Is Rovinj Worth Visiting? TOP Reasons To Visit In 2024
Are you planning a trip to Croatia and wondering if is Rovinj worth visiting?
I’ve got you covered!
I grew up in Istria and visited Rovinj countless times. It is my favorite day trip from Pula and a perfect place to spend a day strolling the cobblestone streets and enjoying a drink in a seafront bar while watching the waves wash over the shore.
Since Rovinj doesn’t have an airport, it might seem hard to reach. However, it is just a short drive from Pula Airport and well-connected to the rest of Croatia.
Renowned for its beauty, Rovinj is a must-stop destination in every Croatia travel guide. Whether you’re staying in Rovinj for a week or you only have one day in Rovinj, it is well worth visiting.
Keep reading this Rovinj travel guide to see why Rovinj should be on your Croatia itinerary!
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Is Rovinj Worth Visiting?
Yes, Rovinj is definitely worth visiting. This picturesque coastal town is one of the most beautiful towns in Croatia and a perfect example of how varied the cities along the Croatian coastline are.
There aren’t any historical landmarks per se in Rovinj, but the whole city is extremely beautiful, with numerous picture-perfect corners.
You can see all the main tourist attractions in Rovinj in 1 day, so it is also an excellent day trip destination.
Best Things To Do In Rovinj
The best thing to do in Rovinj is to get lost in the cobblestone streets and enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere.
However, there are several landmarks you can’t miss when visiting Rovinj!
1. Explore Picturesque Old Town
Old Town Rovinj is one of the most charming places in Croatia, with numerous winding cobblestone streets and picturesque corners.
This seafront town is recognizable for its Old Town, located on a small hill surrounded by the sea.
Walk along the Old Port to Rovinj Pier. Follow Saint Cross Street along the coastline to the top of the hill, where you’ll find the Church of Saint Euphemia.
After visiting the church, take the winding Grisia Street down. Pay attention, as the cobblestone can be slippery.
The street is lined with art galleries, so you can stop and admire the art or take a detour following other small alleys that pique your interest.
Once you get to the bottom, you’ll reach Balbi’s Arch, a 17th-century stone arch featuring elaborate carvings that symbolize the entrance into the Old Town.
2. Swim On Excellent Rovinj Beaches
If you’re coming to Rovinj in the summer months, you’ll be spoilt for choice with beautiful beaches.
From the rocky beach in the city center to picturesque pebbled coves along Lone Bay, there are plenty of options for every type of traveler.
Balota Beach is a great option in the city center. It is not suitable for non-swimmers, as it’s a rocky beach that gets deep immediately.
Beaches along Lone Bay are the best beaches Rovinj offers.
The coast is dotted with small pebbled coves that feel like personal beaches. The path leads you to a bigger, pebbled beach with a soft entrance and a lively beach bar.
3. Take Day Trips From Rovinj
Rovinj is a great base to explore the rest of the Istrian peninsula. It is situated right about in the middle of the Istrian coastline, and you can reach most places in Istria in less than an hour from Rovinj.
Here are some of the best Rovinj day trips:
Poreč
Poreč is another beautiful seafront town. The best-known Poreč landmark is the 6th-century Euphrasian Basilica complex, where you can admire gem-studded Byzantine mosaics.
The Old Town of Poreč is a great place to explore, with many picturesque streets.
Distance from Rovinj: About 35km
Limski Kanal
Limski Kanal is a fjord-like natural landmark on the road from Rovinj to Poreč. It is not a whole day trip, but an interesting stop on the way to Poreč.
You can also visit a nearby cave, but be aware that the climb is rather steep, and proper trainers are highly recommended.
Distance from Rovinj: About 23km
Motovun
Motovun is a medieval hilltop town on the UNESCO tentative list. Inside the walls of Motovun, you’ll find 26 protected cultural heritage sites dating from the 13th to 17th century.
Distance from Rovinj: About 50km
Grožnjan
Grožnjan is a small hilltop village surrounded by vineyards. It is one of the most picturesque places in Istria, with colorful houses, art galleries, local restaurants, and stunning views.
Distance from Rovinj: About 55km
Pula
Pula is the largest town in Istria and home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy. From admiring historical landmarks to enjoying Pula beaches, a Pula day trip from Rovinj is an excellent idea.
