12 WONDERFUL THINGS TO DO IN ROVINJ, CROATIA

If you’re visiting Rovinj and wondering what to do in this gorgeous Croatian gem, here’s my list of 12 wonderful things to do in Rovinj!

Rovinj is a picturesque coastal town in Istria, and I’d say it’s one of those places in Croatia you simply have to visit. Both tourists and locals love Rovinj for its charming old town, colourful buildings, scenic harbour, and beautiful surroundings. It’s the most popular town in Istria and absolutely worth the hype.

As a local Croatian, I’ve visited Rovinj many times, and these are the things I love to do almost every time I’m there. Some are right in town, and some are in the nearby area, which you should definitely explore anyway. Keep reading to find out more!

WHY VISIT ROVINJ?

There are several great reasons why visit Rovinj. First of all, Rovinj has a charming Old Town. Rovinj’s historic old town is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and quaint squares. Because of it, many people find Rovinj to be one of the prettiest (if not THE prettiest) towns in Croatia. Exploring this gorgeous Old Town is an incredible experience.

Secondly, Rovinj offers truly stunning coastal views. In Rovinj, you’ll see some of the most breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding islands. The town also has a waterfront promenade, lined with cafes and restaurants, which is a perfect spot to enjoy the scenic beauty of this town and the sea.

Next, Istria is very well-known for its culinary delights, so you’ll eat great in Rovinj. Istria, the region where Rovinj is located, is known for its delicious cuisine including fresh seafood, truffles, olive oil, and local wines. Rovinj’s restaurants serve incredible traditional dishes that you simply must try.

And finally, you’ll love the relaxed atmosphere in Rovinj. It’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy a more peaceful holiday. Compared to Split or Dubrovnik, a holiday here feels much calmer and more laid-back. Of course, it won’t be empty during peak summer season, but if you visit in the shoulder months, Rovinj truly feels like a breath of fresh air compared to the crowds in Split and Dubrovnik.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ROVINJ?

The best time to visit Rovinj depends on your preferences and what activities you’re interested in. Here’s a quick run down of the seasons and what each of them offers.

Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season in Rovinj, with warm weather and plenty of sunshine. Summer is ideal for beachgoers, as well as those who enjoy outdoor dining and nightlife. If you visit in the summer, you’ll have plenty of things to do in Rovinj. However, just like the rest of Croatia during summer, it can be quite crowded and expensive.

Spring (April to May) is a lovely time to visit Rovinj, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds compared to summer. The landscape is lush and green, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. We often go to Rovinj in the spring because it’s stunning. The streets are mostly empty, you get the city to yourself, and you can enjoy the cafes and restaurants slowly opening for the upcoming summer season.

Autumn (September to October) is another excellent time to visit Rovinj, as the weather remains pleasant, and the summer crowds begin to depart. The sea is still warm enough for swimming, so you can enjoy a dip in the sea without huge crowds on the beach. I’ve been to Rovinj in late October and people were still swimming, so swimming is still possible. The accommodation will also be significantly cheaper as summer ends.

Winter (November to March) is the quietest time in Rovinj, with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. While a lot of attractions and restaurants may be closed during this time, it can be a peaceful and relaxing experience for those who prefer a slower pace of travel. Overall, keep in mind that you won’t have too many things to do in Rovinj during winter.

12 WONDERFUL THINGS TO DO IN ROVINJ

EXPLORE THE OLD TOWN

Rovinj’s Old Town is absolutely gorgeous and you’ll be swept of your feet once you’re there. Rovinj’s Old Town has a rich history, reflecting its past as a part of the Venetian Republic and later as a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Walking through its streets, you can feel the centuries of history through the architecture and ambiance. Simply walk around and get lost in the narrow streets for the best experience of Rovinj. What ever else you do, it won’t top exploring the streets of the old town!

VISIT ST. EUPHEMIA CHURCH AND BELL TOWER

The Church of St. Euphemia is one of Rovinj’s most famous landmarks. The iconic bell tower you see in most of Rovinj’s photos is the bell tower of St. Euphemia. While in Rovinj, definitely visit the iconic Church of St. Euphemia. If you feel like it, you can even climb the famous bell tower which offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding coastline.

SWIM IN THE ADRIATIC SEA

Although for water activities tourists usually choose Dalmatia, Istria offers the same gorgeous Adriatic Sea. While in Rovinj, enjoy the beautiful beaches around Rovinj, such as Lone Bay Beach, Monte Beach, and Amarin Beach. There are many things to do in Rovinj if you’re interested in water sports and activities. You can snorkel, kayak, rent a jet ski, or take a speedboat tour around the nearby islands.

