15 Reasons to Visit Rovinj, Croatia

For Zlatni Rt

A secluded wooded headland south of town, a pleasant a 15-minute walk from Rovinj bus station, Zlatni Rt (‘Golden Cape’) sits on the other side from Lone Bay. Referring both to the area of pine forest, walking and cycling trails, and the string of beaches fringing it, Zlatni Rt is an easy outdoor getaway from the crowds of the Old Town.

Zlatni Rt, Rovinj, Croatia

Zlatni Rt | © Christoph Sammer/Flickr

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 Rovinj Aquarium

The underwater world of the Adriatic is the focus of this old-school institution, opened in 1891. Rovinj Aquarium provides a pleasant and affordable diversion, bringing you face to face with the octopuses and squid you might otherwise see on your dinner plate. Don’t expect schools of bright clownfish – this is the public arm of a maritime research centre, the Ruđer Bošković Institute – but be prepared to be impressed by the sheer diversity of what’s out there, just the other side of this waterfront attraction.

Rovinj Aquarium, Giordana Paliage, Rovinj, Croatia, +385 52 804 702

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For Valentino

Somewhat precariously set atop the rocks right over the waves, accessed by a walkway, Valentino makes use of its location by offering the best cocktails in town. Classic mixed drinks and top-quality champagne are served to your table, or you might just want to plot up on the rocks with one of the cushions provided. If you’ve had more than one, then hold on tight to the rope railing as you scale the steps back up.

Valentino, Sv Križa 45, Rovinj, Croatia

Valentino | © alchen_x/Flickr

For Piassa Grande

Wine bar, boutique and café, Piassa Grande allows you to sample Istria’s finest wines at a terrace table in the heart of the Old Town. Owner-enthusiast Helena Trošt stocks some 100-plus labels, some two dozen available by the glass, also offering local cheeses, olive oils and snacks of bruschette and truffle-flavoured biscuits.

Piassa Grande, Veli Trg 1, Rovinj, Croatia, +385 98 824 322

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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.

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 Grisia

Running between the main square and St Euphemia’s Church, Grisia is more than just a sloping narrow street of boutiques displaying their wares – paintings, artisanal jewellery, sculpture – outside. Grisia is also a community of artists, which organises a day-long arts festival every August, when galleries and studios throw open their doors.

Grisia, Rovinj, Croatia

Grisia | © Christoph Sammer/Flickr

Batana Eco-Museum

While so many of Croatia’s museums are old-school and, frankly, dull, Rovinj’s Batana is hands-on, entertaining and effortlessly educational. Focused on a type of fishing boat of the same name, the Batana tells the story of its role in local culture, with interactive exhibits, workshops and even opportunities to go be taken out in one.

Batana Eco-Museum, Obala Pina Budicina 2, Rovinj, Croatia, +385 52 812 593

Batana | © Renzo Borgatti/Flickr

For Konoba Kantinon

Once a simple tavern (konoba) as its name suggests, the Kantinon was overhauled in 2013 and has gone relatively upscale, without losing its maritime charm. Although prices have duly risen from rock-bottom to reasonable, this revamp has meant a considerable revision of the menu. No longer straightjacketed by narrow, run-of-the-mill tourist offerings, the Kantinon has delved deep into Istria’s culinary heritage to come up with different takes on dressing and accompanying the fresh seafood for which it is justifiably renowned.

Konoba Kantinon, Obala Pina Budicina 18, Rovinj, Croatia, +385 52 816 075

Konoba Kantinon | © alchen_x/Flickr

Sveta Katarina

Set just off the Rovinj boardwalk, Sveta Katarina now contains a namesake hotel and recreation complex but with boats scheduled every 30 minutes, it’s also an easy destination for non-guests too. Filled with all kinds of plant life and lined with rocky beaches, Sveta Katarina is also the perfect vantage point to watch sunset slowly fall over Rovinj, whose historic buildings can be easily picked out on the horizon.

Sveta Katarina, Istria, Croatia

Sv Katarina | © Andrey/Flickr