A Complete Travel Guide to Rovinj, Croatia

Traveling To Rovinj, Croatia? Our comprehensive travel guide to Rovinj Croatia provides you with all the details you need to make the most of your trip to this charming city. In this Rovinj Croatia Travel Guide, we share information about Rovinj’s location, the best time to visit, and the top reasons to go.

We’ll also cover all the important questions you may have – the best attractions to see and activities to do in Rovinj, recommended places to stay, where to find great food and drink, and essential travel information to help you plan your visit to Rovinj, Croatia.

Rovinj is a small and easily walkable city. It consists of a pedestrian-only old town, which is located on a hilly peninsula, and the newer part of the town that spreads around the old town. The St. Euphemia Church, atop the hill, is the town’s most prominent landmark.

Rovinj’s old town is scenic and features cobblestone streets and alleys, colorful houses, charming town squares, art galleries, a lively harbor full of small pleasure and fishing boats, seafront bars, and restaurants. The best gelato in Istria and delicious food are other reasons locals and tourists visit Rovinj!

Rovinj is a town that you can never get enough of. You feel good just by walking through and getting lost in its narrow, cobbled streets.

Where is Rovinj, Croatia?

Rovinj is a coastal town in Croatia, situated on the western coast of the Istrian Peninsula in the northern Adriatic. Rovinj is an excellent base for exploring other Istrian towns and landmarks, due to its central location on the Istrian Peninsula. Additionally, Rovinj is easily accessible from other major cities like Zagreb and Venice, which are just a couple of hours’ drive away.

Below is the location of Rovinj on the map!

Distance From Rovinj To …	In km / miles
Split, Croatia	500 km / 310 miles
Zagreb, Croatia	250 km / 155 miles
Pula, Croatia	40 km / 25 miles
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia	270 km / 170 miles
Ljubljana, Slovenia	185 km / 115 miles
Trieste, Italy	105 km / 65 miles
Venice, Italy	265 km / 165 miles
Munich, Germany	585 km / 365 miles

Best time to visit Rovinj, Croatia

The best time to visit Rovinj, weather-wise, is from June through September. During this time, the weather is great, warm, and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 23°C to 27°C (73°F to 80°C). The sea in Rovinj is also warm enough for swimming, with water temperatures between 23°C and 27°C (73°F to 80°C). The main season runs from late June to mid-September, with the peak time from the last week of July to mid-August. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, visiting Rovinj in June or September is better than in July and August.

Considering the weather, sea temperatures, crowds, and accommodation rates, September is the best month to travel to Rovinj, Croatia. September tends to be less crowded, the sea temperature (averaging 25°C / 77°F) is perfect for swimming, and accommodation prices are more affordable. If swimming isn’t a priority, May or October are also good options. The weather in these months is generally mild, with temperatures in the low 20s °C (high 60s °F), and it can be surprisingly dry, especially in October. Accommodation rates in May and October are also more affordable, with hotel rooms costing 30% to 50% less than in July and August.

In winter, many bars, restaurants, and shops are closed in Rovinj. The weather is cold and rainy (temperatures averaging between 10°C and 12°C / 50°F-54°F) and there is almost nobody on the streets after 5 pm. It might be best to avoid visiting Rovinj in winter.

Why visit Rovinj?

Rovinj, Croatia, is a picturesque town with cobblestone streets, tightly clustered colorful houses, and a charming harbor. It offers stunning views, cultural attractions, beautiful beaches, and outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Rovinj also hosts festivals, has a vibrant nightlife, and offers a unique shopping experience. With its idyllic climate and rich culture, there’s no doubt that Rovinj is a must-visit destination in Croatia for all types of travelers.

We love Rovinj, and below, we give you the reasons to visit it on your Croatian trip!

