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If you plan a trip to the Adriatic region, you’ll certainly want to visit the Istrian peninsula. Croatia has a lot to offer, and the town of Rovinj is no exception. This is a Croatian city with a beautiful old town that is magical to explore. You’ll feel as though you’ve been instantly transferred to a long ago fairytale.
The entire peninsula has a lot to offer, including Pula, but visiting Rovinj will take you off the beaten track and to an area that isn’t yet on the radar of many travelers. Located near the border with Italy and Slovenia, the culture here is also unique from much of Croatia. That means you’ll get a pinch of something unlike anywhere else while here.
It is one of the most beautiful areas in Europe, and it is not something you will want to miss. What do you need to know about visiting this area? There are a few essential points that you should keep in mind.
What Is Rovinj, Croatia Known For?
There is a lot that this area is known for. It is famous for its beautiful cobblestone streets, scenic old town area, tight alleyways, and colorful houses. Furthermore, it has a lively harbor with many fishing boats, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Of course, it is also home to the best gelato in Istria. While there, do not forget to check out the town squares and the art galleries.
The town is very small, but it also makes it walkable. There are not a lot of cars in the area, and the hilly peninsula provides a beautiful view. St. Euphemia Church is a symbol of the town at the very top of the hill. Therefore, you must make sure you hit all of the high points while you are there. What do you need to know?
History
As a city, Rovinj has been through a lot. It was settled either by the Illyrian tribes or by the Venetians. Eventually, the city was captured by the Romans, who renamed it. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, it was incorporated into the Byzantine Empire. It remained a part of the Byzantine empire for a few hundred years, but the Frankish Empire eventually captured it. The city changed hands several times and was ruled by a handful of feudal lords throughout the Middle Ages.
For 500 years, the Republic of Venice controlled the town. It captured it in 1283, and it controlled the area until 1797. Many town gates were constructed during this time, and several walls were built. During your visit to the region, you should check out some of the walls, which still stand today.
Napoleon eventually conquered the Republic of Venice in 1797, but Napoleon himself did not last very long. The town was incorporated into the Austrian Empire, which stood until the end of World War One. After that time, it changed hands, becoming part of the Kingdom of Italy until the end of WWII.
During the Cold War, the town would change hands several more times. It was a part of Yugoslavia, which eventually broke apart. Then, the city became a part of the Soviet Republic of Croatia. Eventually, Croatia would declare its independence from the USSR in 1991, and it would become a part of modern Croatia. It remains a part of Croatia to this day.
How To Get There
If you are interested in getting to this beautiful city, the most convenient method is by car. The roads along the peninsula are excellent, and the town is relatively close to the Slovenian border at Rijeka. You will have to pay some tolls to cross the border, but the process is relatively straightforward.
If you are interested in flying into the area, the closest airport is Pula Airport. It is about 30 miles away from Rovinj, and there are a lot of very inexpensive airlines that fly into the area. You can get to the airport from some of the largest European cities, including Manchester, London, Rome, Stockholm, Helsinki, Oslo, Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt.
If you decide to fly into the area, you will have multiple options for getting from the airport to the town. You can rent a car, take public transport, or book a taxi.
Plenty of buses will also take you to Rovinj from some of the largest towns in the area. You can get a bus to Rovinj from Trieste, Rijeka, Pula, and Zagreb. The buses tend to run more frequently during the summer months. You should look at a few bus schedules at the parking lots’ bus stations before deciding on this option. Try to book a ticket ahead of time.
How To Get Around Rovinj
Once you make it to the town, the easiest way to get around the area is on foot. The peninsula does not allow cars, so you will be out of luck if you plan to drive each day. If you want to get around more quickly, you may try a scooter or a bicycle, but you will need to find a spot to rent one or bring your own. Keep in mind that the streets are cobblestone, and there are a lot of hills in the area. Therefore, you may have difficulty getting around on a bike or a scooter.
One of the most popular ways to get around the town is by golf cart. Plenty of businesses would be happy to rent you one, but the prices may go up during the summer. Depending on where you are going, you may also be able to get a boat. For example, both will connect Red Island and St. Catherine with the old town. When in doubt, just remember that walking is the best way to get around town.
Top Things To Do
When you visit this area, you will immediately realize there is much to do. Whether you want to relax on the beach, try some local wine, or stay as active as possible, there is something for everybody. You might even want to check out Slovenia or Venice (in Italy) if you are looking for a day trip.
