Rovinj attractions

General Information about Rovinj

Rovinj in Croatia, a town of about 15,000 inhabitants, is located on the west coast of Istria, about 35 kilometers from Pula and 32 kilometers from Poreč. Famous is Rovinj for its old town, as it is one of the most stunning landmarks of the Istrian peninsula and one of the most beautiful attractions in Croatia! During a visit, you can expect many cultural attractions, fabulous restaurants, a lively nightlife with chic bars and wonderful boutiques to do some shopping and stroll around.

In its original form, Rovinj had once been its own island, which got connected to the mainland in 1763. Today, you stroll along a beautiful peninsula with the old town stretching high up on a hill. The town is dominated by the Church of St. Euphemia, the symbol of Rovinj, which is located at the highest point, wherefrom you can also enjoy the most magnificent view points. Absolutely wonderful are the 22 islands and islets that lie off the coast and give the harbor town an extra dose of charm! A real highlight is also the Golden Cap, a nature park where countless dream beaches and fantastic cycling and hiking trails are located.

Rovinj Old Town

The beautiful old town of Rovinj is definitely the main attraction of the coastal town. Together with the picturesque waterfront promenade, it forms the vibrant center where you will find countless restaurants, cafés and bars as well as fine boutiques and small art galleries. Situated on a peninsula, the old town stretches up a hill and this creates an exceptionally charming backdrop. The colorful houses are built closely together, and narrow romantic alleys lead from the sea up to the top of the old town.

On the way, you will discover interesting attractions, a charming square or a great viewpoint almost at every corner. Also interesting are Rovinj’s characteristic chimneys, which are considered a special feature of this coastal town. Thanks to its rich historical and cultural heritage, the old town was declared a cultural monument in 1963.

Port of Rovinj

A must-see in Rovinj is the romantic fishing harbor, which is located directly in front of the old town and, together with the colorful town houses, conjures up a terrific motif for photos. Walking along the harbor promenade, you will experience a quiet, authentic flair, and you will have the opportunity to watch the fishermen at work. Boat rentals and excursion boats are also available here, waiting to discover the island world off Rovinj with tourists. A highlight is furthermore the cozy cafes and small bars, which are located along the harbor and where you can admire the beautiful ambience with a cool drink.

Church of St. Euphemia

Probably one of the most famous things to do in Rovinj is a visit to the Church of St. Euphemia, also known as Sveti Eufemija. It is located at the highest point of the historic old town, and its 60-meter-high bell tower rises high above the landscape. This baroque structure was built in 1725 in Venetian style, although the tower is 70 years older and was modeled after St. Mark’s Church in Venice. The most interesting thing is the spire, where the copper statue of St. Euphemia is located. Still, the interior of the church, where you can see various altars and precious paintings, is also worth a look. Also worth seeing is the small park with the café opposite, from which you have a unique panorama over the coast.

Main Square and Clock Tower

The most beautiful square in the center of Rovinj is the main square, Trg Marsala Tita, with its impressive clock tower. The tower was built as early as the 12th century as part of the southern defensive fortifications and has been renovated several times over the years. On the facade of the historic clock, you can still see the winged St. Mark’s lion, the trademark of Venice. Once a prison, the building now houses a currency exchange office and the city’s tourist information center. Amazing are also the countless romantic cafes located in the almost 1000-year-old main square, which invite to take a nice sightseeing break.

Rovinj Waterfront

The picturesque waterfront promenade is the absolute highlight of the coastal town, and a walk is almost a must on any city tour through the center. It starts far before the forest park and leads past the romantic harbor to the old town, where you can enjoy a fantastic view of the colorful houses from the jetty. Along the promenade there are lovely little boutiques and galleries as well as cozy cafes and restaurants with enchanting sea views, which invite to linger.

City Beach Baluota

The beautiful Baluota Beach offers a breathtaking backdrop. This small city beach is located directly below the historic walls of the city center and enchants with a fantastic ambience of turquoise sea colors and the old stone houses of Rovinj in the background. A visit in the evening during sunset is definitely one of the best things to do in Rovinj, when the sky displays the most beautiful shades of red, and you can experience the play of colors together with other vacationers.

Rovinj Heritage Museum

The Rovinj Heritage Museum is an interesting attraction to visit in the old town of Rovinj. Founded in 1954 and housed in a 17th-century Baroque palace, it contains a valuable collection of artifacts. This museum mainly exhibits both contemporary art and collections of the old masters. Archaeological finds and old books, documents and photographs can also be seen here. Also of interest is the scientific library, which is equipped with more than 30,000 books.

Beach Bars and Nightlife

Rovinj is well-known for its beautiful sunsets and for the cool beach bars that have settled right on the rocky coast of the old town. With relaxed chill-out music and romantic ambience, you can start in a vibrant nightlife. Really recommendable is for example Mediterraneo Cocktail Bar, a real insider tip for cocktail lovers. Valentino, a cool sunset bar, which amazes with an ingenious location and a fantastic view, is also great.

The Golden Cap

Breathtakingly beautiful is the Golden Cap, a picturesque forest park with stunning beaches, located not far from the old town of Rovinj. This picturesque natural park lies in the south of the town, near the ACI Marina and stretches out over a boot-shaped peninsula into the sea. Particularly wonderful are the pine, cypress and laurel forests, some of which are over 100 years old. Also many exotic plants like Gingko and Eucalyptus were planted here and can be admired today during a walk through the charming avenues.

Pretty are also the small bicycle and hiking trails that lead through the park and lead you the way to hidden little bathing bays. The Golden Cap is one of the most beautiful forest parks in Croatia and a visit should not be missed during your trip to Rovinj.

Local Market

The local market is a wonderful, authentic attraction that makes Rovinj so special. This market is located directly in the northern city center, only about 100 meters from Tito Square. Every day this charming weekly market offers fresh fish, fruit and vegetables as well as regional delicacies such as cheese, asparagus, mushrooms, liqueur and olive oil. Right next to it is a really cool wine bar where visitors enjoy the hustle and bustle with a glass of Istrian wine.

The Islands of Rovinj

The island world around Rovinj is absolutely impressive. 22 islands and islets lie offshore in the sea and enchant with unique beauty and magnificent nature. The largest of these islands is the Red Island, Crveni Otok, with an area of 23 hectares. It actually consists of two islands, the island of Maškin and Sveti Andrea, where there is even a Benedictine monastery and a small castle.

Very close to Rovinj is the famous island Katarina, which shows off its Mediterranean gardens and magnificent flora. The view of the old town here is also breathtaking and a real highlight.

Palud Bird Park

A real insider tip in Rovinj, not everybody knows about, is the beautiful bird park Palud.

In the nature park, you have the opportunity to explore the idyllic bird sanctuary via several hiking trails. Among other things, you will discover a lake with a huge reed belt, which is home to countless bird species. Also beautiful natural bathing bays along lonely the coast invite to spend relaxing days on the beach. A real insider tip for all nature lovers.