ROVINJ, CROTIA: TRAVEL GUIDE TO ISTRIA’S MOST CHARMING CITY
Rovinj is one of my favorite destinations in Croatia. It’s located up north on the Istrian Peninsula, home to a colorful Old Town labyrinth that looks wildly Venetian – a stark contrast to the medieval walled cities of Dubrovnik, Split and Korcula. But similar to other destinations in Croatia, Rovinj is bursting with Euro summer energy. The Old Town walls are surrounded by sunbathing rocks, swim ladders and cliff bars that beachgoers flock to when the weather is warm. Below is my complete travel guide to Rovinj including the best places to visit, viewpoints, beaches, Rovinj photos locations, hotels, bars, restaurants, Istria day trips and more.
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Rovinj is so much more colorful than other cities in Croatia, thanks to its Venetian roots.
ROVINJ TRAVEL TIPS
- CURRENCY – The official currency of Croatia is the Euro. Almost everywhere takes credit card, but it’s always useful to have cash handy for smaller purchases.
- TIPPING – Tipping is customary at bars, cafes and restaurants, and a 10%-15% tip is usually appreciated.
- STAY CONNECTED – Almost all hotels and restaurants have free wifi, but for 24/7 connection I suggest purchasing an eSIM right before your trip.
- THE CROWDS – Mornings in Rovinj are incredibly quiet and serene, a great time to explore Old Town. The day trippers trickle in by late morning and stick around through the late afternoon.
Grisia Street is the main shopping corridor in Old Town, lined with dozens of charming boutiques.
WHEN TO VISIT ROVINJ
- MAY AND SEPTEMBER – These are my favorite months to visit Rovinj. The weather is usually warm, and you avoid the crowds of peak summer season.
- JUNE-AUGUST – High season in Rovinj pretty much guarantees warm weather for the beach, but it’s also the busiest time of the year to visit. Book lodging well in advance for the best selection of hotels and Airbnb’s.
- OCTOBER-APRIL – Early October can be hit and miss with the weather, but rest of low season is too cold for a beach holiday. Lodging prices are low, but expect chilly temperatures and the possibility of rain.
Old Town is a labyrinth of stone corridors and passageways.
HOW MANY DAYS IN ROVINJ
TWO TO FIVE DAYS. If this is a home base for exploring greater Istria, then I recommend a five-night stay for enough time to enjoy Rovinj, as well as take day trips to Bale, Groznjan, Motovun, Pula and Hum. If you plan to solely focus on Rovinj during your stay, then two full days is enough time to explore Old Town, enjoy the sea and eat at the best restaurants.
Old Town sits on a small peninsula littered with swimming rocks, swim ladders and stone walls for easy access to the spectacular Adriatic Sea.
Plaza Balota.
PLACES TO VISIT IN ROVINJ
BALBI ARCH
The 17th century Balbi Arch serves as the main entry way to Old Town. Look closely, and you’ll notice that it’s a Turk head carved on the outside and a Venetian head on the inside.
BASILICA OF ST. EUPHEMIA & BELLTOWER
The Basilica of St. Euphemia and its Belltower sit at the top of Old Town, seen from every angle outside of the city. This is the largest Baroque church in Istria, built in the early 1700s. It’s free to visit, and for a small admission fee, you can climb the bell tower for views over Rovinj and the surrounding Adriatic Sea.
LONE BAY
This is a seaside golden bay surrounded by pine trees. On a sunny day, the shallow water is calm, clear and sparkles a vibrant shade of turquoise. Lone Bay is a flat, easy and picturesque 15-20 minute walk from Old Town.
OLD TOWN
Spend a morning or afternoon exploring Old Town on foot. The best way to experience the maze of corridors and tiny streets is to simply wander. You’ll likely find your way to Grisia Street, the main cobbled artery that is lined with tiny boutiques and shops. If you make it to the top of the street there’s a fabulous view in both directions. Look down and it’s a lovely view of the colorful street. Look up for the prettiest framed view of the St. Euphemia Belltower.
PIAZZA MATTEOTTI
Small piazza that sits at the main entrance to Old Town, just inside the Balbi Arch. Trattoria Cisterna fills Piazza Matteotti with dozens of colorful chairs and tables. Not the best food, but a great spot for a drink and people watching in the afternoon.
PLAZA BALOTA
This is by far the prettiest place to swim in Rovinj, and the setting is bursting with character. The craggy stretch of coastline sits below a soaring arched wall in Old Town surrounded by swimming rocks, sunbathing slabs and sea ladders for easy access to the vibrant turquoise water. Arrive early to secure a spot for your towel – sunbathers flock to this place.
ROVINJ WATERFRONT
The Rovinj waterfront is a bustling promenade lined with dozens of restaurants, cafes and gelato shops. Most of the restaurants offer waterfront seating with spectacular views of Old Town.
ST CATHERINE’S ISLAND
It’s a quick ferry ride from the Delfin Pier in Rovinj to the little island of St. Catherine. There’s free rocky sunbathing on the calm beaches, as well as paid sun bed and umbrella options. Not a ton to do on the island – it’s only home to the beach and a hotel.
The streets in Old Town are ridiculously picturesque.
ROVINJ DAY TRIPS
- BALE – Small stone town surrounded by rolling vineyards and olive groves. (20 minute drive)
- GROZNJAN VILLAGE – Charming hilltop artists village that gives medieval vibes. (1 hour drive)
- KAMENJAK NATIONAL PARK – Expansive park located on the tip of the Istrian Peninsula, home to hiking trails, beaches, snorkeling, cliff jumping and more. (1 hour drive)
- KLANCAC BEACH – Stunning beach near Brsec that sits at the base of a cliff – the shallow, clear water sparkles intense shades of turquoise. (1 hour 10 minute drive)
- KOTLI WATERMILL – A lovely watermill set in a small canyon with pools of vibrant blue water. (1 hour drive)
- MOTOVUN – Another beautiful medieval village that sits on a hilltop. (1 hour drive)
- PULA – This is the largest city in Istria, Croatia and home to the stunning Pula Arena. (40 minute drive)
- POREC – Historic seaside Old Town. (40 minute drive)
The 17th century Balbi Gate serves as the dramatic entrance to Old Town Rovinj.
BEST ROVINJ HOTELS
Possibly the best hotel location in all of Rovinj. The iconic Adriatic Hotel sits at the entrance to Old Town, towering over the bustling waterfront. This is the oldest hotel in Rovinj, dating back to 1892, but the 18 rooms and suites have been updated with beautiful designs including wall moldings, wood floors, marble bathrooms, high ceilings and thick long drapes.
Hotel Spirito Santo Palazzo is one of the best boutique hotel options in Rovinj. The old building has been completely restored with period details still intact including exposed stone walls, wood beam ceilings and arched alcoves. Rooms are on the smaller side. Location is great, everything in Old Town is just a short stroll away.
Maistra Collection operates three properties in Rovinj, all big luxurious options within walking distance to Old Town. Grand Park Hotel overlooks the Marina, located next to beautiful Monte Beach.
This sprawling seaside hotel houses nearly 250 rooms and suites that are bright, spacious and a modern design. Lone Hotel occupies a lovely stretch of coast lined with perfectly placed sun beds and umbrellas. It’s a pleasant 10-minute stroll along to coast to reach Old Town from the property.
Monte Mulini is the third of the Maistra Collection properties, and possibly the most upscale. It’s a five-star, adults-only hotel that offers 112 crisp, modern rooms and suites, all boasting balconies with sea views.
Mornings in Old Town are very quiet and serene. Tourists don’t show up until late morning.
WHERE TO EAT IN ROVINJ
EL BUGADUR
El Bugadur is the same owners as Rovinj’s most popular restaurant Puntalina. It occupies a lovely cobbled terrace overlooking spectacular views of the sea, especially at sunset. Menu offerings are different, but El Bugadur also focuses on fresh seafood.
FISH HOUSE
For quick casual eats, stop by Fish House for a selection of fish & chips, grilled sea bass, gnocchi with prawns and fish tacos.
LA FONDIARIA
This is the loveliest little restaurant that sits tucked away on an alleyway in Old Town. Menu offerings include a variety of fresh seafood – the sea bass filet is particularly delicious. Service is gracious and fast. Reservations recommended during busy season, especially if you want a table outside.
MLINAR
Mlinar is a Croatian bakery chain, and there is a location in Old Town. The pastries are a quick, delicious option in the morning if you get one while its fresh, warm and flaky.
PIZZERIA STARI GRAD
Lots of pizza in Rovinj, but not a lot of good pizza. I wouldn’t say Pizzeria Stari Grad is particularly memorable, but it’s is the best thin-crust wood-fired pizza option in Rovinj. It’s located in Old Town.
PUNTALINA
Puntalina is by far my favorite restaurant in Rovinj. Every time I visit, I eat here at least two to three times for dinner. The setting over the sparkling water of Plaza Balota is completely dreamy, especially if you’re able to reserve one of the tables outside. Menu boasts a selection of fresh seafood – my favorites are the scampi buzarra linguine, shrimp with olive oil and garlic and fresh sea bass. Reservations are a must.
