Best things to do in Rovinj

Like many other Croatian towns and cities, Rovinj has an Old Town which is regarded as the central hub. It’s full of cobbled streets and narrow alleyways with independent shops and cafes on every corner. Either side of the streets are tall stone buildings that have rich architectural history behind them. Some of these buildings are painting yellow and terracotta which is often replicated in other Mediterranean towns. These cobbled streets truly are charming. As you look up in the alleyways, it’s likely you’ll see blue skies and washing lines, full of local washing and bed sheets. Some say that Rovinj reminds them of intimate, narrow streets in Italy.

You can visit the Brijuni Islands from several towns in Istria and other islands, but it works well as a day trip from Rovinj. Located off the Peninsula of Istria, the Brijuni Islands are key archaeological sites and certainly offer a landscape completely different to mainland Croatia. On the western coast is Verige Bay which is a bay of blue azure waters contrasting against vibrant green forests. Other sites to see on the islands are olive farms and the Mediterranean gardens. On these islands you can also see footprints of ancient reptiles and dinosaurs who used to roam millions of years ago.

Although there is so much to see and do in Rovinj (and Istria in general), one of the best things to do is to sit back and enjoy a day on the beach. The sparkling waters of the Adriatic Sea and the Dalmatian Coast should be embraced, and there are some fantastic beaches in Rovinj that you can visit. The best time to visit the beaches are in the summer months between June and September, but it’s worth noting that the months of July and August can get very busy.

Some of the more known beaches in Rovinj include Amarin Beach, Porton Biondi Beach and Borik Beach. These are all within walking distance of the main town and offer a range of facilities to make your beach day comfortable (nearby cafes, toilets, deck chair hires and showers). There are some beaches in Rovinj that are more obscure. Baluota Beach can be accessed from the center of the town, and offers views of the Church of St. Euphemia. This ‘beach’ is unique because it’s essentially a rocky bay. Although it isn’t the most comfortable, it offers a sun trap within walking distance from the main square.