RovinjMainland Croatia · Croatia

All About Rovinj

Istrian Peninsula’s popular summer destination, Rovinj, is a fishing town with unmatched vintage glamour. Having gained much recognition amongst international travellers recently, this Croatian city exudes a distinctly Italian charm visible in the local architecture, food, and the fact that Italian is an official language here along with Croatian. The real magic of Rovinj, though, is in exploring its quaint cobblestone streets, the fascinating Old Town with the hilltop church of St Euphemia, and its archipelago consisting of 22 islands and islets. Romantic and artistic, any amount of time spent in Rovinj results in an unforgettable vacation. Taking a ferry to Rovinj is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets
 

Routes and Ferries to Rovinj

Since Venice is well-connected with the rest of the world by air, most tourists prefer to land there and then take a ferry across to Rovinj. There are frequently scheduled sailings between the two cities during peak season with Venezia Lines. Boats typically take under three hours for a direct connection. You may also purchase a ferry ticket to Rovinj through Ferryscanner for a slower boat that adds another hour to the trip as it stops at Pula and Poreč.

The other option is to fly into Pula Airport. From there, take the train or drive. A cheaper possibility is first reaching Pula center from the airport and then catching the public bus to Rovinj.

Those in favor of road transport can take a two-hour bus from Trieste for €13. If already in Croatia, hop on the three-hour bus from Zagreb, which costs around €20.
 

Ports of Rovinj

The small size of Rovinj’s port somewhat limits the tourist rush at this seaside town, making sure it maintains its old-world attractiveness. Only a limited number of passenger ferries arrive at the pier, located within walking distance from the Old Town and bus station. A marina with over 300 berths for yachts and private boats lies alongside the port.
 

Best Beaches

Rovinj has a mind-boggling array of beaches. There are pebble beaches in quiet corners for naturists, areas with grassy borders for sunbathers, pet-friendly beaches, isolated ones for couples, and busy beaches with activities galore that attract families. With water temperatures touching an inviting 24°C (75°F) in the summer season, the question is how many different beaches you’ll manage to visit during your vacation.

Lone Beach

Access to Lone Beach is only through a foot and bicycle path because of which it remains a quiet part of the city, away from traffic and heavy tourist movement. The beach underwent refurbishment in 2014 and now has paved and pebble areas along with a grassy stretch favored mostly by sunbathers. The lush greenery bordering the beach gives it an intimate appeal, whereas bars and restaurants make it a convenient place to spend time.

St. Andrew’s Island Beach

The beaches on Red Island are some of the very best in the region. Therefore it is worth taking a 15-minute taxi boat to St. Andrew’s Beach, located near Hotel Istra, for a fun day in the sun. Since it’s a Blue Flag beach, rest assure that the facilities and water clarity are excellent here. Families often visit the beach because of all happenings on offer, ranging from a children’s playground and boat rentals to parasols, cafes, showers, tennis, and windsurfing. However, it is advisable to stay in the center of the bay when with kids as the currents tend to be strong around the edges of the beach.

Kuvi Beach

Situated close to Villas Rubin, Kuvi is a cute spot by the water to visit with the family. The ground here is a mix of sand and pebbles. The beach has a gentle slope, resulting in low-level water ideal for children to play safely. The beach itself isn’t too wide or long, but there are still plenty of facilities such as showers, toilets, lifeguards on duty, and water sports available.

FKK Punta Križ

Drive north for 15 minutes from Old Town, and you’ll reach the infamous Punta Križ. A nude beach, it is known for attracting sunbathers who are pretty open about their alternative lifestyle. Avoid bringing children here. Adults interested in an offbeat adventure will find that Punta Križ provides plenty of entertainment along with fantastic sea views and a bar to enjoy a refreshing drink. A winding dirt road typically keeps the general beach-going public away, while a shaded area next to the gravel strip offers respite from the sun.

Skaraba Beach

A curiously small pebble beach with a paved section, stone steps to sit on, and no amenities, Skaraba is an eccentric gem that many tourists don’t know about. Set alongside Zlatni Rt Park, the water here is clean, but since it gets deep relatively quickly, and there is hardly space to play around, mostly adults come here. Skaraba is popular with the locals because it is only a kilometer from the center and has free parking.
 

Neighborhoods

Be it the engrossing and unusually captivating Old Town or the natural appeal of the islands not far away, neighborhoods of Rovinj have a distinctly vibrant atmosphere that gives the city an incomparable identity. When arriving with ferry tickets to Rovinj be sure to check these ones out.

Old Town

All roads in Rovinj lead to the Old Town. The city’s pulsating heart is where you’ll find a mix of antiquated buildings, tiny streets, clothing shops, and taverns. The main square with its fountain and St. Euphemia’s church is a tourist hotspot. At sundown, everyone heads to the waterfront bars located on Obala Alda Rismonda, a street that outlines the harbor. Not to be missed in the Old Town is Valdibora, a daily market where locals sell everything from fresh produce to handmade souvenirs.

Wider Town

The neighborhood around Old Town is known as Wider Town. It is still central to the city, but unlike the Old Town, it allows car traffic. The area has a modern outlook, so you’ll find lovely cafes, yoga studios, and boutique residences here. Wider Town is a must for gourmands who want to experiment with Croatian wine and regional cuisine. Families should pay a visit to Rovinj Aquarium for an educational break when strolling around the neighborhood.

North Rovinj

Budget travellers take note, for it is in the northern part of Rovinj that you’ll find several pocket-friendly accommodations. The neighborhood is known to have a bit of an industrial vibe since there is a fish processing plant here. Still, the area has excellent nightlife, and it’s possible to book tours at comparatively lower prices in this region.

Red Island

Crveni Otok is an island duology that consists of St. Andrew’s Island and Maskin. Both these islets are connected via a manmade walkway and present travellers with an idyllic day trip from the mainland. Island Hotel Istra operates on St. Andrew’s from April to October, but you can visit and explore the islands’ scenic attractions throughout the year. There are beautiful short trails and beaches, still unknown to summer tourists, which are worth discovering on both the islands. The water around Maskin has fantastic clarity, perfect for snorkeling.

Sv. Katarina Island

Katarina Island is right opposite the city center and can be reached via a taxi boat from Delfin Pier. Once on the island, you are privy to fantastic views of the Old Town. The hotel on the island is extremely accommodating, even with day-trippers who can eat at one of the on-site restaurants. Katerina Island has a few rocky beaches with places to cliff jump. On the whole, the island is very green, with diverse flora covering the land.
 

Transportation Around Rovinj

Considering that the Old Town is a hilly car-free zone, the only possible way to explore it is on foot. Rovinj is, in general, small enough that you can avoid public transport altogether if visiting for a short period.

However, when staying at either of the two famous resorts nearby, Villas Rubin and Amarin Resort, it’s convenient to take a boat or shuttle to the Old Town. During summer, regular boat transfers are available to Katarina Island and Red Island from the ferry port. While St. Catherine is a five-minute hop, a trip to Red Island lasts 20 minutes and costs €6 for a return ticket.

Although there are ample options of things to see and do in Rovinj, if you wish to perform an in-depth exploration of Istria’s delightfully amusing towns, hire a car and drive to places such as Pula, Buzet, Fazana, Poreč, and Bale. Taking a ferry to Rovinj is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets