Rovinj is a very popular tourist town with almost 15,000 inhabitants in the west of the Istrian peninsula in Croatia. Rovinj has a beautiful old town, one of the most beautiful in Croatia. The old town is on an island that has been connected to the mainland. There are only old, narrow streets. Thus, the old part of Rovinj is largely car-free. In the middle of the island, on a hill, is a mighty, large church. It is by far the most striking and important building in Rovinj.
There are also beaches in the surrounding area and in Rovinj. The town on the northern Adriatic in Istria is suitable for a whole holiday as well as for a day trip.
Tour of Rovinj: If you come by car, you will find large car parks at the northern entrance to the old town. Parking is not expensive, we paid about 3 euros for 3 hours in April 2022. You should walk around the island near the sea. You should also go up to the church and walk up the most important and beautiful street, Ulica Grisia.
Buses Rovinj: The bus station is not far from the old town. There are many connections, including frequent ones to Pula, Rijeka and Porec.
Boat tours Rovinj
From the harbor in the old town, several companies offer boat tours for tourists. Popular ones are:
Dolphin watching tours
The most popular tours. Dolphins can be wonderfully observed off Rovinj in the Adriatic. An unforgettable experience for those taking part in such a boat trip. A good dolphin watching tour from Rovinj can be booked online at Getyourguide using this link. Dolphins are particularly easy to see in the afternoon and evening. The tour lasts around 90 minutes.
Boat tour with swimming:
This is the most booked tour from the city of Rovinj. Dolphins are also very often seen. More in the evening: booking using this link
Day trips to Venice:
Can also be booked as a one-way. Excursion to the most famous place on the Adriatic in Italy: Book on this link
Kayaking tour
Something completely different: Kayaking in a group to small islands: Book on this link
Boat tours from Porec to Vrsar, the Limski Canal and Rovinj are also frequently booked: Link to the booking page
Sights of Rovinj
Church “Svete Eufemije”: The mighty building on a hill in the middle of the old town characterises the townscape of Rovinj like rarely a single building characterises a whole town. It is a baroque church (completed in 1736) and is often referred to as the Basilica of Rovinj. It is the Church of St. Euphemia.
The relics of the church’s namesake, Saint Euphemia, are kept in the church. The walkway on the free-standing bell tower is also interesting, strongly reminiscent of the St. Mark’s Tower in Venice. You can climb up the tower (small entrance fee). The view of the town of Rovinj from the church garden is great. Even more and much better, of course, is the panorama in all directions from the top of the steeple of the Church of St. Euphemia.
Tito Square: The main square of the town of Rovinj is right by the sea and the harbour. Trg Maršala Tita (Marshal Tito Square) is always busy. Worth seeing is, among other things, the Balbi Arch, a former city gate.
Ulica Grisia: Probably the most beautiful street in the old town of Rovinj is the long Grisia Street. Here you will find beautiful houses, great shops and especially art galleries.
Batana Eco-Museum: In the small museum right by the sea, much revolves around fishing and shipping in Istria. Among other things, typical boats from Istria are on display. The Batana boats gave the museum its name.
Other places of interest include the food market at the entrance to the old town and the Rovinj Aquarium nearby. It is one of the oldest aquariums in the world. Rovinj is considered a meeting place for artists. The small islands in the sea in front of the town are also great. The local Rovinj Town Museum is also worth a visit (including antique finds, paintings from modern times). Many ships in Rovinj harbour are also worth seeing, whether fishing boats or luxury yachts.
Food tip Rovenj: We like to go to the small “Tunaholic Fish Bar Rovinj”. Small, local fast-food fish dishes to take away or at the bar table.