SANTA CROCE
Solid restaurant in Old Town with cute outdoor dining in a bright yellow courtyard. The menu offers a variety of fresh homemade pastas, as well as fresh fish and seafood.
SNACK BAR RIO
Another amazing spot, also the same owners as Puntalina. This casual restaurant sits along the habor opposite of the Old Town centre. Tables line the water, and it’s a lovely spots to eat, hang and people watch. Highlights on the menu are the fresh seafood and homemade pasta dishes.
Delicious shrimp with garlic and scampi buzarra linguine from Puntalina, my favorite restaurant in Rovinj.
Mediterraneo Cocktail Bar.
ROVINJ BARS
MEDITERRANEO COCKTAIL BAR
A charming cocktail bar that sits on the rocks along the walls of Old Town. The colorful pillows, chairs and tables overlook the prettiest views of the Adriatic Sea. Mediterraneo Cocktail Bar is the best energy in Rovinj on a warm sunny evening.
TREVISOL
Trevisol is a vibe in the evenings when the cocktail bar fills its little cobbled courtyard with color chairs, pillows and tables. Coffee and light eats are also served during the day.
VALENTINO
Another cocktail bar down the alley from Mediterraneo. A stone stairway leads to cliff rocks with a scattering of pillow for guests, and servers that run around in black bowties. Valentino is a vive at sunset.
VINO VIGNETO
Charming little wine bar that sits hidden away in a tiny courtyard, right off of Grisia Street. Vino Vigneto offers a curated selection of Croatian and Italian wines, as well as champagnes. A lovely spot for an intimate tasting.
Most tourists visit Rovinj as a day trip, but I highly recommend this city as a base for exploring greater Istria.
An afternoon of gelato and boutiques in Old Town.
ROVINJ GELATO SHOPS
- AROMA GELATO EXPERIENCE
- GELATERIA ITALIA
- OMBRA LABORATORIO DEL GELATO
- SLASTICARNA GELATERIA NONNI
Valentino Cocktail Bar at sunset.
GET AROUND ROVINJ
Old Town Rovinj is small and walkable where the beaches, restaurants, shops and hotels are all just a short stroll away. A car is not necessary to explore the city, but definitely a must to see greater Istria.
This charming courtyard is home to a little wine bar, Vino Vigneto.
GET TO ROVINJ
- PLANE – Rovinj isn’t the easiest place to get to. The Pula Airport is 40-minutes away, and the flight schedule is very limited. If you’re traveling from outside of Europe, it’s tough to get to Rovinj without changing planes twice, and usually with a long layover.
- FERRY – The easiest alternative is to fly into the Marco Polo Airport, enjoy a night or two in Venice and then take the ferry over from the San Basilio Terminal. The journey takes approximately three hours.
- CAR – If you’re on a Croatia road trip, Rovinj is very accessible by car. It’s a long drive from central and southern Croatia, so best to make overnight stops along the way (Plitvice Lakes National Park is a three-hour drive). The main paid parking lot for Old Town is located here (you can leave your car overnight).
The colorful Piazza Matteotti.
The most delicious dinner at La Fondiaria – tomato soup and a sea bass filet.
DESTINATIONS TO VISIT AFTER ISTRIA
- PLITVICE LAKES NATIONAL PARK – If your starting a Croatia road trip in Istria, the next stop should be Plitvice Lakes National Park. It’s a three hour drive to reach the iconic lakes.
- SPLIT, CROATIA – Croatia Airlines offers a couple direct flights from the Pula Airport to the Split Airport, the most convenient way to move from Istria to southern Croatia. From Split, it’s easy to get to Hvar, Korcula and Dubrovnik by ferry.
- VENICE, ITALY – Adriatic Lines runs a direct ferry between Venice and Rovinj a couple times weekly. It’s a three-hour journey on a large, spacious ferry, and the Rovinj port is walking distance from Old Town. The ferry schedule and tickets are available on Ferryhopper.
Sunny days in Old Town are such a vibe.
There are so many swim ladders and sunbathing rocks scattered around Old Town.
OTHER DESTINATIONS TO CONSIDER IN CROATIA
- DUBROVNIK – Located in southern Croatia, Dubrovnik might be my favorite destination in the country. It’s a stunning medieval city that boasts an incredible coastline, offshore islands, phenomenal restaurants, cliff bars and a slew of incredible historical sights. A very well rounded destination.
- HVAR – Hvar is definitely my favorite island in Croatia. It’s glamorous, beautiful and home to some of my favorite restaurants in the country.
- KORCULA – A lovely little gem of an island that’s a quick, easy stop on an island hopping holiday. The Old Town is small and lovely, and there are several beaches and offshore islands to explore.
The prettiest lunch view over Plaza Balota.