• Romance: With its charming old town, stunning sunsets, and lovely bars, Rovinj is the perfect romantic getaway. It creates an atmosphere of Dolce Vita, where couples can take a leisurely walk along the harbor or relish a candlelit dinner at one of the numerous local restaurants with a beautiful seafront terrace.
• Culture: Rovinj has a rich history and culture, influenced by ancient Romans, Venetians, and Austrians. Visitors can explore historic sights like the Church of St. Euphemia, Venetian-style clock tower, and town museum.
• Beaches: Rovinj offers stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters and breathtaking vistas. From upscale Monte Mulini Beach Club to popular Lone Bay Beach, the serene beaches of Golden Cape forest to the idyllic shores of St. Andrew Island, visitors can find the perfect beach to unwind and enjoy. Whether it’s snorkeling, kayaking, or exploring neighboring islands on a boat tour, there are endless opportunities for relaxation and exploration.
• Cosmopolitan vibe: While the old town exudes a romantic Italian vibe, the hotels in Rovinj are modern and cosmopolitan. Experience the exceptional design of Hotel Lone, the luxury of Monte Mulini and Grand Hotel Park, and the artistic scene at Hotel Adriatic. These hotels are definitely worth a visit to the town, and we usually don’t recommend traveling to a town just for its hotels.
• Lovely restaurants: Whether you decide to taste the sublime cuisine of Monte, dine al fresco while enjoying wonderful views at Puntulina, taste yummy fisherman’s pie at the Maestral, or indulge in a hearty meal of Konoba Jure, you simply can’t go wrong with restaurants in Rovinj.

Things to do in Rovinj

This charming coastal town has a lot to offer whether you are in search of relaxing beach time, adrenalin-filled activities, or the best local wine and dine experiences. Add to that a perfect location to explore the rest of Istria, and even a couple of day trips to neighboring Slovenia and Italy, and you’ll see that you can easily spend a week or two in this lovely town.

Below we shortlist just a couple of ideas for things to do in Rovinj.

• Rock Climbing: The rock climbing site, within Punta Corrente Nature Park, located only 20 m from the sea in a former quarry, features sharp and hard limestone rocks. The routes are bolt-fixed and suitable for beginners. For guided climbing, you can contact Adistra, a local agency that provides all the necessary equipment.
• Romantic boat ride: The local museum, House of Batana, offers visitors a program that includes a ride in a small traditional fishing boat with a flat bottom and a sail, Batana, around the old town, and a traditional dinner in the “spacio” (local tavern). It’s a fantastic experience and highly recommended.
• Scuba diving: Scuba diving in Rovinj is a popular activity, thanks to the abundance of shipwrecks in the surrounding waters. One of the most renowned wrecks is the Baron Gautsch, which sank in 1914 and remains remarkably preserved. Located 12.5 nautical miles off the coast, at depths ranging from 28 to 40 meters, this site offers organized dives through local diving centers.
• Explore the old town: The old town, located on a small peninsula, is a charming and picturesque place. With houses tightly lined together and some rising from the sea, it offers a unique and scenic atmosphere. Cobbled streets lead up to the beautiful church of St. Eufemia, situated at the top of the hilly peninsula. From the bell tower, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the town. With its Venetian-style architecture, artsy vibe, quaint little shops, and inviting alleys, this town is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Popular activities in Rovinj, Croatia

What are the must-visit attractions in Rovinj, Croatia?

Some of the must-visit attractions in Rovinj are listed below!

1. The old town: As mentioned earlier, the old town is a charming and picturesque place that offers a unique and scenic atmosphere. It’s a must-visit for its Venetian-style architecture, artsy vibe, quaint little shops, and inviting alleys.
2. Batana Eco-Museum: This museum showcases the traditional way of life in Rovinj, specifically the fishing tradition. You can learn about the techniques and tools used by local fishermen and even take a boat ride on a batana, a traditional wooden fishing boat.
3. St. Eufemia Church: This beautiful church is situated at the top of the hilly peninsula and offers stunning views of the town and surrounding waters from its bell tower. It’s also a popular spot for watching the sunset.
4. Balbi Arch: This ancient arch, built in the 17th century, is located at the entrance of the old town and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Rovinj.
5. Punta Corrente Forest Park: If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the town, head to this park located on the edge of Rovinj. It offers beautiful walking and cycling paths, as well as stunning views of the sea, and lovely beaches.
6. Grisia Street: If you’re a fan of street art, make sure to take a stroll down this cobblestone street which is known for its art galleries and vibrant atmosphere.

Food and Restaurants

Some of our favorite restaurants include Barba Danilo, serving yummy and creative dishes; Kantinon, a simple restaurant with authentic food and great views over the town; a fine dining restaurant Monte that offers multiple-course tasting menu; no-frills restaurant Orca with their hearty dishes; and many more.

