Rovinj Travel Guide
Rovinj, one of the most picturesque towns of Croatia, is equipped to receive its visitors with all the things needed for a perfect vacation.
Of all the resorts of Istria, Rovinj has the best ferry connections to Italy, with ferries from Venice running from April to October. As for bus connections, Rovinj can be easy reached from Porec (1 h), Pula (40 min), Rijeka (3 1/2 h) and Zagreb (5-8 h). Those who travel by car should follow the A9 roadway.
The area of Rovinj was populated during prehistoric times by the Illyrians. The first written mention of the town appeared in "Cosmographia" (the 3rd-5th c. AD). It had been ruled by the Romans until the 5th century and was called Arupinum, which was later changed to Ruvinium.
Tourist attractions. From the ancient town walls dating back to the 7th c. to the center of the Old town visitors will experience nothing but awe as they walk along narrow, winding streets of Rovinj. The top attraction which can be admired during your Rovinj holidays is St. Euphemia's Church (18th c.), an architectural marvel with a Baroque and Venetian facade, which dominates the town. Take a brave pill before venturing to the top of its 60-m high tower, embellished with a copper statue of the saint, which is turned around its axis by the wind. Another must-see during Rovinj travel is a pearl of sacred architecture of the Carolingian period the St.Thomas' Church with a circular layout, a tower and semi-circular apses. Moreover, you can plunge into the Baroque atmosphere of Trg Marsala Tita, one of the most enchanting town squares, graced with beautiful houses, the clock tower and the fountain. Aquarium, the oldest museum of the town, which boasts a great collection of local marine life, is also worth a visit during your holidays in Rovinj. Don't forget to take a picture of Balbi Arch (1679) and to tour the Heritage Museum, housed in the palace of the Califfi counts.
Festivals and cultural events. A great number of Rovinj festivals add to the glamour of the town. To visit one of the best music and dance happenings in Croatia, Salsa Festival, plan your Rovinj travel in the end of June. The waters of the town enliven In April, when two significant sailboat regattas take place. Rovinj Summer Festival with its classical, pop and folk music concerts organized in churches and squares starts in July and ends in August. The Fiesta, the most colorful of all Rovinj festivals, breaks out in the end of August, turning the town into an open-air party with a lot of fun, food and fireworks. Rovinj nightlife is vibrant, with Monvi Center being the best place for hanging out, where famous musicians of Croatia perform every night.
Beaches. Rovinj beaches will draw you in by their charm, originality and gentleness. Teenagers are very likely to be attracted to the beaches of Skaraba Bay and Cape Rusi, where acrobatic jumps are possible due to high rocks and the deep sea. Those who don't feel comfortable on rocky beaches, can find smooth sand in the Kuvi Bay, Villas Rubin and Lone Bay, which are bustling with life during tourist season. Crystal-clear waters make the Blue Flag beach Valalta an ideal place for environmentalists and naturalists. Those seeking unearthly beauty will find it on Crveni otok, a tiny island near Rovinj, which can be reached by a taxi boat (15 min). This place, blessed with idyllic bays and a fabulous cape with rocky beaches, will be an inspiring recollection after your Rovinj travel is over.
Restaurants. The cuisine on offer in the town is really awesome, with Rovinj restaurants for a variety of budgets and tastes. The most enjoyable gastronomy experience of your Rovinj holidays can be had in the restaurant Monte, which offers refreshingly unusual combinations of eclectic specialties with some of the best wines of Istria, recommended by a sommelier. The first-rate, but a bit expensive seafood is served in Amfora and Konoba Veli Joze. Gourmet specialties of Istria can be tasted in Angelo d'Oro, a nice aesthetic restaurant with a walled garden and a stone wine cellar. The only place in the town where you can sit close to the water and even spot fish and feed seagulls while enjoying delicious dinner is Maestral, located on the harbour at Obala Vladimira Nazora.
Active vacations. The choice of sports activities during your Rovinj travel has no limits. Cycling enthusiasts are recommended to follow the captain Morgan trail to see the pirate treasure, the haunted town, the ancient solar observatory, the canyon or take the Rubin trail to breathe in the air of the protected Zlatni rt forest park and discover some historical sights. If you feel like taking up trekking or adrenaline-packed free climbing during your holidays in Rovinj, there you have it. Divers can explore four diving locations near the St. John's Island, including the wrecked Italian minesweeper and a small cargo ship Moana.