How To Spend One Day In Rovinj, Istria Croatia
Rovinj (Italian:Rovigno), located in the Istria region of Croatia, is a captivating coastal town that exudes charm and worth visiting. The striking tall tower of St. Euphemia’s Church, perched on the highest point of the old town, immediately catches the eye. Initially built on an island, Rovinj was connected to the mainland in the 18th century, and its rich historical heritage and proximity to Italy imbue the air with unmistakable Italian vibes.
Rovinj offers a plethora of attractions for visitors who enjoy leisurely strolls to discover breathtaking landscape views, architectural marvels, delectable local delicacies, and unique souvenir shops. It is absolutely worth a visit, even if you only have one day to spend there!
Table of Contents
Where Is Rovinj Located In Croatia?
How Do You Get To Rovinj?
How To Spend One Day in Rovinj
Where To Eat
Where Is Rovinj Located In Croatia?
Rovinj is a picturesque town located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea in the northern part of Croatia, on the Istrian Peninsula. It is situated 64.6 miles/104 km south of Slovenia and 61.6 miles/99.2 km south of Italy.
Rovinj has a rich history that spans many centuries. From the 13th century until the late 18th century, it was under Venetian control. Then, in the late 18th century, it became a territory of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. Following World War I, Rovinj became part of Kingdom of Italy and remained so until 1947. After World War II, the majority of its Italian habitants left when Rovinj became part of the former Yugoslavia. Finally, in 1991, Rovinj became part of Croatia. As a result of Rovinj’s unique history, the town is bilingual in Italian and Croatian.
How Do You Get To Rovinj?
From Istria Region, Croatia
From Pula: Getting to Rovinj from Pula is convenient and relatively inexpensive. A bus ride from the Pula Bus Terminal typically takes 45 minutes and costs between 5 € and 7 € for an adult ticket. The closest airport to Rovinj is Pula Airport, which is located 25 miles/40km south of Rovinj. To get from the airport to Rovinj, you can choose from various transportation options, including taking a taxi, private transfer, bus, or Uber.
There is a bus service from Rovinj back to Pula almost every hour. However, if you plan on returning to Pula in the evening by bus, make sure to have backup transportation options. There is typically no bus service after 07:55 pm until 09:55 pm. When we tried to take the bus around that time, it did not show up. Thankfully, a local resident helped us get a taxi back to Pula. If you’d like to book an Uber ride from Rovinj to Pula, please note that Uber operates only in the Pula region, not in Rovinj. You can order an Uber ride from Pula to Rovinj, but for the return trip to Pula, you’ll need to take a bus or a taxi.
✓ Pula Bus Terminal Address: Trg 1. Istarske brigade 1, 52100
✓ Rovinj Bus Station Address: Trg na lokvi 6, 52210
From Dalmatia Coast, Croatia
From Split: There are no direct buses from Split to Rovinj, so the most convenient options are to rent a car or book a private transfer. Another option is to take one of the two direct flights from Split to Pula, which are available on Mondays and Fridays. From Pula, you can then take a private transfer to Rovinj, which takes approximately 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can also consider taking a ferry from Split to Zadar, and then another ferry from Zadar to Pula. However, please note that the ferry from Zadar to Pula does not operate daily, but rather 2-5 times a week.
From Dubrovnik: Currently, there are no direct buses or flights available from Dubrovnik to Rovinj. Therefore, renting a car would be the fastest option, taking approximately 7.5 hours to travel from Dubrovnik to Rovinj, depending on traffic and stops. Another option is to take a ferry from Dubrovnik to Split, then take a bus from Split Central Bus Station to Pula and finally to Rovinj.
From Italy & Slovenia
From Trieste: If you’re traveling to Rovinj from Italy, Trieste is a convenient starting point. You can take a train to Trieste and then choose between a bus or private transfer to Rovinj. The drive or private transfer from Trieste to Rovinj takes about 1 hour and 16 minutes. Alternatively, there are typically four daily bus trips available from Trieste to Rovinj, with travel times ranging from 2 to 3 hours. It’s recommended to book bus tickets in advance, as some trips may sell out. Another option is to take the Liberty Lines Fast Ferries, which operate six times a week between Trieste and Rovinj and take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
From Venice: Between May and the end of September, Venezia Lines (Italy) and Kompas (Croatia) operate ferry transportation at least once a day from Venice to Rovinj and vice versa. The fastest route is operated by Adriatic Lines and takes approximately 3 hours. Please check out Adriatic Lines for available fast routes and tickets.
