Summary of Key Attractions in Rovinj:
Rovinj is an exquisite city located in Croatia, occupying a peninsula surrounded by the Adriatic Sea on three sides. The heart of the old town, predominantly Venetian in style, boasts pale limestone structures that shine under the sun, showcasing captivating pieces from its rich and tumultuous history.
During your visit, you can navigate through intricate streets before enjoying a meal at the charming working port. Additionally, you may explore ancient ruins, discover secluded beaches, and experience breathtaking natural landscapes such as the 10-kilometer-long Lim Fjord.
Let us delve into the best experiences in Rovinj:
1. Old Town
Originally an island, Rovinj became part of the mainland due to a land reclamation project initiated by the Venetians in 1763.
In the old town, you will encounter a medieval labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways, some passing beneath archways and others winding up staircases that have been worn smooth by centuries of pedestrian traffic.
This historical center may be compact, yet it can easily disorient visitors within its dense tapestry of charming cobblestone paths!
Your exploration will eventually lead you to various restaurants, cafés, or even the waterfront, providing ample opportunity to savor a cup of coffee while observing the daily rhythm of this ancient town.
2. St. Euphemia Cathedral
The square campanile of this Baroque church dominates Rovinj’s skyline and closely resembles St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice.
It is unsurprising that this 17th-century structure was constructed by the Venetians, who governed Rovinj during that era.
For a comprehensive view of the area, consider ascending the campanile, which stands at 61 meters high, offering a vista that stretches as far as the Alps on clear days.
The church’s interior features lavish design elements, including a marble altar adorned with a 15th-century statue of the saint alongside a sarcophagus housing Euphemia’s relics.
3. Lim Fjord
This unique and captivating natural wonder can be approached via road or by tour boat from Rovinj’s port.
Described as both a fjord and a canal, it is actually a 10-kilometer-long river canyon flanked by steep, wooded mountainsides soaring up to 100 meters.
What truly gives this landscape the appearance of a fjord is the river’s width, which can reach 600 meters in certain areas.
On land, one can hike or cycle through a mixture of deciduous and coniferous forests, with a restaurant located at the mouth of the canyon. This establishment serves seafood delicacies such as oysters and mussels cultivated in these waters.
4. Rovinj Port
The port offers stunning perspectives (and photo opportunities) of Rovinj. From this vantage point, you can witness the charming painted houses lining the waterfront, along with the magnificent campanile of St. Euphemia in the backdrop.
As you gaze out to sea, you will observe a working port where fishermen embark and return, or repair their nets on the jetty.
Restaurants and cafés line the waterfront, presenting an idyllic spot to unwind for a few hours on a sunny day!
5. Punta Corrente
The boot-shaped peninsula situated south of Rovinj is a serene natural park. Punta Corrente, also known as Golden Cape, was developed by the 19th-century Austrian industrialist Johann Georg von Hütterott, who envisioned and preserved its natural beauty.
Today, it stands as a picturesque retreat, featuring a lovely stretch of softwood forest, where cedars, Douglas firs, cypresses, and Aleppo pines planted over a century ago continue to flourish.
Visitors can stroll along scenic trails, enjoy the grassy areas, or find tranquility by the small rocky coves along the coast.
6. Monkodonja
Considering the antiquity of this archaeological site, located atop a scenic hill outside Rovinj, it is remarkable that so much remains well-preserved.
This Bronze Age hill fort dates back to approximately 1800 BC, with ceramic fragments indicating that Monkodonja had connections to the Ancient Greek city of Mycenae.
At the site, visitors can explore the walls, many of which exceed one meter in height, and traverse ancient paved areas while observing a cultic cave.
Throughout your visit, you will be treated to views of the Adriatic Sea and its charming green islands, which are particularly enchanting at sunset.
7. Balbi’s Arch
Leading to Grisia Street from the main square, this monumental arch dates back to the late 1670s and is named after Daniel Balbi, who served as the mayor during that period.
The arch replaced an ancient town gate and features the iconic Venetian emblem, the Lion of St. Mark. Notably, there are also two stone heads flanking the arch—one portraying a bearded Venetian and the other a Turk adorned with a turban.
