The Istrian Peninsula is one thing particular. All of Croatia is gorgeous however there’s one thing sudden about Istria. It’s quieter than the remainder of Croatia and doesn’t (but) have the celebrity that the south of the nation brings, like alongside the Dalmatian Coast in Dubrovnik or Cut up.
Whereas there’s quite a bit to see and do inside the peninsula, my favourite vacation spot is Rovinj in central Istria.
It’s about an hour and a half from Trieste, Italy, the place I reside, and solely about 45 minutes from Pula, making it a straightforward day journey vacation spot from both the north or the south.
Rovinj feels a little bit bit like Croatia and a little bit bit like Italy, making it the right place for somebody desirous to expertise one of the best of each worlds.
Let’s dive in how one can benefit from the excellent day journey to Rovinj, Croatia.
Greatest Issues to Do in Rovinj
Prepared for a incredible day journey to Rovinj? Though I do suppose you’ll be able to spend most of your day merely roaming across the cobbled streets and not using a vacation spot in thoughts, there are some things you must try to do when you discover Rovinj.
Stroll Across the Marina
I recommend you begin your day in Rovinj on the southernmost level of the city, across the Maestral Restaurant. From right here you must stroll north in the direction of the Port of Rovinj.
This stroll will take you alongside the coast, maintaining the hilltop heart of Rovinj on the horizon as you get nearer and nearer to your vacation spot. It’ll be tempting to cease each few meters to snap a brand new image of the city, and hey, why not bask in your self? Though filled with issues to do, Rovinj continues to be small, giving us loads of time to take it sluggish and benefit from the sights.
My absolute favourite view of Rovinj is from the strip of eating places round La Gondola as you strategy town heart.
Get Misplaced in Outdated City
From the marina, it’s time to permit your self to wander. All the peninsula of Rovinj is pedestrian-friendly. Solely locals with a particular allow can drive within the previous city peninsula so that you doubtless received’t must take care of any vehicles in your means.
The way you select to wander is as much as you however I might attempt my finest to stroll all of the streets on the town as there aren’t too many. Most are extremely picturesque alleyways and others supply stunning views of the Adriatic.
For those who’re quick on time and simply need the primary sights, positively don’t miss:
- Nothing to Sea: It is a small store that options solely Croatian artisans. We purchased handmade bowls right here after enthusiastic about them for a yr following our first day journey to Rovinj. They create me pleasure each morning I eat my breakfast out of them.
- Atelier Attraction: From the store above, stroll in the direction of this one. You’ll be rewarded with small cut-out views of the ocean in between the stone homes.
- The Lighthouse & Bunker: Proceed on the identical road till you arrive on the level of the peninsula. That is the place you’ll wish to take in the views. In the summertime, you’ll be able to swim from right here however do notice that there isn’t a seaside, simply rocks.
- Church of St. Euphemia: Make your means as much as the church for a better vantage level to scope much more views of the Istrian Peninsula and surrounding islands. If you find yourself staying within the night, this is among the finest spots for sundown. From the church, you can too purchase tickets to go as much as the bell tower and luxuriate in a panoramic view of the previous city.
- Monte: I’ve by no means truly been to this restaurant (though it appears to be like nice!), as a substitute it’s simply to mark this alley. That is certainly one of my favourite spots in Rovinj for a quaint but gorgeous view.
- Rovinj Foremost Sq.: From the above alley, slowly make your means down the primary sq. to see the marina from the opposite facet of the water. Do notice that as of summer season 2024, the sq. has been utterly dug up and is beneath development till additional discover.
Bask in Seafood for Lunch
I like seafood so by no means miss the possibility to indulge. Though Rovinj’s meals scene doesn’t fairly compete with the eating places in Trieste that I’m used to, there are many nice ones to select from.
When deciding the place to eat, I like to recommend deciding first what your worth vary on your meal is. For those who’re desperate to deal with your self and don’t wish to lose sight of the gorgeous city when you achieve this, decide a restaurant on the marina.
For an actual deal with, Monte (talked about above) is persistently advisable as one of the best restaurant on the town for a high-end expertise.
For those who’re trying to keep inside funds, there are plenty of pizza eating places on the town that’ll provide the finest bang on your buck. Or, if you need an reasonably priced meal straight from the Balkans, attempt Ćevapi (or Ćevapčići). These are grilled beef sausages, served with gentle bread and normally onions and kajmak (like cream cheese or bitter cream).
