After checkout in Rijeka we were heading to our next Croatia’s city – Rovinj, which has very Italian looking streets in the old town. Rovinj in Croatia is a popular summer vacation destination known for its charming Mediterranean atmosphere, stunning coastal scenery, breathtaking sunsets, and rich Turkish and Venetian history. The town is also known for its local crafts such as lace-making and its delicious seafood. Rovinj has ancient origins, with its documented history beginning in the 7th century.
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The Ancient Roots of Rovinj
Archaeological findings show that the area around Rovinj was heavily inhabited during the Bronze and Iron Ages by the Histrian tribe, who traded extensively with the Greeks and Etruscans. Subsequently, ancient Romans moved to the local safety of the offshore islands to escape terrifying barbarian invasions by the Huns and Visigoths. In other words, this defensive settlement became known as Castrum Rubini, which was first officially documented in the seventh century within the famous Cosmographia text written by an anonymous author from Ravenna, Italy. Therefore, historians conclude from this historical Ravenna connection that the town was originally founded much earlier, likely between the third and fifth centuries AD. Furthermore, this geographical recording highlights the early maritime trade links and routing networks shared across the Adriatic Sea between the shores of Istria and the important Byzantine hub of Ravenna, which eventually incorporated Rovinj directly into its ruling Exarchate during the sixth century.
The early town was built on a secure island protected by steep rocky gorges facing the sea and high stone walls to fend off violent invaders from the mainland. However, the settlement still suffered devastating historical attacks from Saracen and Slavic pirates who repeatedly burned the city over the centuries. In addition, the town managed to secure special tax exemptions and took part in the famous Assembly of Rižana in 804 after passing under the rule of the Franks. Similarly, the local administration constantly struggled for autonomy against regional powers, even signing a unique peace and trade contract with Dubrovnik in 1188 to boost its commercial standing.
Rovinj officially aligned itself with the powerful Republic of Venice in 1283 to ensure a strong naval force would protect its commercial and maritime interests. Consequently, the town transformed into a major administrative and trading hub where the wine and fish trade flourished across the northern Adriatic. Furthermore, this economic boom sparked great urban development, leading to the creation of local trade guilds, advanced shipbuilding yards, and beautiful Venetian-style palaces. Nevertheless, the town faced a major disaster in 1379 when Genovese invaders completely devastated the city and even stole the sacred bones of Saint Euphemia before returning them a few decades later.
The geographic layout of the settlement changed permanently in 1763 when the narrow sea channel separating the crowded island from the coast was completely filled in with earth. Thus, the historic island officially became the beautiful peninsula that visitors walk along today. Meanwhile, the ruling political powers shifted over the next few centuries as the Austro-Hungarian Empire took control of the region until 1918. Finally, the town became a part of Yugoslavia after the global conflicts of the twentieth century before ultimately joining the newly formed Republic of Croatia in 1991.
Today Rovinj ranks as 40th city by size in Croatia with 11,693 people.
We found a free parking not far from the marina in the town within 10 min walk.
We stopped at a Maestral Restaurant, which had an amazing view to the sea and Rovinj’s old town. Three drinks were only € 11.
I really liked those photo opportunity signs in Rovinj, which shows you from where you can take a really nice picture.
Narrow Streets of Rovinj
Strolling through the historic heart of Rovinj felt like stepping straight into a painting, where the charming, narrow cobblestone streets twisted and turned in a beautiful maze. Because the town was originally an island with limited space, the colourful houses were built closely together, creating lovely little alleys where laundry lines hung overhead and lazy cats napped against the walls.
