Rovinj

Rovinj is an old fishing village located on the northern peninsula of Istria. Its charm and timeless beauty attracts many visitors every year who love to spend the summer in Croatia. 

On Ferryhopper, you will find lots of useful information about Rovinj, its beaches, must-see attractions, and ferries to its port. Check out all available routes to Croatia and book your tickets with no hidden fees!

Typical pastel-painted houses in Rovinj's old town overlooking the sea

Vacation in Rovinj

Rovinj is coastal Istria’s star attraction and it will captivate you from the first moment. You can decide whether to visit it for a day or spend 2-3 days exploring the narrow Venetian-style streets of its old town, the greenery of its parks and its beautiful beaches.

Combine cultural visits with boat trips to nearby islands and let yourself be swept away by the lively atmosphere of the town and its candle-lit restaurants offering spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea. Considered one of the most romantic towns in Europe, this is an ideal escape for honeymooners.

Keep reading to find out how to get to Rovinj and what to do during your trip.

How to get to Rovinj

Thanks to its geographical location, Rovinj and the entire Istria region can be easily reached by car, bus, or ferry. 

Although Rovinj doesn’t have a train station, it is well-connected by bus to other nearby locations, such as Poreč, Zagreb and Pula. The bus station is located in the city center, while the nearest train station is Kanfanar, a 15-minute drive from Rovinj.

During the summer, you can reach Rovinj by fast hydrofoils from the Italian ports of Venice, Trieste and Cesenatico. There are also ferry connections from Piran in Slovenia.

The experience of arriving in Rovinj by ferry is unique and will give you the opportunity to admire the old town in all its splendor from the sea. Read more about ferries to Rovinj in the section below.

For those who wish to arrive in Croatia by plane and then drive to Rovinj, the nearest airport to the town is Pula airport, located approximately 40 km away.

Panoramic view of the beautiful bay of Rovinj

What to do in Rovinj

Start exploring Rovinj’s main attraction, the old town, and get lost in its narrow stone alleys. Sit down for a coffee in the harbor cafes and walk along Grisia and Carrera Street. Admire the beauty of the famous St. Euphemia Cathedral or check out the Batana Eco-Museum, the pride of Rovinj.

After a nice stroll, you can always relax on the city beaches, take a romantic boat ride to the nearby islands of Katarina and Sveti, or find solace in the Punta Corrente park. 

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the nearby towns in Istria and try to combine your trip with some local events. Rovinj is also perfect for snorkeling and climbing enthusiasts. 

And how can we not mention its cuisine? The always fresh seafood and the excellent regional products will make you appreciate this wonderful destination even more.

Beaches in Rovinj

Rovinj and Istria are mainly chosen for their sea. Most of the beaches are rocky, but there are also equipped pebble bays.

In addition to the beaches very close to the center of Rovinj, we recommend visiting the surrounding ones and taking an excursion to the islands of Sveti Andrija (St. Andrew), Sveti Katarina (St. Catherine) and Maškin.

Here are 8 beaches in Rovinj not to be missed:

