My first visit to Rovinj was in 2007, and like many others, I of course fell in love with the place. Since then, I have kept returning with my family, and I have also visited Rovinj frequently on professional trips.
Together with Poreč, Rovinj ranks at the top of my list of favourite cities in Istria. It is a truly great holiday destination, with a wonderful Mediterranean vibe.
Rovinj is the most popular destination in Istria and one of the largest in Croatia. Every year, more than 750,000 tourists visit Rovinj, staying an average of 5.5 nights. The largest group of visitors is Germans, who account for 30–35% of the total.
With three Michelin starred restaurants, Rovinj is also the capital of culinary experiences in Croatia.
The old town
Rovinj’s old town is built on a small peninsula, with narrow streets climbing up toward the church at the top. Cars are mostly kept outside, which makes walking around a pleasure.
On the south side of the old town, you have several coffee bars with a nice view of Katarina Island. And in many of the small streets, you can find cozy restaurants, galleries (Grisia Street), and souvenir shops.
A tour of the old town, including a visit to the St. Euphemia Church, takes about 2 hours (plus the time you spend drinking coffee or eating). Wear footwear, as most of the pavement is cobblestone.
The highest point of the old town is 28 meters above sea level, so be aware that you will encounter some steep streets.
Things to see in Rovinj
Here are the things I think you should see when visiting Rovinj
Rovinj Old Town
See the section above
St. Euphemia Church
The landmark of Rovinj, sitting at the top of the old town. See the inside of the church, enjoy the park in front, and if you have strong nerves, climb the bell tower, which takes you to an altitude of +50 metres above sea level. (
If you have seen my videos from Split, Zadar, or Trogir, you saw me climbing the cathedral tower, in Rovinj I had to outsource this task to my wife; my fear of heights and the stairwell shown in the photo below was enough to make that decision easy.
Rovinj Harbour
The heart of town life. A great place for a walk, especially in the evening. Around the harbour, you have plenty of restaurants.
Punta Corrente Park (Golden Cape)
If you want to spend some time in nature, visit the large green park just south of the center, perfect for swimming, walking, or cycling.
Rovinj Market
If you are an early bird, which the Rovinj Green Market, it small but lively. A good place to see local produce and daily routines.
Carera ul.
Take a walk along the Carera ul, where you find lots of smaller shops.
Rovinj Heritage Museum / Rovinj City Museum
Visit the museum to learn about Rovinj’s history. The museum is located at Trg na mostu
Beaches and Swimming
Rovinj isn’t known for long sandy beaches, but the water here is crystal clear and clean – some of the best in Istria.
Most swimming spots are rocky or pebble-based, which actually helps keep the sea calm and super transparent. No big waves, just nice, clear views down into the water.
The most popular area is Golden Cape (Punta Corrente), south of the centre. Head there for Mulini Beach, which is the main spot with facilities, or keep walking a bit further along the paths to find quieter, more secluded coves – perfect if you want some peace.
Bring water shoes if you have sensitive feet – the pebbles can be a bit sharp in places, but once you’re in, the swimming is fantastic.
Getting to Rovinj and getting around
Since I’ve worked in the buses and ferries industry, I know a bit about getting around here. The bus station is at Trg na lokvi 6, right in the south part of town, close to the sea. It’s easy to walk to from the center.
Main bus companies are Arriva, Brioni, and FlixBus. They connect to other parts of Istria and Croatia, like Pula, Zagreb, and even international spots.
For ferries, there’s a service to Venice. The company Kompas runs catamarans that take about 3-4 hours. Tickets are around €40-90, depending on the season. It’s a nice way to travel if you’re heading to Italy. The port is in the town center.
If you’re coming from the airport, Pula Airport is the closest; from here, you can take a private transfer to get to Rovinj
Getting around locally
Rovinj is compact enough that you can explore almost everything on foot. If you want to reach the beaches or parks a bit further out (like Punta Corrente), renting a bike makes it easy and fun.
If your accommodation is a little outside the centre, download the Cammeo app – it’s the local ride-hailing option and works well for short trips.
Day Trips from Rovinj
Rovinj stands perfectly well on its own as a holiday base, but it’s also a fantastic starting point for exploring more of Istria.
Poreč is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips – just a short drive or bus ride away. It has a similar coastal charm but with its own highlights, like the stunning Euphrasian Basilica.
Pula, a bit further south, brings a bigger-city vibe plus incredible Roman history – the amphitheatre is world-class. Great if you want to mix ancient ruins with a livelier atmosphere.
Medulin is another relaxed option nearby – more spread out, with longer beaches and a laid-back feel. Perfect for a quieter day by the sea.
If you fancy heading inland, don’t miss the hilltop towns like Motovun and Grožnjan. They’re full of character – think stone streets, truffle dishes, art galleries, and amazing views over the Istrian countryside. Well worth the drive for a change of scenery from the coast.
All of these are doable as day trips, especially if you rent a car or use local buses. Istria feels compact once you’re here.
FAQ Rovinj
Is Rovinj worth visiting?
Definitely, Rovinj is one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia.
How many days should I spend in Rovinj?
Typically people spend 5-6 nights in Rovinj, but if you just want to have a peak, one overnight is fine.
What is the best time of year to visit Rovinj?
Best time is May, June and September where you have nice weather but lesser crowds.
Does Rovinj have good beaches?
Rovinj is not a typical beach destination, but there are some nice beaches south of the town.
Can you get around Rovinj without a car?
Yes, Rovinj is very walkable
Are there ferries from Rovinj to Venice?
Yes, during the summer season there areferries operated by Kompass
