Rovinj is one of the most beautiful cities in Istria. It is often compared to the Italian Venice or the French Saint Tropez. This atmospheric resort tempts with its historic buildings, green areas ideal for walking and the surrounding beaches, where you can simply relax.
There is no shortage of tourist attractions in Rovinj, and its over 500-year history has also left its mark in the form of local monuments. Due to the large number of Italians living here, the city is bilingual and you can feel a strong influence from sunny Italy.
The area around Rovinj itself is extremely attractive.
There are many islands, islets, small bays and headlands. Interestingly, once this city was also located on an island. The narrow isthmus was only filled in in the 18th century and since then Rovinj has been situated on the mainland.
The Mediterranean climate is also a big advantage of this resort. This means that the summers are hot here and the winters are mild. Therefore, coming to Rovinj for holidays, we are guaranteed an excellent weather aura, which is conducive to spending time actively, as well as blissful laziness.
Tourist attractions of Rovinj
Rovinj is one of the most interesting and attractive places on the Istrian Peninsula. It was settled relatively early and located on a rather rocky and steep area. The city is surrounded by forested areas, and narrow cobbled streets give it character.
Rovinj is dominated by the soaring tower of St. Euphemia, and the coastal islands create unforgettable views.
Rovinj’s old town
The very heart of Rovinj is the old town, situated on a promontory and surrounded by the sea on almost all sides. You can visit them slowly walking, because the entire old town is pedestrianized.
The old town of Rovinj is situated in a picturesque setting on a limestone rocky hill. They are surrounded by defensive walls inside which quite closely located houses and tenement houses were built. There were seven gates in the city walls at one time, only three have survived to this day: Vrata Portica, Vrata sv. Benedikta and Vrata sv. Kriża.
In the small squares of Rovinj’s Old Town, there are café and restaurant gardens, which are often crowded with tourists in the season. The entire old town is oval in shape, and on the seam itself is the historic church of Saint Euphemia, with its distinctive and clearly visible bell tower.
A specific feature of the local old town are numerous porches, stairs and dead-end alleys located among stone streets. It’s easy to get lost in them, even for a moment.
The seaside boulevards are also a good place for walks in Rovinj, from where you can perfectly see the historic buildings of this city. The local port also has its own unique charm. It is small in size, but both fishing boats and more luxurious yachts have their marina here. However, the biggest attraction of Rovinj’s port are the cruises to nearby Venice.
Beaches in Rovinj
The waters around Rovinj are especially attractive to diving enthusiasts. At the bottom of the local sea there are wrecks of sunken ships, and shoals of colorful fish swim around. It is an ideal place not only for divers, but also for those who like to snorkel.
The local beaches in Rovinj are not the widest, and those in the center are covered with stones. However, the area offers plenty of places for sunbathing or swimming in the sea (Lone Bay, Zlatni Rt Peninsula, or Sveta Katarina Island).
In addition, on the local beaches it is possible to windsurf, kayak or rent a sailboat. For children, the Dolphins will be an attraction in Rovinj, from time to time emerging from the Adriatic Sea, while the older ones will enjoy fishing.
One of the most popular beaches of Rovinj is Baluota.
It is a small, rocky beach located on the west side of the old town, below the church of St. Euphemia. Baluota is definitely a photogenic place that tourists eagerly use. However, this beach is very crowded, especially in the high season, and entering the water requires at least minimal mobility (ladders).
It is definitely not a place for families with young children.
Active recreation in Rovinj
Rovinj is not only visiting the remains of the rich history of this place, or relaxing by the sea. The city and the whole neighborhood are perfect for spending free time actively on vacation. And as already mentioned, these areas are ideal for hiking or walking.
Especially those on the Zlatni Rat Peninsula, where there are many paths and alleys under the shade of nearby trees. It is also a great place to practice rock climbing. On the peninsula there are some of the most popular routes in the whole of Istria.
They are suitable for both beginners and slightly more experienced climbers.
Rovinj is also a great place for fans of cycling. The town is situated on the cycle paths that are part of the Istria Bike. There are over 20 routes in the entire area, thanks to which you can get to know not only interesting places of Rovinj, but also the whole of Istria.
There are of course bike rentals in the city, as well as local tourist offices that organize guided group bike tours.
Now it’s time for sights in Rovinj.
