Rovinj Croatia

Rovinj, Croatia

Since it’s the beginning of summer, and everyone’s planning their vacation, but I’m still stuck between exams, I thought writing about a coastal town and remembering last year’s trip might make me feel better. So this post is mostly for my mental sanity, and a bit of a distraction from all the studying, but hopefully you’ll end up liking it too!

Rovinj is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Istrian Peninsula of Croatia. The Peninsula lies on the North-Western part of the country, bordering Slovenia on its Western side. It’s also a pathway to the Adriatic Sea.

The closest airport is in Pula, 30 kilometers from the city center. Zračna Luka Pula Airport has many national and international flights, so you can get there from practically anywhere. It’s easier once you’ve landed, you can either rent a car (20-30 minutes) or reach Rovinj by public transportation. There are regular bus routes from either Pula or any other city in the country (if you’re staying elsewhere, but you’d like to visit). You can check the schedules either here or here. The railway system is very well developed also, you can check the timetables on the Croatian Railways website. If you want to arrive in a special manner, you should go by boat. There are boat trips from the nearby cities that offer a different, but extraordinary view of the city, and you can even spend a few hours here. That’s how I got here, but more of that in the next post!

As for getting around, I would prohibit everything else, besides walking, exploring the city by foot. The old town and its surroundings are relatively small and are easily accessible by foot. There are also bike rentals in some points of the city, which may come handy if you’d like to explore the coastline (there are miles of cycle tracks next to the pine forests).

Where to stay is the major issue when you go on holiday. You have to be careful to choose the right type of accommodation for your taste and standards, otherwise it could ruin your whole stay. Fortunately, there are a lot of places you can choose from. Rovinj has loads of apartments, hotels, private accommodation, B&Bs and campings to offer, fit to every tourist’s needs and wishes.

You can find some info of Istrian cuisine and gastronomy in my Porec post. If you like to eat, and want to taste some specialties, be sure to check it out! (The ice cream is amazing, and a “big show” is put on while making it, so be sure to rty it!). I’ve also found a site listing some very good restaurants, so if you’re there or planning to go, might as well try some out- see this website.

Wondering what to visit? I’d say every little bit of it. I literally fell in love with the city, because of the beautiful atmosphere that is surrounding these amazing stone houses, the narrow little streets and the cafes on the rocks and cliffs right next to the seashore. If you’re staying more than a day, please explore every bit of it, I promise you won’t be disappointed! You should go and see St. Euphemia’s Basilica, a baroque church from the 18-th century, which has became the city’s symbol in the last few years. Lim Fiord or Limski Kanal is a great way to see some natural wonders (there are everyday boat trips from Rovnj) – you can see some photos and my personal review of it by clicking on the link! If you like art, you might want to check out the Heritage Museum (the entrance fee is 15 Kunas-around 2 Euros). The Two Sisters Islands is a natural habitat for seagulls – lovely adventure if you like animals! But whichever sight you visit, be sure to take the time, and just walk through the beautiful streets, and breathe in the unique Croatian air while you’re there!

Active Nightlife is mostly focused in Monvi Center, where you can find night clubs, bars, restaurants, pizzerias and even a theater. I’ve also found a website which lists the main events happening in the near future, maybe you’d like to go to some of them! You can find the full list here. If you like diving, there’s a diving center that offers great programs for you to explore the sea life of Rovinj’s waters. From what I’ve heard, there is also a climbing area half an hour from the city center for all you rock climbing lovers!

Stay tuned for the next post, with some photos and personal info about one of the most beautiful cities I’ve been in! 🙂