Loooking for a Path to Church of Saint Euphemia
Looking up at the sky, I could easily see the tall bell tower of St. Euphemia’s ChurchClick to open side panel for more information standing proudly on top of the hill, but finding the actual path to get up there proved to be quite a challenge. The narrow, winding cobblestone streets of the old town form a confusing labyrinth that twists and turns in every direction. As I tried to make my way upwards, the alleys constantly tricked me, sometimes leading to dead ends that went nowhere at all. Similarly, several paths suddenly headed downhill instead of up, ending abruptly at a stone staircase that dipped straight into the splashing waves of the Adriatic Sea. Furthermore, the crowded houses and twisting passages made it easy to lose my sense of direction entirely. Consequently, reaching the beautiful church felt like a real adventure, as I had to navigate through the tricky maze of the town before finally finding the right walkway to the top.
Rvinj’s Famous Church of Saint Euphemia
The Church of Saint Euphemia dominates the skyline of Rovinj, standing proudly at the highest point of the historic peninsula. Built between 1725 and 1736, this grand Baroque basilica features a striking facade added in the nineteenth century and holds the distinction of being the largest Baroque structure in the entire region of Istria. The interior is richly decorated with marble altars and historical paintings, all centered around celebrating the town’s beloved patron saint.
The most famous feature of the church is its massive sixty-one-metre-high bell tower, which was built to closely replicate the iconic bell tower of St Mark’s Basilica in Venice. At the very top of the spire sits a large copper statue of Saint Euphemia that actually serves as a giant wind vane, turning on its axis to show the direction of the wind to local sailors and fishermen.
According to local legend, the heavy stone sarcophagus containing the relics of Saint Euphemia miraculously floated across the sea from Constantinople and washed ashore in Rovinj in the year 800. A young local boy using only two weak calves managed to easily haul the massive marble tomb up the steep, slippery hill to the church when all the strongest horses and oxen in the town had completely failed.
Every year on the sixteenth of September, thousands of pilgrims from all over the region gather at the church to celebrate the official festival of Saint Euphemia. The square outside the basilica transforms into a lively festival ground filled with traditional Istrian foods, local wines, and cultural celebrations honoring the protector of the town.
Going Down to The City Centre
Walking down from the church was just as much of an adventure as the climb up, especially because the smooth, slippery cobblestones meant I had to watch every single step. The old stones have been polished by years of footsteps, making the steep walk down quite tricky. As I carefully walked through the winding paths, I discovered that the town is a wonderful place for artists, with famous lanes like Grisia Street looking just like bright open-air galleries. Hidden inside these ancient stone passages, I found countless little craft shops, unique boutiques, and local studios showing everything from handmade jewellery to local treats like truffle oil and olive oil. Furthermore, popping into these small workshops allowed me to see truly unique souvenirs and really beautiful handmade magnets, even though the steep paths often tricked me by leading to dead ends that stopped right at someone’s front door or a hidden courtyard. Similarly, a few pathways that looked like shortcuts suddenly turned into stone stairs that ended right at the edge of the deep blue sea. The tall, crowded houses blocked the view of the town, making it very easy to get lost on the way down. I must admit, getting lost in this maze of art and history was one of the most magical parts of my trip, and the whole experience made it feel like I was in Italy rather than Croatia.
It ithe 7th century, Rovinj was a fortified city, which later was strengthened further with additional towers. At that time, it had seven gates. Nowadays, only three remain: “The Gates Under the Wall”, “The Gates of St. Benedict” and “The Gates of the Holly Cross”. The exact spot where Balbi’s Arch is located today, the main gateway of the fortress, known as Porton della Pescheria, had once been situated and was demolished in 1678-1679 under the governance of the mayor Daniel Balbi. An inscription on a stone board commemorates the historical event, while the Balbi’s Arch is now the main entrance to the Old Town of Rovinj, recognizable by a “greeting Venetian Lion” and the Balbi family crest.
Impressive Drinking Fountain of Rovinj
In June 1959, sculptor Marjan Kocković from Dubrovnik, constructed a large water fountain in with a boy and a fish. Even today, the fountain has drinkable water, which is safe to drink and tastes good.