Take a Dip off the Adriatic Coast
Able to chill out after lunch? If the climate is heat and you’ve got sufficient time, I like to recommend going swimming. Whereas there are many different seashores a brief drive or boat journey from Rovinj, there are a couple of you can get to proper on the town:
- Plaža Balota: Don’t count on sand at this rocky seaside however it’s the most handy place to go for a dip. Simply know there aren’t any facilities right here, like umbrella leases or a spot to bathe once you’re achieved swimming.
- Mulini Seashore: Positioned farther from city, that is simply on the opposite facet of the coastal promenade you walked alongside proper once you arrived in Rovinj. This seaside does supply lounge chairs and has a bar however count on to pay excessive costs because it’s close to the luxurious resorts.
- Mediterraneo Bar: Whereas not an actual seaside, it’s potential to go swimming proper at this bar, simply know you’ll need to be a paying buyer and no less than purchase one drink.
Pattern Native Liquors
Each time we journey someplace new, I like attempting the native meals and the native drinks. To me, among the finest methods to expertise a brand new tradition is thru the style buds.
For those who’ve been to different elements of Croatia or the Balkans typically, you’ve doubtless tried Rakija. This alcoholic drink is comprised of fermenting fruits, nuts, or crops, giving it a variety of flavors. Rakija bars throughout the area have a tendency to supply 10-20 totally different flavors so that you can select from.
Whereas I don’t advocate you attempt all of them, I do advocate you attempt no less than one. Not a giant fan of liquor? Go together with the one made with honey, known as medica or medovača. It’s normally the sweetest and mildest possibility.
Head to Distillery Aura to attempt quite a lot of samples with out the strain to purchase something (except you adore it).
They provide all kinds of regionally made liquors, oils, and goodies. That is the place we at all times get our souvenirs from Rovinj and a pleasant, free buzz from the samples.
Finish With a Gelato
Even coming from Italy, the land of gelato, I used to be blown away by this spot in Rovinj. In my view, the right strategy to finish an awesome day journey is with a heaping scoop of gelato and Ombra didn’t disappoint.
Do notice that they, like many different locations in Rovinj, shut seasonally.
From this location, I like to recommend taking your gelato beneath Balbi’s Arch, an archway constructed by the Romans again when the Istrian Peninsula was beneath their area. Though there’s no Roman enviornment like in close by Pula, this archway is a pleasant glimpse into the city’s storied previous.
This route will take you on to the primary sq. of Rovinj talked about beforehand.
Greatest Time to Go to Rovinj
Rovinj does get all 4 seasons however the winter is comparatively delicate, though the wind can get brutal all alongside the Adriatic coast. Even when the climate is good although, you’ll be able to count on many outlets and eating places to shut for winter, making it a quiet time to go to.
Then again, summer season in Rovinj is sizzling and vigorous. For those who go to throughout this time, I might advocate making a reservation for lunch and planning a while in your schedule to go for a dip to chill off.
The 2 day journeys I’ve achieved to Rovinj have each been throughout shoulder season, one in late spring and the opposite in early fall. Each of those instances had been glorious the place the city was nonetheless vigorous however we didn’t face hordes of vacationers like I’d count on to see in the summertime.
How you can Get to Rovinj
One of the best ways to get to Rovinj is to drive or to take a bus. There isn’t a practice station on the town. If coming from someplace else in Croatia, like Pula, you’ll be able to doubtless take public transportation and pay only a few euros on your journey.
If coming from Slovenia or Italy, you’ll both have to drive your self or take a Flixbus. The bus station is only a few blocks from the marina, making it a handy place to reach.
The primary time we visited Rovinj, we got here by bus. It was comfy and handy to not take care of parking. On our second day journey, we drove ourselves. We bought fortunate with road parking only a few blocks from previous city however do know there are parking tons scattered round city.
You’ll want to be certain the spot you discover on the street isn’t non-public and that you simply discover a kiosk to pay for parking for the day.
Get pleasure from Your Rovinj Day Journey
Rovinj is such an enthralling city that by no means ceases to impress me. The previous city is superbly embellished and well-maintained, making it a incredible place to wander for a day journey and even longer. The final time we visited Rovinj was with my mother-in-law who declared this one of the best cease of her journey, after seeing lots of the highlights in Italy and Slovenia.
Even for those who simply have a half-day journey to squeeze in, I actually suppose a brief getaway to Rovinj is a superb selection!
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Kat Smith is initially from the US however has been dwelling around the globe since January 2012. She shares about dwelling overseas on A Manner Overseas and the latest chapter of her life, dwelling in and exploring Italy, at Mamma Mia Certainly.