From Slovenia: The quickest way to get to Rovinj is by driving from Slovenia. Alternatively, there are direct bus trips available from Ljubljana to Rovinj, with travel times ranging from 3 hours and 40 minutes to 4 hours and 15 minutes.
How To Spend One Day in Rovinj
Take a stroll through the charming streets
Stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town and marvel at the beautiful medieval buildings and architecture. You can explore Ulica Carera, one of the main streets, which offers a variety of shops ranging from traditional souvenirs to local food, jewelry, and crafts.
Experience Stunning Views of the Adriatic Sea or Dive into Its Crystal Clear Waters
Enjoy stunning vistas of the Adriatic Sea or take a refreshing dip in its inviting waters. As you stroll through the charming old town, you’ll come across numerous spots for a refreshing swim. One such spot is Balota Beach, located a short distance from the Church of St. Euphemia, nestled amidst expansive rocky cliffs that adorn the coastline. Here, you’ll also find sun-seekers basking in the warm rays, enjoying sunbaths on the sun-drenched rocks.
Indulge in a Delightful Shopping Experience at Charming Boutiques and Souvenir Shops
Rovinj is a shopper’s paradise, with numerous charming boutiques that cater to all tastes. If you’re a lover of art and jewelry, then this is the perfect destination for you. While strolling around the old town, we came across several jewelry boutiques that offered unique and original jewelry pieces made with coral reefs and stone. Bura and Memories of Rovinj are just a couple of the boutiques where you can find one-of-a-kind jewelry crafts and souvenirs. In addition, there are plenty of other boutiques offering a wide range of souvenirs and crafts. If you’re a truffle lover, then Rovinj is the ideal place to shop for local truffle specialties such as shaved truffles, truffle oil, and truffle cheese. You can find an excellent selection of these products at Croatis Souvenir & Gifts Shop, which also offers wine and other souvenirs.
Here are the locations of some of the boutiques and souvenir shops in Rovinj:
✓ Bura : Bregovita Ulica 22A, 52210
✓ Memories of Rovinj : Obala Alda Rismonda, 52210
✓ Croatis Souvenir & Gifts Shop : Carera Ulica 27, 52210
Visit St. Euphemia’s Church and Bell Tower
The path to reach the baroque-style St. Euphemia’s Church and its bell tower may be a bit steep, but the stunning views and experience are well worth the effort. As you make your way along Grisia Street, you’ll encounter charming art galleries and souvenir shops on your way to the church. Interestingly, the bell tower, which was constructed in the 17th century, is actually older than the church itself. Once inside the church, take a moment to appreciate the beautiful ceiling frescoes and other art that adorns the interior. It’s worth noting that St. Euphemia’s birthday is celebrated on September 16th in Rovinj, along with a host of musical and culinary events that take place.
Experience Breathtaking Views from the Top of the Hill
The views from the hilltop are simply breathtaking, offering a panoramic vista of the surrounding area. Moreover, you can indulge in a refreshing drink at one of the cozy cafes or bars located at the highest point of the old town, adding to the overall enjoyment of your experience.
Savor the Rich and Authentic Flavors of Local Cuisine
If you’re a seafood enthusiast, then Rovinj is the perfect destination for you, as it boasts a wide selection of seafood restaurants. Additionally, if you’re looking for other delectable options, the pizza and truffle dishes are equally enticing. Don’t forget to treat yourself to some delicious gelato and coffee, which come highly recommended and will add to your overall culinary experience.
Where To Eat
During our day trip from Pula to Rovinj, we made a delightful dining choice at Rovinj’s Mali Raj Restaurant. Highly recommended and well-rated, Mali Raj boasts a charming outdoor area draped with a grapevine, creating a perfect setting for summertime dining. The prices of the dishes are reasonable, and I highly recommend trying the mussels in wine sauce and the tagliatelle tartuffe (truffles). The service at Mali Raj is both speedy and excellent, and we were fortunate to arrive as soon as the restaurant opened for the day. Within 30 minutes to an hour, all the tables were occupied, with happy customers leaving and new ones taking their place. It’s a testament to the restaurant’s popularity.
✓ Mali Raj Restaurant Address: Trevisol 48, 52210, Rovinj, Croatia
Caffe Bar “Bruno” – A Refreshing Spot for Cold Drinks or Coffee. During our visit, we made a stop at Caffe Bar “Bruno” to enjoy some delicious coffee. The prices were very reasonable, and the cozy atmosphere made it a pleasant experience.
✓ Caffe Bar “Bruno” Location: Trg G. Matteottija 2, 52210, Rovinj, Croatia