The Clock Tower (Uhrturm) in Rovinj is prominently situated on Marshal Tito Square, formerly known as the Rovinj Square. It used to be situated on the south corner of the whilom old city walls. Built in the 12th century, it was regularly updated and now has a 14th-century clock situated in a red tower. This tower was previously transformed into a prison. With its prominent Lion of Saint Mark – a symbol of the Venetian Republic – the Clock Tower is impossible to miss.
Lumch at Snack Bar Rio
We stopped for a lunch at Snack Bar “Rio”, which was an excellent choice and the food was delicious and great service. Total for 3 people was € 93.
Stunning Views from Rovinj Dock
Standing right by the water on the busy Rovinj Dock, I got a wonderful view of the town’s old fishing harbor and beautiful coastline. Looking out over the water, I watched traditional wooden boats and modern yachts gently floating in the tide. The entire historic old town rose straight out of the sea right in front of me, forming a lovely row of colourful Venetian houses that looked just like a painting. Furthermore, my eyes were drawn up to the highest point of the town, where the tall bell tower of St. Euphemia’s Church stood out clearly against the sky. Walking along the stone piers gave me the perfect spot to take photos, especially in the late afternoon when the setting sun lit up the whole coast in warm, golden colours.
Best Beaches in Rovinj
1. Baluota Beach (Monte)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
This picturesque rocky shoreline is widely considered the most beautiful beach within the historic old town of Rovinj. It sits tucked directly below the ancient town walls, offering an exceptionally romantic setting for swimmers. Visitors can enjoy views of the offshore island of Sveti Katarina while swimming in the crystal-clear, turquoise water. Furthermore, the location is highly celebrated for its spectacular evening sunsets.
2. Mulini Beach
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
This exceptional destination is positioned in a sheltered bay that keeps the sea remarkably calm and ideal for snorkeling. The area features a brilliant combination of fine pebble coves and modern concrete sunbathing platforms. Travellers can easily access the shore on foot from the old town by following a scenic seaside promenade. Additionally, the luxurious five-star Hotel Monte Mulini sits directly above this coastal stretch.
3. Lone Bay Beach
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
This stunning natural bay is located within the lush borders of Rovinj’s protected forest park. The postcard-perfect landscape is defined by a clean pebble beach surrounded by fragrant pine woods that offer ample shade. Swimmers are treated to excellent water quality and fantastic underwater visibility for snorkeling. In addition, visitors can choose to lounge at a small local beach bar to enjoy a panoramic view of the area.
4. Cisterna Beach
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
This wild and romantic pebble bay is a secluded natural gem situated roughly seven kilometres outside of the main town. It rests inside a protected nature reserve and is reached via a well-maintained gravel road. The untouched shoreline provides a peaceful escape with calm waters and small trees for natural shade. Consequently, travellers visiting in the off-season will often have this pristine hideaway completely to themselves.
5. Punta Cabana Beach
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
This hidden paradise is nestled along the walking paths of the forest park, remaining blissfully removed from the busier main shores. The quiet bay showcases a unique panorama of vibrant turquoise sea, fine pebbles, and lush green trees. It serves as a magical retreat for those seeking absolute tranquility. Moreover, the nearby Punta Cabana Beach Bar enhances the experience with hammocks, vinyl music, and cocktails.
6. Katarina Island Beach
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
This peaceful island sanctuary is located just a few hundred metres from the town centre and is reachable via an hourly shuttle boat. The tiny island houses the historic castle of Count Milewski, which has been converted into a charming hotel. Its southern coastline features exceptionally beautiful pebble coves that rarely feel overcrowded. Therefore, it represents an ideal escape for a quiet day of sunbathing and swimming.
7. Zlatni Rt Beach
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
This ruggedly beautiful natural stretch is situated at the Golden Cape within the local forest park. The landscape is dominated by flat rock surfaces that are perfect for quiet sunbathing, alongside fragrant pine trees lining the coast. However, the terrain is less suited for families traveling with small children due to the sharp, rugged rocks. Similarly, the area is best explored by bicycle or on foot along the park’s promenade.
