Home › Destinations › Rovinj
Rovinj, Hrvatska - Things to Do in Rovinj

Things to Do in Rovinj

Rovinj, Hrvatska - Complete Travel Guide

Rovinj is a breathtaking coastal gem on Croatia's Istrian Peninsula, often called the most romantic town in the Mediterranean. This former fishing village enchants visitors with its Venetian-influenced architecture, cobblestone streets, and the iconic Church of St. Euphemia perched dramatically on a hilltop overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The old town cascades down to the harbor in a symphony of pastel-colored houses, creating one of Europe's most photographed waterfront scenes. Beyond its postcard-perfect beauty, Rovinj offers a perfect blend of cultural heritage, culinary excellence, and natural splendor. The town serves as a gateway to the stunning Rovinj Archipelago with its 22 islands and islets, while the nearby Zlatni Rt Forest Park provides excellent hiking and cycling opportunities. With its thriving art scene, world-class restaurants serving Istrian specialties, and proximity to renowned wine regions, Rovinj has evolved from a simple fishing port into one of Croatia's most sophisticated destinations while maintaining its authentic charm.

Top Things to Do in Rovinj

Explore the Old Town and Church of St. Euphemia

Wander through Rovinj's enchanting old town with its narrow, winding streets lined with Venetian-style houses in vibrant colors. Climb to the baroque Church of St. Euphemia, the town's most iconic landmark, for panoramic views over the Adriatic Sea and surrounding islands. The church houses the sarcophagus of St. Euphemia and offers some of the most spectacular sunset views in Croatia.

Booking Tip: Entry to the church is free, but climbing the bell tower costs around 20 HRK. Visit early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) for the best lighting and fewer crowds. The climb up can be steep, so wear comfortable shoes.

Island Hopping in Rovinj Archipelago

Discover the pristine beauty of Rovinj's archipelago, consisting of 22 islands and islets scattered in the crystal-clear Adriatic waters. Red Island (Crveni Otok) and St. Catherine Island are the most popular destinations, offering secluded beaches, walking trails, and excellent swimming spots. Many islands feature untouched nature and provide perfect settings for picnicking and photography.

Booking Tip: Boat trips typically cost 150-300 HRK per person for half-day excursions. Book tours at the harbor or through local agencies - morning departures offer calmer seas and better swimming conditions. Look for operators offering snorkeling equipment and refreshments included in the price.

Zlatni Rt Forest Park Adventures

Explore this magnificent forest park peninsula, also known as Golden Cape, which extends into the sea just south of Rovinj. The park offers well-marked hiking and cycling trails through dense Mediterranean vegetation, leading to hidden coves and rocky beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The area is also popular for rock climbing and features several scenic viewpoints.

Booking Tip: Park access is free year-round. Rent bikes in town for 80-150 HRK per day - many rental shops offer maps and route suggestions. Best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat. Bring water and snacks as facilities within the park are limited.

Istrian Wine and Truffle Tasting Experience

Immerse yourself in Istria's renowned culinary scene with wine tastings at local wineries and truffle hunting experiences in the nearby countryside. The region is famous for its excellent wines including Malvasia and Teran, as well as both black and white truffles. Many tours combine visits to traditional konobas (taverns) with vineyard tours and olive oil tastings.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours range from 400-800 HRK per person including transportation and tastings. Book seasonal truffle tours (September-December for white truffles) well in advance. Look for small group tours (8-12 people) for more personalized experiences and better interaction with local producers.

Sunset Sailing and Dolphin Watching

Experience the magic of Rovinj from the sea with sunset sailing trips that often include dolphin watching opportunities. The waters around Rovinj are home to bottlenose dolphins, and evening cruises provide excellent chances to spot these magnificent creatures while enjoying spectacular coastal views. Most tours include wine or prosecco service as you watch the sun set behind the old town silhouette.

Booking Tip: Evening cruises cost 200-400 HRK per person for 2-3 hour trips. Book tours that guarantee dolphin sightings or offer partial refunds if no dolphins are spotted. Catamaran tours offer more stability and space, while smaller boats provide more intimate experiences. Bring a light jacket as it can get cool on the water.

Getting There

Rovinj is easily accessible by car, bus, or organized transfers from major Croatian cities and neighboring countries. The closest airport is Pula Airport, located about 40 kilometers south, with regular bus connections and taxi services available (approximately 300-400 HRK). From Zagreb, direct buses run daily (journey time 4-5 hours, tickets around 150-200 HRK), while driving takes about 3.5 hours via the modern A1 highway. International visitors often arrive via Trieste Airport in Italy (90 km) or Ljubljana Airport in Slovenia (150 km). During summer months, additional bus routes operate from major European cities, and some coastal ferry services connect Rovinj with other Adriatic destinations.

Getting Around

Rovinj's compact old town is entirely pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot, with most attractions within a 10-minute walk of each other. The town center is car-free, and parking is available in designated areas outside the old town (rates vary from 8-15 HRK per hour in summer). Local buses connect the town center with nearby beaches and Zlatni Rt Forest Park during peak season. Bicycle rentals are popular and practical for exploring the surrounding coastline and forest paths. Taxis are available but often unnecessary given the town's walkable size, though they're useful for reaching more distant beaches or the airport.

Where to Stay

Old Town Center
Zlatni Rt Peninsula
Borik Bay Area
Lone Bay
Cuvi Beach Area
Villas Rubin Resort Area

Food & Dining

Rovinj's culinary scene brilliantly showcases Istrian gastronomy, blending Italian influences with Croatian coastal traditions and inland specialties. The old town harbors numerous excellent restaurants serving fresh seafood, locally-sourced truffles, Istrian pasta dishes, and regional wines. Waterfront establishments offer romantic dining with sea views, while traditional konobas in narrow side streets provide authentic local atmosphere and family recipes. Don't miss trying local specialties like buzara (seafood in wine and herb sauce), Istrian fuži pasta with truffles, and fresh fish prepared in traditional Istrian style. The town also features several high-end restaurants that have gained international recognition, alongside casual bistros and wine bars perfect for aperitivo culture that thrives here during sunset hours.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Croatia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Pizzeria Sette Sorelle

4.9 /5
(9566 reviews) 2

BOKAMORRA HAUTE COUTURE PIZZA & COCKTAILS

4.7 /5
(5439 reviews) 2
bar

Boban

4.5 /5
(5480 reviews) 2

Il Secondo

4.6 /5
(3297 reviews) 2

Gastro Italiano

4.6 /5
(2952 reviews) 2

Paesano

4.6 /5
(2616 reviews) 2
all dining options →

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Rovinj is during late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when the weather is warm and pleasant, crowds are manageable, and accommodation prices are reasonable. Summer months (July-August) offer the warmest weather and liveliest atmosphere but also bring peak crowds and highest prices - book well in advance if visiting during this period. Spring brings blooming Mediterranean vegetation and comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and cycling, while autumn offers excellent swimming conditions and harvest season activities including truffle hunting and wine festivals. Winter months are quiet with many restaurants and attractions closed, but the town maintains a peaceful charm and mild temperatures compared to inland destinations.

Insider Tips

Visit the Rovinj market early in the morning (7-8 AM) for the freshest local produce, and try the famous Rovinj sardines when they're in season from May to October
For the best sunset photos of the old town, head to the rocks near Hotel Park or take a short boat ride to Red Island - the view back to Rovinj is spectacular
Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service (typically 3-6 PM), so plan your meals accordingly or seek out the few places that serve food continuously throughout the day

Explore Activities in Rovinj