Rovinj holidays

Rovinj holidays

Deals from £488 per person

Rovinj holidays are postcard-perfect. A cluster of pastel-coloured townhouses adorns the peninsula, framed by the brilliant-blue Adriatic Sea. In the morning, St Euphemera, a Baroque church rising above the hilltops, rings its bells to awaken the city. And if you’re staying near the port, you’ll probably hear the sound of the morning catch being hauled in.

Holidays to Rovinj feature beaches with a faraway feel, stunning Italianate architecture and a foodie scene that punches well above its weight for a town of this size. This is one of Croatia’s Michelin-starred destinations, but you’ll also find affordable, family-run restaurants with sea views, where you can tuck into some of that freshly-caught seafood, washed down with local Istrian wine.

Take a wander up the cobbled streets of Rovinj’s old town to browse the local arts and crafts. One of the most popular spots is Grisia street, which is home to several quirky galleries and cute cafes. To get a real feel for the city, explore its fishing traditions with a visit to the Batana House Boat museum, then stroll along the pine-fringed coastal path until you find a wild cove where you can lay down your towel and dive into the Adriatic.

Find your private paradise

The coastline looping around Rovinj is wild and rocky, and there are plenty of secluded bays and coves where you can enjoy peace and quiet. With fine shingle and easy access, the city beach is ideal for families looking to cool off. Or you could hike to the Golden Cape, a forested peninsula where you’ll find the bulk of the hotel resorts, hidden amongst the pines. With private beaches and elevated bars, you can enjoy the sunset as the sky turns brazen shades of orange at sunset – sit back with a cocktail and soak up the view.

Immerse yourself in ancient history

The Italian-influenced Rovinj is brimming with history and culture. This former island was once surrounded by stone walls, and you can still see some of them around the old town. Connected to the mainland in the 17th century, the town grew rapidly as people fled the plague that afflicted the neighbouring towns of Porec and Pula.

Walk up the sloping cobbled streets until you reach the hilltop and the Venetian-style church that overlooks the city. Here you’ll find the remains of Saint Euphemia, preserved in a sarcophagus dating back to the 6th century – alongside a wealth of antiquities and religious art. Wander past the crumbling walls that once guarded this church, where you’ll stumble upon the occasional bar or cafe nestling among the ruins.

Dress up for dinner

Rovinj is easily one of Croatia’s most luxurious destinations. Even the nightlife here is sophisticated, with fine-dining restaurants and wine bars where you can hear the tinkling of piano keys alongside the crashing waves. Sip on a cocktail or two at a harbourside bar and enjoy the lively atmosphere while taking in the views of the stunning coastline.

The legendary Monte restaurant is an excellent choice if you’re looking to fork out for a fancy meal. Expect exquisite gourmet cuisine, and a price tag to match. On the waterfront, a cluster of family-run restaurants provides a typical Istrian welcome and simple, affordable dishes. Try the local specialities like Istrian black Fuži pasta, served with lashings of truffles.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations in Croatia, including Brac Island | Dalmatian CoastDubrovnik | HvarKorculaMakarska | PorecSplit | Zadar | Zagreb

 

Map of Rovinj

world_map
30℃

July or August for the highest temperatures.

2 - 3 hours

Pula Airport is located approx. 22 miles from the city of Rovinj.

Rovinj is best for...

Scenery lovers: Architecturally preserved streets, rocky beaches and protected landscapes make Rovinj an ideal location for that perfect picture.

Shoppers: The historic Carrera Street offers a variety of clothing, jewellery and quirky art galleries for you to browse.

Romantics: Stroll down the narrow, cobbled streets of the old town and watch the sunset whilst enjoying a traditional Croatian meal.

Fast facts for Rovinj

Language: The language spoken in Rovinj is Croatian and Italian.

Currency: The currency used in Rovinj is Croatian kuna (HRK).

Local time: Rovinj is 1 hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Pula Airport. The transfer time is around 45 minutes to Rovinj from Pula Airport. 

Flight time from UK: The flight time to Rovinj is 2.5 hours.

Tourist information: Further information can be found at the offical website for tourism in Rovinj.

Getting around Rovinj

By hire bicycle: Bicycles are relatively inexpensive to hire and there are good cycle tracks up and down the coast.

On foot: The Old Town and its surrounding areas are easily accessible on foot. Walk through the narrow, winding streets to experience all the shops, bars and galleries that Rovinj has to offer.

Events in Rovinj

Art bonanza: For one week in August, Rovinj hosts the Grisia Street Art Festival, which sees its famous art street transformed into an outdoor gallery crammed with local artists and buyers.

Street party: To experience a real street party visit the Croatian Summer Salsa Festival at the end of June. Rovinj’s cobbled streets, market squares and beaches become a huge salsa dance floor. 

Culture catch: Culture-seekers will not want to miss the annual Fisherman’s Evening held in July. This award-winning event celebrates Rovinj’s rich fishing history with a series of talks and performances by the waterfront.

Rovinj safety and security

Visa / health: Before you travel, please check the latest FCDO advice for recommendations and advice on visas and health for your holiday to Rovinj.

Rovinj weather

Temperature: 20s to 30s (°C) in summer.

Best time to visit: July or August for the highest temperatures.

Rovinj enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with highs of up to 30°C in the summer months. The best time to visit is at the peak of summer in July or August for the best temperatures and least amount of rainfall. 

 

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