8. Rovinj Heritage Museum
This institution was established by a collective of Rovinj’s artists in the 1950s to showcase the region’s cultural richness and display the works of local painters and sculptors.
The museum features gallery space exhibiting approximately 1500 pieces of contemporary art alongside exhibit rooms presenting significant artifacts that reflect the diverse cultures that have influenced Rovinj and the city’s maritime history.
The museum’s impressive setting—a four-storey Baroque palace built by the Counts of Califfi in the 1600s—enhances its overall allure.
9. Rovinj Town Clock
This clock tower, with its fortified appearance, originally formed part of Rovinj’s southern defenses.
Dating back to 1100, the square tower in the main square has undergone several renovations over the years, particularly in the 1600s when the Venetians updated it.
Just below the clock face, you can discern a relief featuring the renowned winged Lion of St. Mark, the emblem of Venice.
For several centuries, a one-cell prison operated at the tower’s base, which has since been converted into a currency exchange.
10. Local Beaches
After several days of exploration, you may wish to relax alongside the tranquil Adriatic Sea, which is particularly inviting during the hot July and August months.
Within a few kilometers along the coast, there are 13 beaches. Most do not fit the traditional image of expansive sandy shores; Istrian beaches are typically hidden coves with rocky areas suitable for diving or small stretches of white pebbles.
For example, Monte Beach is located near St. Euphemia in the old town and features a staircase leading down to a pool surrounded by rock formations on three sides.
Lone Bay’s pebble beach is more developed, bordered by a pine forest and equipped with sun loungers.
11. Local Gastronomy
For an authentic taste of Istria, be sure to try fuzi pasta, a local variety of pasta.
These consist of small rolled sheets (somewhat akin to penne) typically dressed with a veal sauce enhanced by wine and tomatoes. Many restaurants will also top them with freshly grated white truffle.
Truffles flourish abundantly in the damp oak forests of central Istria, with the largest one ever discovered, weighing 1.31 kilograms, located just outside Buje in 1999!
The Italian influence on Istrian cuisine is also evident, as seen by the number of traditional pizzerias in towns like Rovinj.
12. Dvigrad
Embark on a 20-minute journey through the picturesque Istrian countryside to explore the remnants of a medieval town, abandoned in the 1700s due to a plague outbreak, never to be resettled.
The castle’s crenellated tower is visible from the Lim Fjord. During your visit, you are free to explore these evocative ruins, which include the town gate, walls, approximately 200 houses, and the dilapidated remains of St. Sophia Church.
Efforts are underway to restore the entire site, gradually revealing more of this haunting old town.
13. Pula
Even those with a mere cursory interest in ancient history should visit Pula, located in southern Istria.
The prominent landmark here is the Arena, an expansive Roman amphitheater characterized by towering arched walls that rival those of Rome’s Colosseum.
Much of the structure remains intact, allowing you to witness the original infrastructure, including the tunnels traversed by gladiators beneath the arena and the lavish accommodations enjoyed by esteemed spectators.
Additionally, the Temple of Augustus, which continues to serve as a functional part of the city, can be found on the Forum, alongside the gates and triumphal arches, contributing to an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era.
14. Brijuni National Park
Proceed along the coast towards Pula until you arrive at the coastal town of Fazana.
From Fazana, ferry services operate to Veli Brijun, the largest island within the remarkable Brijuni National Park.
This park is part of an archipelago of largely uninhabited islands with a compelling blend of natural and human history. Although settled since prehistoric times, the area saw depopulation by the 1700s due to plagues.
Ensure you visit the remnants of two Roman villas and St. Mary’s Church, erected by the Knights Templar in the 1200s. At Brijuni Cretaceous Park, you can also observe 200 million-year-old dinosaur footprints embedded in the limestone.
15. Diving
Regardless of your experience level, including scuba diving in your itinerary is highly advisable.
The conditions are generally favorable, with smooth and safe seas, revealing numerous intriguing underwater sights.
Experienced divers can venture into the wreck of the SS Baron Gautsch, an Austrian merchant vessel sunk after striking a mine during the First World War. Rovinj’s Valdaliso Diving Centre is among a select few dive centers authorized to explore this captivating wreck.