TAKE A BOAT TRIP

There are various options when it comes to boat tours near Rovinj. If you’d like something adventurous, take a short boat ride to Sv. Katarina (St. Catherine) Island. You’ll find several nice beaches there, and you’ll get a stunning view of Rovinj’s old town and St. Euphemia’s bell tower. You can also visit the Red Island, a really popular tourist destination with great beaches. You can reach both islands by boat which departs from Delfin Pier in Rovinj, each hour. There are also plenty of dolphin watching tours if marine life interests you!

DISCOVER ISTRIAN CUISINE

Istria has excellent cuisine so if you’re a foodie you’ll absolutely love it here. You should indulge in Istrian cuisine at local restaurants and konobas (taverns). Some of the most popular traditional dishes you need to taste are Istrian truffle pasta, seafood risotto, grilled fish, and local olive oil and wines. The restaurant we always go to is Orca restaurant, a few minutes away from the Rovinj city centre. They have incredible truffle pasta, great fresh seafood, and pretty affordable prices for the quality of food!

GRAB A DRINK AT MEDITERRANEO BAR

If you like a gorgeous waterfront café, Mediterraneo Bar is the perfect place for you. You’ll find it in Rovinj’s Old Town and it’s special because it’s situated right on the rocks next to the Adriatic Sea. It will give you some of the most gorgeous views in Rovinj you’ll remember forever. It might be tricky to get a seat here since it’s quite small, but it’s so worth it!

View this post on Instagram

VISIT PULA

Take a day trip to Pula, another popular town in Istria. It’s located about 40 kilometers south of Rovinj and you’ll reach it half an hour. In Pula, you should explore the well-preserved Roman amphitheater, the Pula Arena. It’s one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. After, visit the Archaeological Museum of Istria, and stroll through the Old Town with its charming squares and ancient Roman ruins. Here’s what to do in Pula!

EXPLORE BRIJUNI NATIONAL PARK

While in Pula, drive to Fazana where you can catch a ferry to one of Croatia’s most beautiful national parks. Brijuni NP is special for its gorgeous nature, forests, safari park, and historic buildings important for Croatian history. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Rovinj, or at least close to it! Once you’re there, rent a bike or a golf cart and enjoy exploring this gorgeous island of Veliki Brijun. For more information on Brijuni NP read my Ultimate Guide to Brijuni NP.

GO FOR A WINE TASTING

Istria is very famous for its delicious and unique wines. There are plenty of gorgeous wineries you can visit on your Istrian holiday. Some of the indigenous Istrian wines you should taste are Malvasia, Teran, and Muscat. You can also learn about the winemaking process from local producers if that’s something that interests you. I’d highly recommend Meneghetti Winery which is quite close to Rovinj and it’s absolutely stunning. You can also get various tours where you can try out Istrian wines and food, which is an excellent way to spend the day!

GO FOR AN OLIVE OIL TASTING

Along wine and truffles, Istria is for its high-quality olive oil. You can take a guided tour of an olive oil mill or estate to learn about olive oil production and sample different varieties of this liquid gold. On this tour you visit local olive groves and olive oil mills. In the end, you can taste several different olive oils and purchase them if you like them!

EXPERIENCE ISTRIAN TRUFFLE HUNTING

Another fun and unique activity you can do is to join a truffle hunting excursion in the Istrian countryside. The tours are not in Rovinj, but several of them depart from Rovinj and take you to truffle filled forests around Istria. On this tour, trained dogs will lead you through oak forests in search of black and white truffles. After the hunt, you’ll enjoy a truffle-themed meal which will be delicious.

VISIT ISTRIAN HILLTOP TOWNS

Along bigger cities such as Rovinj and Pula, Istria has the most gorgeous small towns you just need to visit. Take a car and explore the charming hilltop towns such as Motovun, Groznjan, and Bale. Wander through medieval streets, visit historic churches and fortifications, and admire panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Groznjan is my absolute favorite small town in Istria. Situated on a hill, this fairytale town is a must-see while you’re in Istria.

MY PERSONAL TAKE ON THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN ROVINJ

I absolutely love Rovinj, and honestly, just wandering through the old town is enough to make you fall in love with it. However, exploring Istria as a whole makes the experience even better. I wouldn’t skip a drink at Mediterraneo Bar or dinner at Orca Restaurant because they’re both fantastic spots. If you have the time, please visit Brijuni National Park. It’s honestly one of my favorite places in all of Croatia. And finally, a wine tasting at Meneghetti is such a treat if you enjoy wine, so don’t miss it.

CONCLUSION: WONDERFUL THINGS TO DO IN ROVINJ

There are plenty of things to see and do in Rovinj, and you can easily tailor your visit whether you’re staying for one day or five. It’s a town that works just as well for a quick visit as it does for a slower, longer trip.

Istria is truly one of the best parts of Croatia, and you’ll have an incredible time here, I can promise you that. For the best experience, I’d suggest visiting in June or September when the weather is beautiful and the crowds are lighter, but it’s lovely in other months too. I personally always come back to Rovinj, and I’m pretty sure you’ll feel the same!