Visit Rovinj, one of the most popular turist destinations in Istria. This city is located on the western coast, and it ows its popularity to its beautiful old town, rich culinary scene and diverse beaches, which is why many are happy to continue returning.
To help you get the most out of your vacation in Rovinj, we have prepared a guide with the best recommendations for sights, beaches, restaurants and places to stay from people who know it best. Discover what this Istrian gem has to offer and spend an unforgettable summer in Rovinj.
What to see and visit
One of the symbols of Rovinj is the Church of St. Euphemia, the patron saint of the town, with a 60-metre high bell tower. It is located in the hilly old town, so in summer it is best to walk there early in the morning or late in the afternoon when it is not too hot. On the way, visit the city clock, the city gates and Grisia Street, a cobbled and winding street lined with small shops. I would definitely recommend a walk in the afternoon, when it is best to stay by the church and enjoy the view of the sunset.
If you are interested in the history of Rovinj, visit the Rovinj City Museum, where the exhibitions change frequently, so there is always something new to discover. There is also the Batana Ecomuseum, dedicated to the Batana fishing boat and the community of fishermen who chose it as their symbol. Also worth a visit is the Rovinj Aquarium, where sea urchins, seaweed, lobsters and other inhabitants of the Adriatic await you.
In summer, the town is usually crowded, especially around the centre, so it is good to have a bike or scooter. And some sights and beaches are close enough to walk to.
For excursions outside Rovinj, the Lim Canal is excellent, offering not only views of nature and a variety of birds, but also a gastronomic experience for all shellfish lovers, especially oysters. Have lunch at the Viking restaurant, which offers an excellent selection of shellfish, wild white fish and crabs. For local wine, visit the Matošević Winery near the Lim Channel, or on the way back to Rovinj, stop at the Monte Ricco Winery and discover award-winning wines such as Malvasia and Teran, as well as olive oil.
Where to eat
True gourmets always return to Rovinj, whose diverse gastronomic offer includes everything from traditional taverns to Michelin-starred restaurants. Here are some of our favorites.
- Konoba Jure – This tavern, a favorite among locals, serves fresh seafood and other Istrian specialties such as pasta with truffles.
- La Puntulina – This restaurant is located by the sea, on the edge of the old town, and offers a great view, fresh fish, steaks and an extensive wine list.
- Agli Amici – The only Croatian restaurant with 2 Michelin stars. Located in the Rovinj Marina, you can enjoy the view while dining on Italian specialties or a Rovinj and Istrian tasting menu.
- Monte – The first Croatian restaurant with a Michelin star. Located in the heart of the old town, it offers three six-course menus based on local produce.
- Aperitiv Bar “Circolo” – A great place to cool off when it gets too hot. Enjoy the shade with a craft beer, cocktail or soft drink such as homemade lemonade and iced tea.
Where to stay
There are many interesting villas in Rovinj and the surrounding area for your Istrian vacation. Whether you want a villa in the city itself, which has a lot of green spaces despite being in the city, or you’re looking more for a villa with a pool outside the hustle and bustle of the city, but still very close to the nearest beach, you can find it all on our website. Browse our villas in Rovinj and book your perfect vacation home in Rovinj today.
Where to swim
Rovinj and its surroundings are home to some of the most popular and famous beaches in Istria. Choose the one that suits you best, or visit a different one every day.
- Monte beach – Located on the west side of the old town, this is a great place to cool off after sightseeing. Some parts of the beach are good for children, while the rocky parts are more suitable for adults.
- Zlatni rt – This beach is one of the beaches along the park forest of the same name, south of Rovinj. Other nearby beaches are Zlatna uvala, Škaraba, Punta Cabana, Uvala Lone and others.
- Porton Biondi – Only 15 minutes walk from the center. It offers a view of the old town, various activities and bars. Keep in mind that the beach does not have much natural shade.
- Mulini – A newly renovated beach with a luxurious beach bar and pebble beach. The entrance to the sea is suitable for all types of swimmers.
- FKK beach Cuvi – A naturist beach on the south side of the town with plenty of natural shade.
Dog-friendly beaches: if you are traveling with dogs, take them to one of these beaches: Borik, Škaraba, Cisterna, Kaštelan and the beaches at the Polari and Veštar campsites.
We hope our recommendations have given you an idea of what a magical place Rovinj is. Now, all you have to do is browse our villas, select the one that best meets your vacation requirements, and enjoy a wonderful holiday in Istria.