Here is our full post about where to eat in Rovinj!

Best places to stay

From urban and chic hotels, and cozy vacation rentals, to campsites, Rovinj offers a variety of accommodations for every budget and style.

Located at the town’s main square, overlooking the fishing harbor, the hotel Adriatic is THE place to stay. Artsy and hip, Adriatic features 18 rooms and suites, a gorgeous brasserie, and a bar.

One of the very few 3-star properties, hotel Katarina is located on the island of the same name, just a 5-minute boat ride from the old town. The hotel features 120 rooms in the main and annex buildings, an outdoor swimming pool, and a lovely sunset bar.

The best design hotel in Croatia, Lone simply makes you feel good (and cool!). All major Croatian designers left their mark in Lone. The hotel features 248 rooms (some with a private hot tub on the balcony), an awesome wellness center with an indoor pool, a large outdoor pool, and a lovely pebbly beach.

Here is the full list of Rovinj Hotels!

Beaches

A lovely seafront promenade stretches south of the old town, from the hotel Park, along the Lone Bay, to the Punta Corrente forest park. Here you’ll find three beaches: town beach, Mulini beach, and Lone Beach.

The Punta Corrente forest park features lots of small coves and pebbly and rocky beaches, and it is a popular place for a swim among tourists and locals alike.

Further south, you’ll find Villas Rubin resort beaches, campsite Polari with its lovely Punta Eva peninsula (clothing-optional area), Vestar, and Kuvi (the southern you go, the less crowded it gets).

North of the old town, popular beaches are within Amarin, and Valalta resorts. Here you’ll also find Punta Kriza, the naughtiest beach in all of Istria (we’ll not talk about that).

Bars, Clubs & Nightlife

Rovinj is famed for many things, but nightlife isn’t one of them. You’ll find lots of cafes, wine, and cocktail bars, perfect spots for a pre-, or after-dinner drink, but not an intensive clubbing scene or nightlife. Check our post on Rovinj Nightlife, bars, and clubs.

San Tomasso is right on the seafront with views over a fishing harbor and the old town. A good place to taste wines from local wine producers, including their own San Tomasso brand.

Mediterraneo is a lovely bar by the water, with friendly service, a great selection of drinks drinks, and a good vibe.

Circolo is a cocktail bar located in a small square, just off Carerra Street, the main shopping street in the old town. It has a lovely outdoor terrace.

Events

For ten consecutive years, the Salsa Festival takes place from mid-June for two weeks. Dancers from all over the world take over the streets, squares, popular resorts, and bars. The series of events include pool, beach, and boat parties, workshops and salsa classes, competitions, and more.

St. Lawerence night, celebrated on the 10th of August, is famed for shooting stars activity, also known as a “rain of meteors”, or “tears of St. Lawerence”. Every year on Saturday closest to the 10th of August, all public lights go off, and instead, the town is lit with torches and candles. Local establishments do the same. A series of concerts take place in multiple locations in the old town.

The town’s patron saint, St. Eufemija, is celebrated on the 16th of September. The series of events include an important mass and concerts in the town’s square, while the restaurants serve a traditional dish – sour kraut with sheep meat.

Full event list here!

Practical Info on Rovinj Croatia

If preparing for your trip to Rovinj or if you are there, you need some practical info on public transportation in Rovinj and parking in Rovinj. We summarized the main information on traveling to Rovinj regardless of whether you are planning to reach the city by bus, car, or plain.

Traveling to Rovinj Croatia

Traveling by car is by far the most convenient way to reach Rovinj and Istria in general. The roads in Istria are excellent. The Istrian motorway connects Istria with a Slovenian border and with Rijeka. Besides a small portion near the tunnel Ucka, and the tunnel itself, the rest of the motorway is multilane. Road tolls apply.

Pula Airport, a small airport, is located 5o km south of the town, and it is the closest airport to Rovinj. Many low-cost airlines fly into Pula Airport from May to October from a handful of European destinations, like Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Koeln, Bruxelles, Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, Rome, London, Leeds, and Manchester.

You can also fly into Krk, Trieste, Treviso, Venice, Ljubljana, and Zagreb airports. They are all up to a 3-hour drive from Rovinj.

