kozlovic, Kabola, Trapan, Benvenutti are among the best). Combine this with lots of historical sites and you are set for great holidays. But do rent the car for the optimal experience. Give us a shout if you would like to meet up for a drink or something.
I’ve just discovered you blog and its exactly what I needed. We are planing on visiting Rovinj region in early december 2014. I know its a strange time to visit but I have a Conference in Venice at the end of November and thought, why not go to Croatia. We are from Canada, so the weather is not scaring us! We have reserved an apartment in Rovinj old town and we wanted to visit a outside the city (Pula, medieval towns, etc.). This brings me to my question: should we rent a car for the time we are there or will it be possible to travel by bus from one place to the other without to much trouble? Thank again for you great blog!
Visit to the Red Island sound amazing!
Thanks for your comment! A boat tour around Rovinj is an excellent addition to this list.