10 Best Things to Do in Rovinj (Croatia): Complete Guide 2023
This list of the best places to see in Rovinj is ideal for taking advantage of one of the towns, located on the touristic Istrian Peninsula, which is also known for being one of the most beautiful in Croatia.
With a fishing past, whose essence is preserved in a beautiful medieval historic quarter, which was previously an island until the Venetians in 1763 connected it with the mainland by filling in its canals, this town is ideal for strolling through its cobbled streets that lead to the church of Santa Euphemia and also to try some delicious Croatian recipe, among which those made with fresh fish and shellfish predominate.
Although the main points of interest in Rovinj can be seen in one morning, after our experience, we believe that it is worth spending the night in the town to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the terraces of the port and, if you have more time, to go on small excursions one day to the beaches and villages of Istria.
Based on our experience in this town during our trip to Croatia and Bosnia, we share with you this list of what we think are the ten essential places to visit in Rovinj. Let’s start!
1. Balbi Arch, one of the places to see in Rovinj
After leaving the car in the Valdibora car park, located next to the sea and a fantastic viewpoint, one of the best things to do in Rovinj is to cross the Balbi Arch to enter Matteotti, the starting point of its beautiful historic center.
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This Venetian gate built in 1679 gives access to the old town’s cobbled streets flanked by the carved stone head of a Turk and that of a Venetian.
To learn more about the history of Rovinj and make sure to catch everything necessary, we advise you to book this guided tour.
2. Grisia Street, one of the places to see in Rovinj
After crossing the Arch of Balbi, you will find the charming Matteotti square with several terraces where you can have a drink and where the Ulica (street) Grisia begins, one of the most beautiful streets to see in Rovinj.
This steep street that leads to the church of Santa Eufemia, located on top of a hill, is full of restaurants and souvenir shops where you can find the perfect gift. However, it is best to use it as a reference to go around in the form of « S» its narrow adjacent streets, such as Zdenac, Arsenale, and Casale, full of charming corners.
3. Church of Saint Euphemia
The Church of Saint Euphemia, located in the highest part of the town, is the largest baroque building on the Istrian peninsula and one of the most important places to visit in Rovinj.
Built in 1736 by the Venetians, hence its resemblance to some churches in Venice, it stands out for housing the marble tomb with the remains of Saint Euphemia of Chalcedon, patron saint of the city, and for having a beautiful campanile where you can climb and enjoy fantastic views of Rovinj.
4. Tour the Ulica Sv. Kriza, one of the things to do in Rovinj
To return to the lower part of the city, we recommend you visit Ulica Sv. Kriza borders several rocky beaches, such as Baluota, which enchants you with its turquoise waters and where you can find some of the best restaurants in Rovinj.
With views of the Adriatic Sea, such as Puntulina, Santa Croce, and Scuba, our favorite, where they serve delicious baked octopus.
In addition to trying typical dishes such as the delicious baked octopus we were talking about, the grenade, or other fresh seafood and fish dishes, it is worth having a drink on one of the terraces on small rock outcroppings while you wait for the sunset.
5. Marshal Tito Square
Marshal Tito Square, dedicated to the principal architect of second Yugoslavia and surrounded by beautiful Baroque and Renaissance buildings, is another of our favorite places to see in Rovinj.
In addition to observing the details of the Clock Tower, which belongs to the Rovinj City Council and dates from the 19th century, it is worth going to the pier to have the best perspective of the port. At the same time, you taste some delicious ice cream from one of its many ice cream parlors. Croatians are ice cream enthusiasts, and no wonder.
6. Port of Rovinj
From Marshal Tito Square, you can skirt the port, full of recreational and fishing boats, through the Obala Alda Rismonda promenade until you reach some of the best beaches in Rovinj.
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On this walk, you will find different terraces and restaurants where you can have a drink while enjoying some of the best views of the old town of Rovinj, from which the bell tower of the Church of Santa Euphemia stands out.
7. Rovinj Beaches
At the end of the Obala Alda Rismonda promenade, you will arrive in about 10 minutes at Mulini Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches to visit in Rovinj.
This pebble beach, surrounded by a pine forest, is perfect for spending a morning in one of its sun loungers while you take refreshing baths in its crystal-clear waters.
If you are looking for a more virgin and quiet beach, you can go to Lone Bay and Skaraba Beach, located in the Punta Corrente Natural Park (Golden Cape), about a 20-minute walk from the center, which is also perfect for snorkeling.
8. Boat trip
Another of the most common things to do in Rovinj is a ride on one of the boats that leave from the dock in Marshal Tito Square and skirt the Croatian coast in search of dolphins and unique views of the Istrian Peninsula.
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During the boat ride, some with a glass bottom, you will pass in front of one of the islands in front of Rovinj.
Another good option is to take a taxi boat that will take you to one of the nearby islands, such as Sveta Katerina or Sveti Andrija, where you can relax on their beaches.
9. Market, one of the places to visit in Rovinj
Returning to the center of the town along the commercial street Carera, you can go to the market to buy some of the typical products of the Istra Peninsula and Croatia in the famous Rovinj market where, in addition to finding the famous Istrian truffles, lavender, Kulen sausage, pršut or Croatian ham and Pag cheese, you can also find a wide variety of souvenirs and crafts.
10. Sunset Point
To finish this list of places to see in Rovinj, we suggest you go to Sunset Point at sunset, located at the end of the Valdibora car park, right next to a boat gas station. This point offers the best views of the colored houses of the historic center while you enjoy an excellent sunset.
If you have more time, you can complete this list of places to see in Porec and this list of places to visit in Pula, two neighboring towns that hide a great heritage and are also on the list of essential things to see in Croatia.
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Is Rovinj Croatia worth visiting?
Rovinj is simply a must-visit place in Croatia. It should be on every visitor’s itinerary, even for first-timers. It is the second most visited town in Croatia, right after Dubrovnik. It’s well-known and loved by European travelers.
How do I spend a day in Rovinj?
Best Things To Do in Rovinj
- Stroll along the Harbor. …
- Wander the Old Town. …
- Shop at the Farmer’s Market. …
- Climb the Bell Tower at the Church of St. …
- Have a Drink (and maybe a swim) at the Mediterraneo Bar. …
- Take a Cruise from Rovinj. …
- Go to the Beach.
What is Rovinj Croatia known for?
What is Rovinj Most Famous For? Rovinj has become synonymous with summer getaways full of crystalline waters, cobblestone laneway and a healthy dose of nature. One of the most frequented towns in Croatia, it lies west coast of the Istrian Peninsula.
How many days should I spend in Rovinj?
We personally recommend you spend at least two nights in Rovinj. That way you have enough time to explore the old town and will probably even pass by the same spots several times. There should also be enough time to spend a few hours at the beach.