St. Euphemia’s Church
The most important and largest monument in Rovinj is the Church of St. Euphemia. It is the largest baroque temple in the entire region of Istria. Its creation dates back to the 18th century. St. Euphemia was built on the site of the previous, smaller church. Inside, you can admire the richly decorated altar, silver tabernacle and antique organs.
There is also a statue of St. Euphemia, followed by the sarcophagus where her relics are kept.
However, the most impressive is the belfry of St. Euphemia. It is an over 60-meter building, stylized after the famous Venetian counterpart. Most importantly, the bell tower of St. Euphemia is open to visitors and after climbing up the wooden stairs to the top, you can admire the panorama of the entire area.
At the top of the tower, a wooden, and then a copper figure of St. Euphemia. According to the locals, it is supposed to indicate the weather – if it is turned towards the land, it means that it will rain, if it is towards the sea – it will be nice.
Balbi Arch in Rovinj
Another interesting monument in Rovinj is the Balbi Arch, which is one of the former city gates, standing today in Marshal Tito Square. It was built in a baroque style in 1680. The arch led into town, straight to the fish market. Its name comes from the coat of arms of the Francesco Almoro Balbi family (mayor of the city), placed on the building in the 19th century.
On the left side of the arch, you can still see fragments of the old city walls.
What else is worth visiting in Rovinj?
Trg Marsala Tita
In Rovinj, it is worth visiting the main square of this city, which is Trg Marsala Tita. It is a historically important place where the first hotel or cafe was opened and the court building was erected next to it.
In Marshal Titio Square, you can see a fountain that symbolizes the completion of the city’s water supply, with a distinctive statue of a boy sewing. There is also a clock tower from the 19th century with a mechanism from an old city clock dating back to the 18th century. An interesting fact is that the tower was once used as a prison.
Batana Eco Museum
When it comes to further exploring Rovinj, it is definitely worth visiting the Batana Eco Museum. It is a place dedicated to local traditional boats made of wood with a completely flat bottom and the history of fishing here. On site, you can learn about the traditional methods of local fishermen and the tools they used.
As part of the museum’s activities, fishing evenings and batana regattas are organized in Rovinj.
Franciscan monastery
In Rovinj, it is also worth visiting the Franciscan monastery from 1702. The building was destroyed and rebuilt over the years. Interestingly, the Franciscan order itself was present in these areas since the 15th century, but their seat was located on the nearby island of St. Andrew. However, over the years, the monks moved to the mainland.
Inside the monastery itself, it is worth paying attention to various works of art that date back to the 15th century.
Interesting places in Rovinj
An interesting place in Rovinj is Grisia Street, which is a meeting place for artists. Of course, you can buy their works here and walk the cascading stone stairs. It is on Grisia Street that an open-air art exhibition is organized as part of the summer cultural days in Rovinj.
Another interesting object is the Rovinj Heritage Museum, located in the Baroque palace of the Cali family, which dates back to the 18th century. The museum was opened in 1954 and you can see collections of paintings and books accumulated over the years.
In turn, a large attraction for children and adults in Rovinj will be the miniature park – Mini Croatia. Here, on an area of 5.5 thousand square meters, you can see the largest and most important monuments and attractions of Croatia, made on a micro scale.
There are, among others, the miniature buildings of the old town in Dubrovnik or the Pazin cave. Another interesting place, especially for the little ones, is the Aquarium in Rovinj. It is a tiny aquarium where you can see the underwater world and colorful fish without submerging in the water.
What else is worth seeing in Rovinj?
As the rumor has it, the most beautiful sunsets are to be seen and admired in Rovinj. Here, in one of the local pubs, you can sit at a table and enjoy the amazing view. An ideal place for a romantic dinner and fantastic photos with the setting sun in the background.
Many people also recommend a trip to the forest park of Zlatni Rt, south of Rovinj. It is a green area established in 1860 with exotic vegetation and walking paths. You can enjoy a family picnic here among soaring cypresses and tall cedars. Numerous cycling, walking and jogging routes run through the park.
In addition, there are beaches on site, so you can take a dip in the sea or rent a boat. The use of motor vehicles is forbidden in the Park Forest Zlatni Rt, therefore the air and nature are completely unpolluted.
There is also an old quarry here which is a favorite spot for climbing fans.
What are your favorite attractions, monuments and places of interest in Rovinj? We are waiting for your feedback on the forum.