If you are flying into Pula Airport, you can choose one of the following options to reach Rovinj: a car rental, private transfer, or public transport. All major car rental companies have their offices at Pula airport. If you decide to book a private transfer, expect to pay around 80€ for a one-way transfer. Public transport is the most economical solution, although not always the most convenient.

A one-way ticket for the shuttle bus costs 25 €. If you are budget conscious, you can reach Rovinj from the airport, using the shuttle from the airport to Pula’s central bus station, and from there you can take a bus to Rovinj. A shuttle to Pula bus station costs 6 € (6.5 US$, or 5.2 £), and a bus ticket from Pula to Rovinj costs around 8 € (8.75 US$, or 6.9 £). Use the Bookaway to check the bus schedule and buy your ticket online.

It’s easy to reach Rovinj by bus, from Pula, Zagreb, Rijeka, and Trieste. Buses depart throughout the day, and more frequently during the summer.

The cost of a one-way bus ticket from Rovinj to:

• Pula:  8 €
• Zagreb: 26 €
• Rijeka: 14 € to 16 €
• Trieste: 16 € to 20 €

The most popular bus companies are Arriva, Nomago, Fils, and Flixbus.

The town’s bus station is located in the center of town, just 200 m away from the old town. It’s really small, with only a single stop for all buses. The traffic here often gets jammed.

The Venezia lines company operates a high-speed catamaran between Venice and Rovinj, from the end of April until the beginning of October. Starting in May, the boat departs four times a week, and in July and August, it sails daily. A one-way ticket costs 85 € per person. Check availability and prices!

Public transport

Rovinj is small and easily explored on foot. The old town, located on a small peninsula is a car-free zone.

If you decide to stay in the old town, double-check with the property where you stay if they provide parking at the nearby parking lots, and a free transfer to the hotel. The hotels in the old town usually use golf carts to transfer their guests from the parking to the hotel.

Holiday resorts, located north and south of the old town, like Amarin or Villas Rubin, offer, for an extra charge, shuttle buses, and boats to and from the old town.

Boats also connect St. Catherine and Red Island with the old town. They depart hourly throughout the day. Find the detailed schedule here!

If you stay outside the old town, you can also reach the town by bicycle. However, once you reach the old town, you’ll need to park your bike, as the hilly old town full of stairs can’t be explored on a bicycle.

Taxis are expensive.

Car rental

There are lots of car rental agencies in Rovinj. Rentalcars.com is a good starting point to check the car rental offers and prices of different car rental companies. The website offers an excellent choice of cars to rent.

Please, keep in mind, that cars rent quickly for the high season (July, and August), and the prices go up as the season approaches. Book your car rental as early as possible to secure the best deal.

However, if you prefer to rent a car directly through a local company, below you’ll find contacts for a few local car rental agencies.

---

Enterprise is an international car rental company with offices all around Croatia.

Contacts | a: Šetalište vijeća Europe 1, Rovinj | t: +385 99 336 6620

Working hours | Mon-Sat: 8 am-8 pm | Sun: 8 am-noon

---

Vetura is a local Istrian car rental company with offices in all major Istrian towns.

Central Office Contacts | a: Mateo Benussi 2A, Rovinj | t: +385 52 815 209 | m: +385 91 730 44 08 | e: rovinj@vetura-rentacar.com

Working hours | July, August: Daily, 8 am -9 pm | June, September: Daily,  8 am-8 pm | Other months: Mon-Sat: 8 am-noon

---

Greenway is a national car rental company. They are based in Porec, but they deliver cars upon request to the destination of your choice.

Contacts | a: Partizanska 5a, Porec | t: +385 95 797 2222 | e: reservations@greenway-travel.net

---

Parking

Parking in Rovinj includes closed parking lots, street parking, and the garage.

Valdibora is the largest parking lot in Rovinj, and the closest to the old town. Valdibora parking lot is the most convenient parking if you are visiting or staying in Rovinj’s old town.

You can also park your car in designated areas on the streets of Rovinj. Street parking is divided into zones.

The Grand Park Hotel Rovinj’s garage is the only garage in the city and is conveniently located within a short walking distance from the beaches and the town.

Valdibora Parking Lot	Prices per hour
Nov-March	0.5 €
April-June, Sept, Oct	1.0 €
July, August	2.0 €

Street Parking in Rovinj, Croatia	Period	Parking rates per hour
Zone 1	Nov-March (6 am-8 pm) April-Oct (6 am-11 pm)	1.00 €
Zone 2 and 3	Nov-March (6 am-8 pm)	0.50 €
	April-June, Sept, Oct (6 am-11 pm)	1.00 €
	July, August (6 am-11 pm)	2.00 €
	Daily ticket	15.00 €
Zone 4	May-mid-Oct (6 am-11 pm)	1.00 €
	Daily ticket	7.00 €

Parking Garage, Grand Park Hotel Rovinj	Rates per hour
Nov-March	1.50 €
April-Oct	4.00 €

Shopping

Don’t expect to find large shopping malls here or high-end brands. You’ll rather find small, artisan shops selling handmade jewelry, interesting clothes, artworks, and souvenirs. On the other hand, Carrera street is a place for cheap clothes and tacky souvenirs.

Large supermarkets are located at the entrance of the town, on a road to Bale. In fact, you’ll find here all large supermarkets – Konzum, Lidl, and Plodine; Jysk, a Danish retail store selling household goods; DM, a drugstore selling toiletries, and alike.

The farmer’s and fish markets are located in the northern part of the old town, not far from the Valdibora parking lot. Here you’ll find fresh fruits and veggies, as well as a catch of the day at the fish market. But the farmer’s market is expensive. Locals rather buy their fruits and veggies at a few other spots in town. Near Konzum there is a local lady selling her own produce during the summer months. Also, the family Dobravac sells their own produce in front of their family home just above the Mirna factory, a few-minute walk from the old town.

Interesting souvenirs, paintings, jewelry, and bags, you can get at a few stores in town, like Koza, a store offering handmade leather goods; Prostor, a concept store located in the hotel Lone, offers cute and quirky stuff made by Croatian designers; Profumo di Rovigno, indeed, offers original scents of Rovinj through their perfumes, body, bath, and home products. The Lungomare Plaza, a shopping promenade below Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, features a variety of exclusive shops offering designer items like jewelry, clothing, accessories, arts, perfumes, and the like.

Money and ATM

From January 1^st, 2023 Croatia entered the Eurozone and the national currency Kuna is replaced with the common European currency – Euro. However, if you use another currency than the euro, you can exchange money at many places in Rovinj: exchange offices, banks, and hotels’ receptions.

ATM machines are also very everywhere; near every bank, at prominent places in town, and at many hotels. ATM machines have an option for different languages, so they are easy to operate.

When paying with a credit card (or withdrawing money at the ATM), you’ll be offered to be charged either in local currency or in the currency of your home country. This is kind of tricky as intuitively you might be tempted to choose the currency of your home country. However, don’t do this because you will end up paying more. When you choose the currency of your home country, the banks use dynamic currency conversion that more often than not (read: always!) is less attractive than the market exchange rate at the moment. Just calmly opt for local currency even if this means doing some math in your head to better understand the item’s value in your money.

Some ATM machines are more expensive than others. Try to withdraw money on banks’ operated ATM machines.

Internet

There are free WiFi hot spots throughout the town. Many bars and restaurants also offer free WiFi. However, you’ll need to ask for a password in order to connect. Private accommodations come with free WiFi, as well as Rovinj hotels, and even campsites.

You can also buy a prepaid data package from one of the local or global providers. T-com, Telemach, and A1 all have SIM for tourists with data and minutes on them. However, we normally use Airalo eSim provider, because we find it works better for us. You can check out their mobile data packages for Croatia here. If you are visiting more than one country, Airalo offers also regional and global eSim mobile data packages.

Rovinj Travel Guide: Related articles

• Plan your days in Rovinj with a comprehensive guide to Things to do in Rovinj
• With our post on Best restaurants in Rovinj find out where to eat
• Check Events in Rovinj
• Have fun by exploring the list of Nightlife, bars & clubs in Rovinj
• If you are looking for accommodation, find out our recommendations on Where to stay in Rovinj
• Find out what are The best hotels in Rovinj
• For a touch of romance, we prepared A quick travel guide to Rovinj for couples

We hope our travel guide to Rovinj Croatia helps you better plan your holidays in this charming Istrian coastal town. If you have any comments, suggestions, or questions, please leave them below.