The Istrian Peninsula is one thing particular. All of Croatia is gorgeous however there’s one thing surprising about Istria. It’s quieter than the remainder of Croatia and doesn’t (but) have the celebrity that the south of the nation brings, like alongside the Dalmatian Coast in Dubrovnik or Cut up.
Whereas there’s quite a bit to see and do inside the peninsula, my favourite vacation spot is Rovinj in central Istria.
It’s about an hour and a half from Trieste, Italy, the place I reside, and solely about 45 minutes from Pula, making it a simple day journey vacation spot from both the north or the south.
Rovinj feels just a little bit like Croatia and just a little bit like Italy, making it the right place for somebody desirous to expertise the perfect of each worlds.
Let’s dive in how one can benefit from the good day journey to Rovinj, Croatia.
Greatest Issues to Do in Rovinj
Prepared for a unbelievable day journey to Rovinj? Though I do assume you may spend most of your day merely roaming across the cobbled streets with out a vacation spot in thoughts, there are some things it’s best to try to do when you discover Rovinj.
Stroll Across the Marina
I recommend you begin your day in Rovinj on the southernmost level of the city, across the Maestral Restaurant. From right here it’s best to stroll north in direction of the Port of Rovinj.
This stroll will take you alongside the coast, protecting the hilltop heart of Rovinj on the horizon as you get nearer and nearer to your vacation spot. It’ll be tempting to cease each few meters to snap a brand new image of the city, and hey, why not take pleasure in your self? Though filled with issues to do, Rovinj remains to be small, giving us loads of time to take it sluggish and benefit from the sights.
My absolute favourite view of Rovinj is from the strip of eating places round La Gondola as you method the town heart.
Get Misplaced in Previous City
From the marina, it’s time to permit your self to wander. The entire peninsula of Rovinj is pedestrian-friendly. Solely locals with a particular allow can drive within the outdated city peninsula so that you doubtless gained’t should cope with any automobiles in your method.
The way you select to wander is as much as you however I’d strive my finest to stroll all of the streets on the town as there aren’t too many. Most are extremely picturesque alleyways and others supply shocking views of the Adriatic.
In case you’re brief on time and simply need the principle sights, positively don’t miss:
- Nothing to Sea: This can be a small store that options solely Croatian artisans. We purchased handmade bowls right here after interested by them for a 12 months following our first day journey to Rovinj. They convey me pleasure each morning I eat my breakfast out of them.
- Atelier Appeal: From the store above, stroll in direction of this one. You’ll be rewarded with small cut-out views of the ocean in between the stone homes.
- The Lighthouse & Bunker: Proceed on the identical avenue till you arrive on the level of the peninsula. That is the place you’ll need to take in the views. In the summertime, you may swim from right here however do observe that there isn’t a seashore, simply rocks.
- Church of St. Euphemia: Make your method as much as the church for the next vantage level to scope much more views of the Istrian Peninsula and surrounding islands. If you find yourself staying within the night, this is likely one of the finest spots for sundown. From the church, it’s also possible to purchase tickets to go as much as the bell tower and luxuriate in a panoramic view of the outdated city.
- Monte: I’ve by no means truly been to this restaurant (though it appears to be like nice!), as a substitute it’s simply to mark this alley. That is certainly one of my favourite spots in Rovinj for a quaint but gorgeous view.
- Rovinj Primary Sq.: From the above alley, slowly make your method down the principle sq. to see the marina from the opposite aspect of the water. Do observe that as of summer time 2024, the sq. has been fully dug up and is below development till additional discover.
Bask in Seafood for Lunch
I really like seafood so by no means miss the prospect to indulge. Though Rovinj’s meals scene doesn’t fairly compete with the eating places in Trieste that I’m used to, there are many nice ones to select from.
When deciding the place to eat, I like to recommend deciding first what your worth vary to your meal is. In case you’re wanting to deal with your self and don’t need to lose sight of the gorgeous city when you accomplish that, choose a restaurant on the marina.
For an actual deal with, Monte (talked about above) is persistently really useful as the perfect restaurant on the town for a high-end expertise.
In case you’re seeking to keep inside funds, there are a number of pizza eating places on the town that’ll provide the finest bang to your buck. Or, if you would like an inexpensive meal straight from the Balkans, strive Ćevapi (or Ćevapčići). These are grilled beef sausages, served with delicate bread and often onions and kajmak (like cream cheese or bitter cream).
