At a glance
Discover Rovinj, a charming little town in Istria on Croatia's Adriatic coast. A colourful destination and an ideal place to visit.
Yannick, writer of the travel blog Soms ook heimwee, shares one of his favourite destinations with us: Rovinj, a charming little town in Istria on Croatia's Adriatic coast.
An ideal place to visit for those looking for a colourful destination.
Click on the map to enlarge it
Rovinj, a destination we fell in love with on the Adriatic coast
It was on a mild summer evening that I first arrived in Rovinj, in my opinion the most colourful town in Croatia. Rovinj is in my favourite region of Croatia, Istria, where some streets smell of fresh pasta, where people sitting on a bench talk with sweeping hand gestures, and where you can catch a glimpse of the sea or the mountain peaks around any corner.
Visiting Rovinj
Visit the historic centre and St Euphemia's Church
The town's highlight and pride belongs to St Euphemia's Church.
Walking through the old town of Rovinj is like strolling through an open-air museum. The Venetian architecture and winding lanes are a feast for the eyes. Visit St Euphemia's Church just before sunset and enjoy the panoramic views over the town and the sea.
Shopping and dining in Rovinj
Rovinj's local shops offer a whole range of handmade souvenirs, ceramics and various lavender-based products. Sample the seafood in one of the many restaurants along the coast. Fresh fish and shellfish are a talking point for every food lover.
And for die-hard ice-cream fans, there are of course plenty of "gelaterie italiane". How could it be otherwise, with Italy so close by? These are the tastiest ice creams on the peninsula, judging by the number of tourists strolling around with cones and the drips of melting ice cream on children's fingers.
Natural wonders near Rovinj
The Zlatni Rt nature park (Golden Cape) is a perfect destination for a day trip. It's one of the most beautiful parks in the whole of Croatia. You'll find pines, cypresses, hiking trails and open meadows there. Rent a bike and explore the trails, or bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon at the beach. If you're feeling adventurous, try climbing or scuba diving to discover the richness of the underwater world. If you want to try other water sports, head to Rovinj harbour. You'll find something to suit every taste there.
Excursions near Rovinj
Many excursions and boat trips are available from Rovinj. Dolphin watching, kayaking, snorkelling, truffle hunting, wine tasting… anything is possible in no time at all in Rovinj.
Also consider visiting Lim Bay, known for its oyster and mussel farms. You can also take a boat trip to the Brijuni Islands, a group of 14 small islands with a rich history and beautiful nature.
Nightlife in Rovinj
Whether you fancy a quiet evening or a night of dancing, Rovinj has something for you. The Havana Rum & Cocktail Bar offers a relaxed atmosphere and delicious drinks to enjoy with a sea view. Steel Rovinj is a trendy club where you can dance to the latest hits and old favourites. And if you want to enjoy a "Thai" vibe, hop aboard a party boat where you can dance on the water under a magnificent starry sky.
Rovinj: a stop well worth the detour
Rovinj is more than just a picturesque town on the Croatian coast, it's a place where history, culture, adventure and relaxation all come together. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover or simply looking for a restful holiday, Rovinj won't disappoint you. Stop off there and let yourself be won over by this Croatian gem. You won't be disappointed.
A few lovely photos to make you want to explore:
Photos © Yannick De Pauw
Also read the article "Discovering Dubrovnik"
About Yannick and Charlotte
Yannick and Charlotte travel around the world with their son Sue. They publish their stories on the blog Soms Ook Heimwee and have been loyal partners of Redion for several years. Soms Ook Heimwee is a visual travel blog which, through inspiring travel stories and engaging storytelling, wants to convince hesitant travellers to set off too. However, you'll have to plot your own itinerary, as they don't write ready-made travel guides.
