15 Reasons To Visit Rovinj Croatia

For a town of barely 15,000 inhabitants, picturesque, waterfront Rovinj offers plenty to the visitor looking for something more than just a beach – although that’s available too. A street of artists, a museum of Old Masters, a panoramic cocktail bar and historic cycling trails are just a few of the many attractions.

For waterfront dining

From the Marina, past the pier and round the headland, Rovinj becomes wonderfully photogenic, its waterfront lined with restaurants and cocktail bars best enjoyed as the sun sets. Book a table at the Copacabana, the Ancora, the Stella di Mare or La Puntalina and you’ll be gawping at the panorama rather than the plate of seafood you’ll be having to pay just that little bit extra for. Worth every lipa, of course, and unbeatable if you’re dining as a couple.

1. St Euphemia's Church

Building, Church

Built in the 1730s to house the remains of St Euphemia, a Christian fed to the lions by Diocletian in 303AD, this Baroque church centrepieces the Old Town, its bell tower a major landmark. The relics are kept in a Roman sarcophagus, while the statuary and other works of art inside date from the 15th and 16th centuries.

For cycling

As well as stretches of the pedestrianised promenade, Rovinj offers a number of cycling trails that allow you to see the best of the surrounding countryside. One runs from the beach of Zlatni Rt, through a protected forest park and past an 11th-century church, another takes you to Figarola, offering the perfect view of the Old Town, and another takes in the Limski kanal and the medieval remains of Dvigrad. The handful of cycle hire places in town can provide more detailed information and, of course, bikes.

2. For Rovinj Market

Market, Vegetarian

Rovinj’s central market, beside a car park just in from the seafront, stocks olive oils, grappas, and honeys, along with fresh produce in season, always handy for the beach. It’s also handy for souvenirs, ceramics, jewellery and paintings, usually only during the summer, and a wander around the adjoining fish market is an education in itself.

3. For Rovinj Heritage Museum

Museum

The holdings at the Rovinj Heritage Museum number more than 35,000 but don’t let that put you off – what’s on display is only a fraction of the permanent collection. Highlights include finds from the Roman era, fascinating maritime paraphernalia and Old Masters from the mansion of Habsburg industrialist and art collector Baron Georg von Hütterot, who lived on nearby Red Island.

For ice-cream

Being so close to Italy, both geographically and historically, Rovinj offers top-quality ice-cream from a small hub of outlets tucked in from the waterfront. On Piazza Campitelli, the Gelateria Italia is classic in every way, with outdoor tables and coffee also provided. Nearby Café Sport on the promenade itself also offers pastries while the B052 on Carera ulica probably has the best range of flavours.

For the boardwalk

Following the undulating line of the waterfront, Rovinj’s seafront promenade changes its name several times – Obala Vladimira Nazora, Obala Alda Negria, Obala Alda Raimonda, Obala Pina Budicina – but is constantly entertaining at any time of day. Just off the coast beckons the island of Sveta Katarina while closer to shore, there’s usually activity amid the fishing boats and ferry terminal. This stretch of the coastline is far less crowded with bars and restaurants than on the other side of the marina, and you can easily find a spot to sit and watch the sea.