Take a Dip off the Adriatic Coast
Able to chill out after lunch? If the climate is heat and you’ve got sufficient time, I like to recommend going swimming. Whereas there are many different seashores a brief drive or boat journey from Rovinj, there are just a few that you could get to proper on the town:
- Plaža Balota: Don’t anticipate sand at this rocky seashore however it’s the most handy place to go for a dip. Simply know there aren’t any facilities right here, like umbrella leases or a spot to bathe if you’re achieved swimming.
- Mulini Seaside: Situated farther from city, that is simply on the opposite aspect of the coastal promenade you walked alongside proper if you arrived in Rovinj. This seashore does supply lounge chairs and has a bar however anticipate to pay excessive costs because it’s close to the posh lodges.
- Mediterraneo Bar: Whereas not an actual seashore, it’s doable to go swimming proper at this bar, simply know you’ll need to be a paying buyer and not less than purchase one drink.
Pattern Native Liquors
Every time we journey someplace new, I really like attempting the native meals and the native drinks. To me, top-of-the-line methods to expertise a brand new tradition is thru the style buds.
In case you’ve been to different elements of Croatia or the Balkans basically, you’ve doubtless tried Rakija. This alcoholic drink is constructed from fermenting fruits, nuts, or vegetation, giving it a variety of flavors. Rakija bars throughout the area have a tendency to supply 10-20 completely different flavors so that you can select from.
Whereas I don’t suggest you strive all of them, I do suggest you strive not less than one. Not an enormous fan of liquor? Go together with the one made with honey, known as medica or medovača. It’s often the sweetest and mildest choice.
Head to Distillery Aura to strive a wide range of samples with out the strain to purchase something (until you find it irresistible).
They provide all kinds of regionally made liquors, oils, and sweets. That is the place we at all times get our souvenirs from Rovinj and a pleasant, free buzz from the samples.
Finish With a Gelato
Even coming from Italy, the land of gelato, I used to be blown away by this spot in Rovinj. In my view, the right strategy to finish an important day journey is with a heaping scoop of gelato and Ombra didn’t disappoint.
Do observe that they, like many different locations in Rovinj, shut seasonally.
From this location, I like to recommend taking your gelato below Balbi’s Arch, an archway constructed by the Romans again when the Istrian Peninsula was below their area. Though there’s no Roman enviornment like in close by Pula, this archway is a pleasant glimpse into the city’s storied previous.
This route will take you on to the principle sq. of Rovinj talked about beforehand.
Greatest Time to Go to Rovinj
Rovinj does get all 4 seasons however the winter is comparatively delicate, though the wind can get brutal all alongside the Adriatic coast. Even when the climate is sweet although, you may anticipate many retailers and eating places to shut for winter, making it a quiet time to go to.
Then again, summer time in Rovinj is sizzling and full of life. In case you go to throughout this time, I’d suggest making a reservation for lunch and planning a while in your schedule to go for a dip to chill off.
The 2 day journeys I’ve achieved to Rovinj have each been throughout shoulder season, one in late spring and the opposite in early fall. Each of those instances had been glorious the place the city was nonetheless full of life however we didn’t face hordes of vacationers like I’d anticipate to see in the summertime.
Methods to Get to Rovinj
One of the best ways to get to Rovinj is to drive or to take a bus. There isn’t a practice station on the town. If coming from some place else in Croatia, like Pula, you may doubtless take public transportation and pay only a few euros to your journey.
If coming from Slovenia or Italy, you’ll both have to drive your self or take a Flixbus. The bus station is only a few blocks from the marina, making it a handy place to reach.
The primary time we visited Rovinj, we got here by bus. It was snug and handy to not cope with parking. On our second day journey, we drove ourselves. We obtained fortunate with avenue parking only a few blocks from outdated city however do know there are parking tons scattered round city.
Remember to be certain that the spot you discover on the street isn’t personal and that you just discover a kiosk to pay for parking for the day.
Get pleasure from Your Rovinj Day Journey
Rovinj is such a captivating city that by no means ceases to impress me. The outdated city is superbly adorned and well-maintained, making it a unbelievable place to wander for a day journey and even longer. The final time we visited Rovinj was with my mother-in-law who declared this the perfect cease of her journey, after seeing most of the highlights in Italy and Slovenia.
Even if you happen to simply have a half-day journey to squeeze in, I actually assume a brief getaway to Rovinj is a good selection!
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Kat Smith is initially from the US however has been dwelling all over the world since January 2012. She shares about dwelling overseas on A Method Overseas and the most recent chapter of her life, dwelling in and exploring Italy, at Mamma Mia Certainly.