Distance from Rovinj: About 40km
Korita
Korita on Ćićarija Mountain is one of my favorite hiking trails in Istria. It is not too challenging and it takes about an hour to reach the top, where you’ll be greeted with a fresh spring water source.
Distance from Rovinj: About 70km
Zarečki Krov
Zarečki Krov is a natural landmark just outside of Pazin. It’s a unique waterfall rushing over a rocky overhang into a small lake, popular for swimming in the summer.
Distance from Rovinj: About 40km
Labin
Labin is located on the east coast of Istria, close to the popular resort town Rabac. It is one of the less visited places in the region and a fantastic alternative for those who like hidden gems.
Distance from Rovinj: About 55km
Umag
Umag is best known for ATP, a tennis tournament that’s held there every July. However, Umag also has a charming city center and some incredible beaches.
Distance from Rovinj: About 70km
🚗 Renting a car is the best way to get around Istria.
Check rates and availability here!
4. Enjoy Delicious Cuisine
Rovinj is known as a romantic city, so there is no shortage of romantic bars and restaurants around.
However, you don’t need to be in a couple to enjoy delicious Istrian cuisine and admire the view from one of the seafront bars.
You’ll notice the cuisine in Istria is similar to Italian cuisine, with lots of pasta and pizza.
Istria is known for high-quality wine and olive production, so make sure to try some of the local products.
Don’t miss Gelateria I Nonni for delicious dairy-free ice cream. I tried dark chocolate and avocado-lime (I know, I was skeptical too), and both were delicious!
5. See Stunning Sunsets
If you’re a sunset lover, Rovinj is the place for you. The city is situated on the western Istrian coast, overlooking the open sea.
Some of the best sunset spots in Rovinj are:
- Panorama Terrace in front of the Church of Saint Euphemia,
- Balota Beach,
- Rovinj Pier,
- Mediterraneo Cocktail Bar,
- La Puntulina restaurant,
- Rovinj Lighthouse and the Pillbox
- Rovinj Old Port
6. Take Coastal Walks
Whether you visit Rovinj in summer or winter, you can take advantage of fresh sea air by going for a walk along the coastline.
Start walking along the coastline from the city center and make your way to Lone Bay. Continue walking through Park Forest Zlatni Rt, also known as Punta Corrente.
It is a beautiful park with several walking paths along the coast and through the forest park.
There is a couple of cafes in the forest so you can relax before walking back to the city.
You can also rent a bike and cycle this route! The path is bike-friendly and mostly flat, so it will be an enjoyable and relaxing ride.
7. Visit the Church of Saint Euphemia
When compared to Pula, Rovinj doesn’t have many historical landmarks or ancient ruins.
The best-known historical landmark in Rovinj is the Church of Saint Euphemia, a baroque Catholic church built in 1736
This majestic church was built on the top of the hill, so the terrace in front of the church offers a stunning view of the city.
For the best view, get inside the church and climb the wooden stairs to the top of the bell tower. The staircase is very old and looks a bit dangerous, so if you’re scared of heights, you might want to skip this one.
8. Take a Boat Tour From Rovinj
Rovinj is a coastal city with several picturesque islands and coves nearby.
The best way to explore these spots is by going on a boat trip from Rovinj!
You’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for private luxury boat tours or you want to spend a fun afternoon swimming on remote beaches, there’s something for every type of traveler!
How To Get To Rovinj
Rovinj doesn’t have an airport, so it might seem complicated to reach it from most European destinations. However, Rovinj is a popular tourist destination and it is quite easy to reach once you’re in Croatia.
Pula Airport is just about 40km from Rovin,j and the city is well connected by bus to the rest of the country.
Flying
If you’re flying to Rovinj you’ll likely land at Pula Airport, the closest airport to Rovinj. From April to October, the airport is well-connected to many European destinations.
Once you’re at Pula Airport, you can take a shuttle bus directly to the city center of Rovinj. The bus takes about 30-45 minutes.
Alternatively, you can also fly into Trieste or Venice Airport. Getting to Rovinj by public transport will take some planning, but if you rent a car, you’ll be in Rovinj in less than 2 hours.
