Most travellers might know Croatia for the beauty of Dubrovnik or the buzzing city of Zagreb, but there’s another place well worth your time. Rovinj is a charming fishing port on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula full of restaurants, cocktail bars, galleries and boutiques. If you find yourself in Croatia on holiday, spend a day or two in this chic resort, wandering the cobblestone streets and admiring the enchanting architecture. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Rovinj.
Rovinj Port
Rovinj Port is the ideal starting point for your trip. After hopping off a ferry, which you can book with Ferryscanner, explore the port and take in the excellent views on offer. Stylish painted houses are lined along the waterfront, with St. Euphemia Cathedral standing tall behind them. Fishers go about their business for the day, and the water’s edge hosts restaurants and cafes where you can sample delicious seafood and prepare to explore the rest of Rovinj.
Visit the Old Town
Before becoming a fishing port, Rovinj was an island until a land reclamation project in 1763 by the Venetians. While much of that life has disappeared, the Old Town is a throwback to days gone by. It’s a mediaeval delight with tight streets and alleys passing under archways and twisting up stairways. It’s a compact area, but there are plenty of ways to indulge, whether you’re stopping at one of the restaurants and cafes or visiting local galleries.
Visit Red Island
Being a port town, Rovinj has plenty of access to nearby areas, such as Red Island. It offers a getaway from the crowds, thanks to a boat offering direct services to the island every hour. Red Island (Crveni otok in Croatian) is actually two islands in one – St Andrew and Maskin, with St Andrew the larger of the two with its secluded beaches set to the backdrop of scented pine trees and clear waters.
See the sights at St. Euphemia Cathedral
St. Euphemia Cathedral can be seen from most vantage points in Rovinj. Built in the 17th century by the Venetians, who had control of Rovinj during this period, today it forms an imposing structure that dominates the skyline. You can climb the bell tower, which is 61 metres high, to enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding areas and the Alps to the north. Once inside the church, expect to see fine designs in the form of a marble altar and a 15th-century statue of the saint positioned in front of a sarcophagus containing Euphemia’s relics.
Embrace the Golden Cape
If you’re somewhat of a beach bum who likes to laze the day away, make sure you visit the Golden Cape. It’s located around a kilometre from town and has pine-forest beaches offering even more sanctuary from the crowds of tourists. It’s a stone beach, but that only means you get incredibly clear waters (perfect for snorkelling), thanks to the lack of sand.
Feeling stylish in Rovinj
Rovinj offers something different from the more well-known tourist spots in Croatia. A trip here offers the chance to escape the crowds and indulge in luxury and style. There’s something to keep everyone happy in this laid-back fishing village, from lazy days at the beach to wandering around the Old Town.