About Rovinj
Located on the Adriatic coast, Rovinj is one of the most charming and picturesque cities in all of Croatia. The colorful buildings, narrow streets, and romantic atmosphere are among the main features that attract visitors to this ancient city. The town is romantic, historical, and looks more Italian than Croatian, and feels that way too.With its winding streets, bustling photogenic harbor, beautiful villas with pools and holiday homes at Villsy, and some of Croatia's best seafood restaurants, this city is not to be missed.
What Makes Rovinj Special?
The fairytale city has become synonymous with a summer holiday of crystal-clear waters, cobblestone streets, and a healthy dose of nature. This city is one of Croatia's most visited, attracting travelers seeking a mix of culture, history, and plenty of sun.
The city is also one of the best places for photography. The colors in this city are earthy and vibrant, and there are many interesting details to capture in the old town. This Croatian gem is an excellent starting point for road trips. The peninsula is very small, so you can practically get anywhere in Istria within 90 minutes.
This beautiful place is one of the better culinary destinations in Croatia. While most places on the Dalmatian coast tend to serve the same menu repeatedly, here you have access to excellent truffles, olive oil, wine, and original restaurants. If you're a sunset junkie, the city is a fantastic destination. The shape and curvature of the city on the west coast allow for excellent sunset photos from many different angles.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Rovinj?
The weather in Rovinj is very pleasant thanks to the mild climate. The best time for a vacation is during the warmer months in spring, summer, and early autumn. During this time, temperatures reach 27°C, perfect for lounging and enjoying the sun. In September, there is wonderful, warm, sunny weather, and the sea is warm enough for swimming.
The peak season lasts from late June to mid-September, with the busiest travel time being the last week of July to mid-August. If you want to avoid crowds, visiting in June or September is better than July and August. If swimming is not a priority, May or October are also good choices. During these months, the weather is generally mild, and it can be surprisingly dry, especially in October.
Cooler weather sets in from November and lasts until March. The average low temperatures are 5°C, with daytime highs reaching 16°C. However, in winter, many bars, restaurants, and shops are closed. So, if you want nice weather without it being too hot or too cold, the best time to visit is late spring or early autumn, two of the quietest times of the year. The region can sometimes be quite windy, as winds blow from the northeast. If you plan to hike or walk in the mountains, be prepared for stronger winds.
What Should You Absolutely Visit This Place?
This city is quite small, manageable on foot, and it only takes a few hours to see all the sights. However, the city will tempt you to explore the streets, discover beautiful corners, and relax time and again. Whether you're traveling alone, as a couple, or as a family with children, our list of activities will help you plan your stay.
Stroll Through the Old Town
The old town is a compact area that can be easily explored on foot. It consists of numerous streets, alleys, squares, and charming corners, making it a delightful place to visit. You'll likely spend most of your stay here.
The old town offers a lot: you can stroll through the city at your leisure, take photos, have a cup of coffee, try local specialties, buy unique souvenirs, or simply take a moment to watch the world go by.
Browse the Farmer's Market
The green market, located in the heart of the city, is another fun place to stroll, people-watch, and buy fresh fruits and vegetables. Here you'll find stalls selling colorful fruits, flowers, and vegetables, making the place very photogenic and perfect for your Instagram feed. You'll also find cheese, fish, and other local products like honey, as well as souvenir stalls.
Take a Boat Tour
A boat tour is one of the most beautiful things you can do here: the view of the city from the water is simply spectacular. There are various types of tours you can take. With some planning ahead, you can do a dolphin-watching tour, an extensive tour of the Rovinj archipelago, or a sailing boat trip.
In summer, a batana boat trip is a great option. The traditional batana boat represents the long fishing tradition. Don't miss a ride through the old town in this traditional boat. If you want an active experience, rent a kayak!
Explore the Beaches
Don't leave the city without visiting its beautiful beaches. Along the nearly 70 km of coastline, there are many beautiful rocky and pebble beaches. Exploring these is one of the most popular holiday activities in the city. Some of the best ones include Punta Corrente, Lone Beach, and the beaches of the islands of St. Andrew and St. Catherine’s.
What Food Should You Try When Visiting?
Rovinj is a gourmet city rapidly gaining international interest and known for producing spectacular wines, olive oils, and truffles. The Istrian town is rather small, located by the sea, and boasts historical architecture that lends itself to picturesque and charming eateries. Finding restaurants where you can dine al fresco, with a view of the water, exuding old-world charm, and mostly patronized by locals is no problem in the city or its surroundings. But what should you eat there?
You haven't been to Rovinj if you haven't tried the seafood. The most common local fish are red scorpionfish (škarpina), dentex (zubatac), john dory (kovač), sea bream (orada), sea bass (brancin), and monkfish (grdobina). Shrimp and squid are also very popular. Aside from seafood, Istria is the undisputed truffle capital of Croatia. Although Motovun is probably the epicenter, many truffles and truffle products have found their way here.
Fuži is a traditional Istrian pasta. To achieve the characteristic shape, the dough is rolled into a thin sheet, cut into strips, and layered on top of each other. Then the strips are cut diagonally, making them diamond-shaped. Finally, the dough is folded to form a loop. Pljukanci is another traditional pasta. The shape is formed by hand, rolling the dough between the palms. The noodles should be thin at the edges, while the middle part is thicker.
Olives have been a staple of Istrian agriculture for over 2000 years. There are numerous local olive varieties, such as istarska belica, črnica, puntoža, etc. Extra virgin olive oil is obtained by pressing the olives and extracting the juice without further refinement. Istrian olive oil is characterized by its bright, fruity-green aroma and flavor.
The Istrian pršut or prosciutto, a traditional dried ham, is one of the staples of Croatian cuisine. It is usually served as an appetizer, thinly sliced, along with artisanal bread and sheep or goat cheese. Its production is simpler than that of other hams, as it is not smoked and processed without skin. After the skin and fat are removed, it is salted with coarse salt, pressed, and rubbed with a mixture of black pepper, garlic, and various herbs. Then it is dried in the wind for several months before maturing and fermenting for the final six to eight months.
What Can You Do with Children Here?
With children, you should definitely explore the streets of this beautiful city. Stroll through the cobblestone alleys and admire the shop windows of the many stores vying for your attention with all kinds of local products.
If you're a lover of marine life, you're in the right place at the aquarium. This place is home to numerous native and international fish. It features two halls and several glass aquariums. Observing the colorful fish up close is a very informative experience. Visit this place for an informative and entertaining day trip with your family.
If you feel like going on a day trip, consider Brijuni. This island group in the northern Adriatic consists of fourteen islands, known worldwide for their scenic beauty and fascinating views, regularly attracting crowds of tourists. The beautiful turquoise water is perfect for snorkeling and diving, and the sandy beaches are ideal for sunbathing. There's even a safari park with various wildlife, which will be a real treat for the little ones.
Other family-friendly activities throughout Istria include the Lone Aquapark, the Istralandia Aquapark, the Zlatni Rt Park Forest, and boat tours.
Why Is Renting a Luxury Villa in Rovinj a Good Option?
A summer vacation in Croatia sounds like a dream come true. Villas with pools or holiday homes in this region are absolutely perfect choice for indulging in luxury and privacy. Whether it's a romantic getaway, a family gathering, or a yoga retreat, our selection guarantees an unforgettable experience in Istria.