Some of the most popular things to do include:
Visit Corrente Forest Park
Without a doubt, one of the top things you have to do is visit Punta Corrente. It is just west of the old town area, and you should be able to walk there in about ten to 15 minutes. It was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century and is a popular place for people to go swimming, jogging, and cycling. It is also popular for people to roll out a blanket and relax.
When you visit the park, you should not overlook an opportunity to go rock climbing. There are plenty of roots even for beginners, so if you have knocked on rock climbing before, do not hesitate to try. If you want to take full advantage of the experience, you may want to sign up for a tour.
That way, you don’t have to worry about bringing your equipment or renting it elsewhere. A tour typically lasts a few hours, so you should plan on spending a while in the park. Then, don’t forget to walk around the park to take in some of the scenery.
Try Some Scuba Diving
If you want to go out on the water, you should consider signing up for a scuba diving adventure. There are a lot of shipwrecks in the area, and you can explore them if you decide to go scuba diving.
One of the most popular ships, the Baron Gautsch, is well-preserved underneath the sea’s surface. It is a beautiful shipwreck, and it sank in 1914. It is a steamboat, approximately 30 meters underwater and about 12 miles off the coast.
If you do not want to miss any of the shipwrecks during your adventure, you may want to sign up for an organized tour. Because it is one of the most popular shipwrecks in the area, just about every diving company knows about it. If you sign up for a tour, they can take you to the spot and allow you to look around.
Of course, feel free to swim around and try to find some other wrecks in the area. You just need to make sure you can find your way back to the coast. If you keep your eyes open, you might be able to spot a few fish as well. You will want to wear a wetsuit when you go scuba diving, as it is very cold in the water, no matter when you go out. You want to stay warm and enjoy yourself, so talk to some of the scuba diving companies to make sure they have a wetsuit you can borrow.
Enjoy the Old Town Area
The old town is situated on a peninsula. The houses are relatively tightly packed. Some of them even look like they come right out of the sea. There are a lot of sites to see in the old town, and it is a fantastic opportunity for you to explore some old architecture. You may want to see if there are some guided tours that can show you some of the local sites.
The cobblestone streets will eventually take you to the famous church at the top of the hill. There is a bell tower up there, known for its Venetian architecture. You may even see a few local citizens painting some town images. It has a very artsy vibe, and there are some quiet little shops where you might be able to find some souvenirs. Walking up and down some of the alleys is one of the best ways to feel what it is like to live in the town. You might even want to stop in one of the cafes to get a fresh coffee.
Go Out on a Fishing Boat
Another popular activity you should try in the area is going out for a romantic batana ride. A batana is a traditional, small fishing boat. It is very tight but has a flat bottom and a sail. Even though not a lot of people go fishing in the area, a few enthusiasts try to preserve this boat, as it is an important symbol of the town.
A few years ago, the House of Batana, a local Museum, started offering a fun program for visitors. They got an opportunity to go for a ride in the traditional fishing boat around town. It was so popular that it has become a permanent experience in the area. You can go out at sunrise and watch the sun come up, or you can go out at dusk for a romantic dinner. There is a tavern called a Spacio that many people frequent during the tour. This could be a fun spot to get dinner during your trip.
Explore the Church of St. Euphemia
When you take a trip to this city, you don’t want to miss out on an opportunity to explore the Church of Saint Euphemia. It is the most famous building in the city, and it is very easy to get to. Many of the locals call it Fuma, which is the name of the patron saint.
St Euphemia. Supposedly, Fuma herself was from Chalcedon, which is located in Asia Minor. She was also a very devoted Christian. She was eventually captured as a young teenager, but she did not want to surrender her religion. Eventually, she was tossed into a lion’s den.
Even though the Lions killed her, they did not eat her. Her body was preserved, and she was placed in a sarcophagus in Constantinople. Supposedly, the remains, and her sarcophagus, floated along the sea until they came to Rovinj. She was then dragged up the hill by some of the local citizens and placed on display. The town also celebrates St. Euphemia’s Day on September 16th.
There is also a bell tower near the church. It was designed after St. Mark’s (San Marco’s) basilica tower in Venice, but it is a bit smaller. You are welcome to climb up the bell tower to look at the city’s best views.