8. Veštar Beach
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
This long, dreamlike beach is situated within a highly sheltered bay inside the local Veštar campsite. The shoreline slopes incredibly gently into the sea, eventually transitioning into a completely soft, sandy seabed. Because of its protected orientation, the water experiences almost no waves, allowing swimmers to safely wade out up to fifty metres. Consequently, it is a highly favoured insider tip for families with young children.
9. Borik Beach
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
This relaxing holiday stretch is located about four kilometres from the old town in a quiet neighborhood. The coastline is made up of several small pebble coves that provide прекрасный views of Rovinj across the water. It is well-equipped with three restaurants, a playground, and an inflatable water park. In contrast to some tourist-heavy spots, this beach is a popular swimming destination for local residents.
10. Kuvi Beach
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.5/5)
This unique destination features a fine pebble shore that offers exceptionally easy access to a very gently sloping sea. The calm waters are highly appreciated by older travellers and families alike. A cozy beach bar provides a relaxed space to unwind directly on the coast. Additionally, naturists can find a dedicated clothing-optional beach located about two hundred metres south of the main bay.
Things To Do in Rovinj
Exploring the Historic Old Town
💎 Get Lost in the Medieval Alleys: wander through the car-free, hilly historic core to admire a colorful maze of Venetian, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Tucked-away staircases frequently lead straight down to the edge of the Adriatic Sea.
💎 Stroll Along Grisia Street: walk up this famous, artistic street connecting the main square to the hilltop cathedral. The historic path is lined with a vibrant mix of art galleries, boutiques, and historic stone porches.
💎 Visit St. Euphemia Church and Bell Tower: climb the 61-meter-high bell tower of this Baroque basilica to take in panoramic views of the city from above. The church houses the sacred sarcophagus and relics of St. Euphemia, the patron saint of Rovinj.
💎 Discover Balbi’s Arch and the Clock Tower: locate Balbi’s Arch, built in 1679 under Venetian rule, featuring unique carved heads and the winged Lion of St. Mark. Nearby, view the 12th-century clock tower anchoring the town’s lively main square.
Coastal and Marine Experiences
💎 Walk Around Rovinj Port: stroll along the active fishing harbor to photograph pastel-colored houses, watch local fishermen at work, or relax at a waterfront café.
💎 Relax at the Local Beaches: swim in clear emerald and turquoise waters along the coast. Popular spots include the rocky platforms of Monte Beach in the town center, the lively shoreline of Mulini Beach, and the shaded pine borders of Lone Beach.
💎 Go Diving and Snorkeling: explore the underwater reefs and shipwrecks scattered around the local islands. The area’s most famous dive site is the historic wreck of the passenger steamer Baron Gautsch, which sank in 1914.
💎 Kayaking and Island Hopping: paddle a kayak along the shoreline at sunset or catch a quick ferry to explore the car-free trails, pebble beaches, and pine forests of the Rovinj Archipelago, including St. Catherine and Red Island.
Nature and Culture
💎 Explore Golden Cape Forest Park: bike, run, or hike through this scenic nature park located just a twenty-minute walk south of the old town. The peninsula features rugged capes, shaded paths, and flat coastal rocks ideal for sunbathing.
💎 Browse the Green Market: visit the outdoor market stalls located on Giuseppe Garibaldi Street to browse fresh local fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and Istrian truffles.
💎 Visit Local Museums: deepen your knowledge of the town’s heritage at the Rovinj Heritage Museum, housed inside a Baroque palace, or check out the UNESCO-recognized Batana House Eco Museum to learn about traditional wooden fishing boats.
💎 Indulge in Istrian Gastronomy: embark on a culinary adventure by sampling locally produced Malvazija wine, award-winning olive oils, and fresh seafood pastas tossed with local truffles at highly regarded spots like La Puntulina or the Adriatic Brasserie.