The Istrian Peninsula is one thing particular. All of Croatia is gorgeous however there’s one thing surprising 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 lots 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 simple day journey vacation spot from both the north or the south.
Rovinj feels slightly bit like Croatia and slightly bit like Italy, making it the right place for somebody eager to expertise one of the 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’ll be able to spend most of your day merely roaming across the cobbled streets with no vacation spot in thoughts, there are some things you need to try to do whilst you discover Rovinj.
Stroll Across the Marina
I counsel you begin your day in Rovinj on the southernmost level of the city, across the Maestral Restaurant. From right here you need to stroll north in the direction of the Port of Rovinj.
This stroll will take you alongside the coast, protecting 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 take pleasure in your self? Though filled with issues to do, Rovinj remains to be small, giving us loads of time to take it gradual 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 heart.
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 Solely locals with a particular allow can drive within the outdated city peninsula so that you probably gained’t must cope with any automobiles in your manner.
The way you select to wander is as much as you however I’d strive my greatest to stroll all of the streets on the town as there aren’t too many. Most are extremely picturesque alleyways and others provide shocking views of the Adriatic.
If you happen to’re quick on time and simply need the primary sights, positively don’t miss:
- Nothing to Sea: This can be a small store that options solely Croatian artisans. We purchased handmade bowls right here after occupied with them for a yr following our first day journey to Rovinj. They convey 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 avenue 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 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 likely one of the greatest spots for sundown. From the church, it’s also possible to 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 truly been to this restaurant (though it seems to be nice!), as a substitute it’s simply to mark this alley. That is one among my favourite spots in Rovinj for a quaint but gorgeous view.
- Rovinj Foremost Sq.: From the above alley, slowly make your manner 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 building till additional discover.
Take pleasure in Seafood for Lunch
I really 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 worth vary on your meal is. If you happen to’re wanting to deal with your self and don’t wish to lose sight of the gorgeous city whilst you accomplish that, choose a restaurant on the marina.
For an actual deal with, Monte (talked about above) is persistently beneficial as one of the best restaurant on the town for a high-end expertise.
If you happen to’re seeking to keep inside funds, there are a variety of pizza eating places on the town that’ll provide the greatest bang on your buck. Or, if you would like an inexpensive meal straight from the Balkans, strive Ćevapi (or Ćevapčići). These are grilled beef sausages, served with tender bread and often 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 number of which you can get to proper on the town:
- Plaža Balota: Don’t anticipate 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 provide lounge chairs and has a bar however anticipate to pay excessive costs because it’s close to the posh motels.
- Mediterraneo Bar: Whereas not an actual seaside, it’s potential to go swimming proper at this bar, simply know you will have to be a paying buyer and at the least purchase one drink.
Pattern Native Liquors
Every time we journey someplace new, I really like attempting the native meals and the native drinks. To me, top-of-the-line methods to expertise a brand new tradition is thru the style buds.
If you happen to’ve been to different components of Croatia or the Balkans normally, you’ve probably tried Rakija. This alcoholic drink is made out of fermenting fruits, nuts, or vegetation, 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 advocate you strive all of them, I do advocate you strive at the least one. Not an enormous fan of liquor? Go along with the one made with honey, referred to as medica or medovača. It’s often the sweetest and mildest possibility.
Head to Distillery Aura to strive a wide range of samples with out the stress to purchase something (except you like it).
They provide all kinds of domestically made liquors, oils, and goodies. That is the place we all the time 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. For my part, the right option to finish an excellent 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 area 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.
Finest 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 sweet although, you’ll be able to anticipate many outlets and eating places to shut for winter, making it a quiet time to go to.
However, summer season in Rovinj is sizzling and full of life. If you happen to go to throughout this time, I’d 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 wonderful the place the city was nonetheless full of life however we didn’t face hordes of vacationers like I’d anticipate to see in the summertime.
Methods to Get to Rovinj
One of the simplest ways to get to Rovinj is to drive or to take a bus. There isn’t a prepare station on the town. If coming from some place else in Croatia, like Pula, you’ll be able to probably 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 cope with parking. On our second day journey, we drove ourselves. We bought fortunate with avenue parking only a few blocks from outdated city however do know there are parking heaps scattered round city.
Make sure you be sure the spot you discover on the street isn’t personal 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 outdated city is fantastically adorned 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 one of the best cease of her journey, after seeing lots 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 Approach Overseas and the latest chapter of her life, dwelling in and exploring Italy, at Mamma Mia Certainly.
