Rovinj, Croatia: travel guide
Pastel fishing harbour and hilltop old town on Istria's west coast
A pastel-hued fishing town on Istria's west coast, its cobbled hilltop old town crowned by the baroque Church of St. Euphemia — one of the Adriatic's most photogenic ports.
About Rovinj
Rovinj is a fishing town on the west coast of Istria, built on a small peninsula that was once an island. Houses in warm shades of ochre and pink rise in tiers towards the hilltop Church of St Euphemia, whose tall bell tower is visible from the sea.
The main pleasures are walking the cobbled lanes of the old town, climbing Grisia Street with its small galleries, and sitting at the harbour on the Riva. The Balbi Arch marks one of the old gates, and boats cross to Red Island. Istrian food, particularly truffles, seafood and olive oil, is part of the draw.
Rovinj suits couples and slow travellers. Late spring and September are mild and less crowded than midsummer.
- Country
- Croatia
- Currency
- EUR
- Time zone
- Europe/Zagreb
- Nearest airport
- PUY
Last updated
Top places to visit in Rovinj
Church of St. Euphemia
Basilica · about 0.7 h · check the fee at the gate
The baroque hilltop basilica crowning Rovinj, its 60 m Venetian-style campanile topped by a copper weathervane of the martyr St. Euphemia.
Rovinj Old Town
Historic centre · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A near-island tangle of steep cobbled lanes, pastel houses and washing-strung balconies packed onto a peninsula — one of Istria's loveliest towns.
Grisia Street
Artists street · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The old town's steepest, most photographed lane, lined with artists' studios and galleries climbing toward St. Euphemia.
Balbi Arch
Town gate · about 0.2 h · check the fee at the gate
The baroque town gate of 1680 marking the old harbour entrance, carved with the Venetian lion and a Turk's and Venetian's head.
Zlatni Rt (Golden Cape) Forest Park
Forest park · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A protected Mediterranean forest park of cypress, pine and holm oak south of town, threaded with cycling and walking paths and swimming coves.
Rovinj Harbour (Riva)
Harbour promenade · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The picturesque working harbour and waterfront promenade where fishing boats, cafés and sunset-watchers gather beneath the old town.
Batana House Eco-Museum
Maritime museum · about 0.7 h · check the fee at the gate
A UNESCO-recognised eco-museum devoted to the batana, Rovinj's traditional flat-bottomed fishing boat, and the town's maritime culture.
Mulini Beach
Pebble beach · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A landscaped pebble beach with clear water and beach clubs just below the old town, on the path toward Zlatni Rt.
Red Island (Crveni Otok)
Island · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
A pair of linked islets a short taxi-boat ride offshore, ringed by pine-shaded pebble beaches and clear swimming coves.
Rovinj Aquarium
Aquarium · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
One of Europe's oldest aquariums (1891), a small waterfront collection of Adriatic marine life run by the marine research institute.
Things to do
- Istrian Wine & Truffle Tour Food · 8 h · from EUR 95 per person
- Rovinj Old Town & St. Euphemia Tour Tour · 1.5 h · from EUR 20 per person
- Red Island & St. Katarina Boat Trip Boat · 4 h · from EUR 30 per person
- Rovinj Panorama Sunset Cruise Boat · 2 h · from EUR 35 per person
- Lim Fjord Boat Excursion Boat · 4 h · from EUR 40 per person
Day trips and tours
- Istria Truffle & Wine Day Tour 8 h · from EUR 95
Where to stay in Rovinj
- Old Town about EUR 170 per night
Rovinj's pastel hilltop maze around St. Euphemia — romantic, walkable, waterfront restaurants.
- Monte / Waterfront about EUR 200 per night
Coastal strip south of the old town toward Zlatni Rt with the luxury resorts and swimming coves.
Hotels
- Hotel Adriatic 4-star · EUR 200 to EUR 420 per night
- Rovinj Bass Hostel 2-star · EUR 30 to EUR 95 per night
- Grand Park Hotel Rovinj 5-star · EUR 350 to EUR 850 per night
- Hotel Lone 5-star · EUR 300 to EUR 680 per night
Where to eat
- Monte Istrian, Contemporary, Fine dining · about EUR 180 per person
- La Puntulina Istrian, Seafood, Mediterranean · about EUR 65 per person
- Male Madlene Istrian, Wine bar, Tapas · about EUR 40 per person
- Kantinon Istrian, Seafood, Dalmatian · about EUR 35 per person
- Giannino Istrian, Seafood, Italian · about EUR 45 per person
Getting to Rovinj
Airport: Pula (PUY)
Getting around
- Bus
- Ferry
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Croatia
Frequently asked questions about Rovinj
- What are the main places to visit in Rovinj?
- Places covered in our Rovinj guide include Church of St. Euphemia, Rovinj Old Town, Grisia Street, Balbi Arch, Zlatni Rt (Golden Cape) Forest Park.
- Where should I stay in Rovinj?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Rovinj: Old Town, Monte / Waterfront.
- How do I get around Rovinj?
- Ways to get around Rovinj covered in our guide: City bus, Ferry, Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Rovinj?
- The nearest airport to Rovinj has the code PUY.