By Bus
Taking a bus is the most common way to get around Croatia, and Rovinj is linked by bus to numerous Croatian cities.
If you’re coming after visiting Zagreb, Pula, or Rijeka, there are several daily buses from each of those cities to Rovinj.
Rovinj Bus station is situated right in the city center, so it’s easy to get around even for a day trip.
By Car
Of course, you can always drive to Rovinj if you have a car for a road trip to Croatia.
You can either take the highway or a free local road.
Taking the highway is quicker if you’re coming from further away. But if you’re coming from Pula or anywhere else on the Istrian peninsula, I love taking the local road as it is usually empty and it’s free.
Where To Stay In Rovinj
Rovinj is a rather small town, so you’ll be close to the main tourist attractions wherever you stay.
Those coming to Rovinj for its charming Old Town will have many options to choose from in the area.
If you’re coming to Rovinj in the summer, consider staying close to the beaches. Most hotels are situated along the coastline, south of the Old Town.
Staying outside Rovinj Old Town is a good idea if you’re coming by car, as the Old Town is a pedestrian-only zone, and parking can get expensive in that area.
Staying In Rovinj Old Town
The best place to stay in Rovinj to enjoy its unique historical charm is the Old Town.
The Old Town of Rovinj is often compared to Venice, as they have similar picturesque winding alleys and colorful houses. There are no canals in Rovinj though.
It’s hard to pick the best studios in the Old Town, as there are so many beautiful options and they sell out quickly, so here are my budget-friendly favorites:
Staying Close To Rovinj Beaches
One thing to keep in mind if you’re coming to Rovinj by car is it can be challenging to find affordable parking. The Old Town is a pedestrian-only zone, and parking around is paid and limited.
Hotels and private accommodations outside the city center often have private parking guests can use, so it might be a better option.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Rovinj?
Rovinj is one of those places that are beautiful at any time of the year.
The city is the most lively in the summer months, from June to September.
The best things to do in Rovinj are outdoors, so pleasant weather will make your trip more enjoyable.
Rovinj In Off-Season
As Istria local, I’ve visited Rovinj many times in the off-season as well. When colder months roll around, and tourists leave the city, Rovinj becomes a quaint seaside town.
One of the disadvantages of Europe in winter is that many restaurants and cafes close for the season.
However, the absence of tourists doesn’t take away from Rovinj’s beauty. It is still lovely to explore the streets and admire the views. You’ll often have the cobblestone Rovinj streets all to yourself.
FAQ: Is Rovinj Worth Visiting?
Rovinj is a slightly expensive summer holiday destination by Croatian standards. However, if you’re coming from Western European countries you’ll find the prices comparable to the average prices in your home countries. If you visit in the shoulder season, Rovinj is quite affordable.
You can see all the main tourist attractions in Rovinj in one day, so it is possible to visit Rovinj on a day trip from Pula or Rijeka. Rovinj is a great place to stay if you want to visit other places in Istria, so you could easily spend a week in Rovinj for the summer holidays or 2 to 3 days if you’re backpacking Croatia.
The nearest airport to Rovinj is Pula Airport, about 40km south of Rovinj. You can take a shuttle bus from Pula Airport to Rovinj, and it takes about 30-45 minutes.
Yes, Rovinj is a very safe city to visit as a solo female traveler. Violent crimes are very rare in Rovinj, and Croatia in general. I never felt unsafe walking around Rovinj at night. Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to your stuff since pickpocketing can always happen in tourist destinations.
Summary: Is Rovinj Worth Visiting?
Rovinj is one of the most beautiful towns in Croatia. This seafront town will charm you with its narrow, winding alleyways, colorful houses, and numerous picturesque corners.
I’m a big fan of Rovinj as it offers that romantic, quaint seaside town vibe that is unique in Istria and reminds me of the South of France and other more upscale destinations.
If you visit Rovinj in the summer months, you’ll get to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, excellent beaches, and lively nightlife with numerous live music events.
Those who want to escape the crowds should add Rovinj to their itinerary even when visiting in the shoulder season.
When in Rovinj, make sure to also visit Pula. This ancient city offers a completely different experience than Rovinj and shows how diverse Croatia is.
