The Istrian Peninsula is one thing particular. All of Croatia is beautiful 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 Break up.
Whereas there’s lots to see and do throughout 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 dwell, and solely about 45 minutes from Pula, making it a simple day journey vacation spot from both the north or the south.
Rovinj feels a bit of bit like Croatia and a bit of bit like Italy, making it the proper place for somebody desirous to expertise the very best of each worlds.
Let’s dive in how one can benefit from the good day journey to Rovinj, Croatia.
Finest Issues to Do in Rovinj
Prepared for a improbable day journey to Rovinj? Though I do assume you may spend most of your day merely roaming across the cobbled streets and not using a vacation spot in thoughts, there are some things it is best to try to do whilst 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 it is best to stroll north in direction of the Port of Rovinj.
This stroll will take you alongside the coast, retaining the hilltop middle 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 the town middle.
Get Misplaced in Previous City
From the marina, it’s time to permit your self to wander. The entire peninsula of Rovinj is pedestrian-friendly. Solely locals with a particular allow can drive within the outdated city peninsula so that you probably received’t must take care of any vehicles in your manner.
The way you select to wander is as much as you however I might strive 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 shocking views of the Adriatic.
If you happen to’re quick on time and simply need the principle sights, undoubtedly don’t miss:
- Nothing to Sea: It is a small store that options solely Croatian artisans. We purchased handmade bowls right here after excited about them for a 12 months following our first day journey to Rovinj. They carry me pleasure each morning I eat my breakfast out of them.
- Atelier Allure: From the store above, stroll in 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 may swim from right here however do observe that there isn’t a seaside, simply rocks.
- Church of St. Euphemia: Make your manner as much as the church for the next vantage level to scope much more views of the Istrian Peninsula and surrounding islands. If you find yourself staying within the night, this is without doubt one of the finest spots for sundown. From the church, you can even purchase tickets to go as much as the bell tower and revel in a panoramic view of the outdated city.
- Monte: I’ve by no means really been to this restaurant (though it seems to be nice!), as an alternative it’s simply to mark this alley. That is one in all my favourite spots in Rovinj for a quaint but beautiful view.
- Rovinj Important Sq.: From the above alley, slowly make your manner down the principle sq. to see the marina from the opposite facet of the water. Do observe that as of summer season 2024, the sq. has been fully dug up and is beneath development till additional discover.
Take pleasure in Seafood for Lunch
I like seafood so by no means miss the prospect 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 value vary in your meal is. If you happen to’re wanting to deal with your self and don’t wish to lose sight of the beautiful city whilst you achieve this, choose a restaurant on the marina.
For an actual deal with, Monte (talked about above) is persistently really useful as the very best restaurant on the town for a high-end expertise.
If you happen to’re trying to keep inside price range, there are lots of pizza eating places on the town that’ll provide the finest bang in your buck. Or, in order for you an reasonably priced meal straight from the Balkans, strive Ćevapi (or Ćevapčići). These are grilled beef sausages, served with mushy bread and normally onions and kajmak (like cream cheese or bitter cream).
Take a Dip off the Adriatic Coast
Able to calm down 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 just a few 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 if you’re executed swimming.
- Mulini Seashore: Situated farther from city, that is simply on the opposite facet of the coastal promenade you walked alongside proper if 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 posh lodges.
- Mediterraneo Bar: Whereas not an actual seaside, it’s doable to go swimming proper at this bar, simply know you have to to be a paying buyer and at the very least purchase one drink.
Pattern Native Liquors
At any time when 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.
If you happen to’ve been to different elements of Croatia or the Balkans normally, you’ve probably tried Rakija. This alcoholic drink is made out of fermenting fruits, nuts, or crops, giving it a variety of flavors. Rakija bars throughout the area have a tendency to supply 10-20 completely different flavors so that you can select from.
Whereas I don’t suggest you strive all of them, I do suggest you strive at the very least one. Not an enormous fan of liquor? Go along with the one made with honey, referred to as medica or medovača. It’s normally the sweetest and mildest choice.
Head to Distillery Aura to strive quite a lot of samples with out the strain to purchase something (until you adore it).
They provide all kinds of domestically made liquors, oils, and candies. 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 proper approach to finish an excellent day journey is with a heaping scoop of gelato and Ombra didn’t disappoint.
Do observe 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 principle sq. of Rovinj talked about beforehand.
Finest Time to Go to Rovinj
Rovinj does get all 4 seasons however the winter is comparatively gentle, though the wind can get brutal all alongside the Adriatic coast. Even when the climate is good although, you may count on many outlets and eating places to shut for winter, making it a quiet time to go to.
Alternatively, summer season in Rovinj is sizzling and full of life. If you happen to go to throughout this time, I might suggest 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 executed to Rovinj have each been throughout shoulder season, one in late spring and the opposite in early fall. Each of those occasions had been wonderful the place the city was nonetheless full of life however we didn’t face hordes of vacationers like I’d count on to see in the summertime.
The right way to Get to Rovinj
The easiest way to get to Rovinj is to drive or to take a bus. There isn’t a prepare station on the town. If coming from someplace else in Croatia, like Pula, you may probably take public transportation and pay just some euros in your journey.
If coming from Slovenia or Italy, you’ll both must drive your self or take a Flixbus. The bus station is just some blocks from the marina, making it a handy place to reach.
The primary time we visited Rovinj, we got here by bus. It was snug and handy to not take care of parking. On our second day journey, we drove ourselves. We bought fortunate with road parking just some blocks from outdated city however do know there are parking tons scattered round city.
Be sure you be sure that the spot you discover on the street isn’t non-public and that you just discover a kiosk to pay for parking for the day.
Take pleasure in Your Rovinj Day Journey
Rovinj is such a captivating city that by no means ceases to impress me. The outdated city is superbly embellished and well-maintained, making it a improbable 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 the very best cease of her journey, after seeing most of the highlights in Italy and Slovenia.
Even in case you simply have a half-day journey to squeeze in, I definitely assume a brief getaway to Rovinj is a good alternative!
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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 Means Overseas and the latest chapter of her life, dwelling in and exploring Italy, at Mamma Mia Certainly.