Walk Along La Grisaia
The most popular street in the city is called La Grisaia. It is a relatively wide cobblestone street, and some shops and restaurants can be found on either side. There are a lot of shops that sell jewelry, artwork, and historical artifacts in the area. A lot of the restaurants will have their menus on display outside. You will have an opportunity to look at the menu to see what you want to eat.
If you are curious about some of the local delicacies, you may want to poke your head inside some restaurants. Many waiters and waitresses would be very happy to talk to you about what you should try. You may also see a few tour companies along the side of the road.
Some of them may offer a day trip that will make it easier for you to check out some of their surrounding cities. This town has a lot to offer, and much of it can be found on this main road. You might even want to sit down, relax, and take a few minutes to watch some of the people go about their days.
The Museum Near Molo Grande
There is a beautiful Museum located near Molo Grande called Batana House. This is a museum that is dedicated to preserving a lot of the traditions of the area. In particular, the town used to be a fishing village.
There are not many professional fishermen in the area anymore, but it doesn’t mean that the town has forgotten its roots. You should learn more about the history of fishing in the area, and there are a lot of artifacts on display in the museum.
Try Some of the Local Restaurants
During your visit, you should check out some of the local restaurants as well. There are a lot of restaurants that will offer you a multi-course meal for an affordable price. Many of them also have specials during the day, and some of them serve fresh seafood fresh from the dock.
There are a lot of delicious meals, but when you walk into the restaurant, take a look at what the other people are eating. If you can figure out what everyone enjoys, you may want to order yourself. This is one of the best ways to experience the local cuisine. Then, don’t forget to try some of the fresh pastries for dessert!
Relax on the Beach
There are plenty of beaches where you can relax as well. For example, you may want to check out Town Beach, Mulini Beach, or Lone Beach (in Lone Bay). They are beautiful pebble beaches, so do not hesitate to roll out a towel and relax. Some resort beaches near Kuvi, Vestar, Villas Rubin, and Punta Eva Peninsula also exist. You can spot a few resorts in the area, but they will be crowded.
Therefore, if you want more room, you may want to head out to Lone Bay. While you can go swimming as well, the water is a bit chilly throughout the year. It could be a great way to refresh yourself during the summer.
Why Should You Visit Rovinj?
Europe has a lot to offer, and Rovinj is not the largest city in the area. That being said, there are several reasons why you should still take the time to visit this beautiful city. Some of the top reasons include:
- For Romance: This is one of the most romantic towns in the area. The sunset is beautiful, and there is nothing like going out on a small fishing boat. There is a lot of nostalgia in the area and plenty of opportunities for a romantic date. It is one of the most beautiful places in the region.
- For Plenty to Do: The town has a very cosmopolitan feel to it. Even though it is a relatively small town, it still feels very urban in the downtown area. There are plenty of beautiful old buildings that are definitely worth a visit, and it is obvious that the town has a tremendous amount of history to it. If you want to learn more about what Eastern Europe was like and how it evolved, you have come to the right place. Do not miss out on a chance to explore the Golden Cape or the Balbi Arch.
- For Delicious Food: This town is home to some of the best restaurants in the area. If you are looking for some fresh seafood, you can find it here. Or, if you want to try out a few pastries, you will be able to find them in this town. It is one of the most popular places for a delicious meal and a few drinks.
- For the Beaches: These beaches aren’t anything like the tropics, but that is one of the biggest reasons you should explore them. They offer you a chance to try something different. You can roll out a blanket, relax on the beach, and take in some rays. You also don’t have to worry about boiling outside, as the weather is relatively temperate throughout the year.
These are a few of the biggest reasons you should consider visiting this small town. It is not that hard to get to and has a lot to offer. If you are visiting the Istrian peninsula, do not pass up an opportunity to explore Rovinj.
Plan a Visit To Rovinj Today With This Travel Guide
This is an area that has a lot to offer. It is not that far from the Italian Peninsula, and the Rovinj old town area has a lot to explore. It has a lot of Baroque architecture and offers something different compared to the other coastal towns in Croatia. It is relatively easy to get to this town from Dubrovnik, Split, or Porec.
While here, do not forget to gaze at the Adriatic Sea view. You may even want to collect some truffles to make your own truffle oil. It goes great mixed with olive oil. This is one of the most beautiful cities on the Dalmatian coast, and the entire town is within walking distance along the cobbled streets. Talk to some locals in the old town of Rovinj, and experience everything the area offers. The heart of Rovinj still beats strongly to this day.
Featured Image Credit: xbrchx