1. Monte: located in the historic center of Rovinj, this is a small rocky beach where people tend to sunbathe and dive off the rocks. The water is quite deep, but there are ladders. There is no natural shade, so it is advisable to come prepared.
2. Porton Biondi: reached in 15 minutes on foot from the old town, this beach is mostly rocky. There are also platforms for sunbathing and accessing the water. In some parts of the beach, you will find beach bars and facilities for renting pedal boats and beach chairs.
3. Amarin: among the most popular, it is located 3 km from Rovinj and it consists of rocks and pebbles. The beach is wide, offers various facilities and is also awarded the Blue Flag. Access is through the nearby campsite by paying a ticket. There is also a pier in the area from which boats depart to Rovinj and the Lim Channel.
4. Borik: located north of Rovinj's old town in a beautiful bay surrounded by a pine forest, it is among the most popular with locals. Its waters are shallow and crystal clear, perfect for children. You can rent deck chairs and take advantage of other facilities available in the area.
5. Scaraba: popular among young people, it is located in the Punta Corrente forest park, 3 km from Rovinj. The coastline is completely rocky, with a few coves consisting of pebbles. This stretch of coast is crossed by trails ideal for cycling or strolling along the seaside.
6. Vestar: among the few sandy beaches in the area, it is located in the bay of the same name, 5 km south of Rovinj. The beach is 700 m long, has been awarded the Blue Flag and its sea is very clean. A campsite is also located here, while the northern part is nude-friendly.
7. Mulini: located 10 minutes from the center of Rovinj, it is very popular due to its proximity to the city. Rather than being a traditional beach, it features cemented terraces that blend with the rocks. In the area, you will find a luxurious 5-star hotel and an elegant beach club.
8. Cuvi: 2 km from the town center, this is a tranquil cove with sand and pebbles. The entire bay is surrounded by greenery and can also be reached by bicycle. Near the beach, there are a few bars. Deck chairs and canoes can also be rented.

Useful info: almost all beaches in Rovinj are dog-friendly and do not have specific restrictions regarding pets. Remember, however, to respect other bathers and keep the surrounding environment clean.

The beautiful Monte Beach, in the heart of the old town of Rovinj

Sightseeing in Rovinj

Rovinj's attractions are mostly concentrated in the old town and the port area. Here are the must-sees:

• The Church of Saint Euphemia, the largest Baroque building in Istria
• The 3 remaining city gates (St. Benedict, Portica and Holy Cross)
• The Marshal Tito Square, the city's main gathering place
• Balbi's Arch, the top of which is ornamented with a Turkish and a Venetian head
• Ulica Grisia, the town’s busiest artistic street full of souvenir, art and jewelry shops
• The Adris Gallery, where you can admire the works of the most famous local artists
• The large Town Council Hall, which once housed the city prisons
• The Clock Tower in Rovinj, with its historic clock
• The Batana Eco-Museum, to discover the history of Rovinj's ancient vessel
• The Rovinj Heritage Museum, which often hosts temporary exhibitions
• The Baptismal Font of the Holy Spirit, with its heptagonal shape
• The Franciscan monastery, with a collection of over 250 exhibits
• The forest park Punta Corrente (Golden Cape), which became a protected natural heritage site in the 1960s

Tip: if you do not suffer from vertigo, we suggest climbing to the top of the bell tower of St. Euphemia's Church. It might seem challenging at first, but the panoramic view will definitely reward all your efforts!

The imposing church of St. Euphemia and its famous bell tower

Nightlife in Rovinj

Rovinj is a lively town, especially during the summer months. 

Most of the bars and clubs are located in the old town, the port area as well as near the beaches. Entertainment here involves both locals and visitors, who like to stroll through Rovinj's narrow streets and have an aperitif on the panoramic terraces overlooking the sea. 

There are no huge nightclubs in Rovinj, but rather establishments and lounge bars where you can also come across evenings with live music. 

In addition, several major annual events are organized in the city, such as the Avantgarde Jazz Festival, the Salsa Festival and the Baroque Music Festival.

Food in Rovinj

Rovinj's cuisine primarily offers fish and fresh seafood specialties. In addition to that, you'll find traditional Istrian products such as game, truffles, asparagus, olive oil, and excellent wines.

Here are some local delicacies to try during your trip to Rovinj:

• fuži (a traditional type of fresh pasta)
• the truffle ravioli
• seafood stew
• scampi alla busara (shrimp with white wine and bread crumbs)
• Istrian ham
• goat cheese
• asparagus omelet
• pazinski cukerančić (traditional Croatian cookies)
• Istrian Malvasia
• Rovinjski Pelinkovac (a herbal liquor)

Tip: the Weekend Food Festival is a unique event that all food lovers should attend. This 4-day festival features, among others, kitchen demonstrations and is a great opportunity to taste Croatian products and wines in one place.

The delicious dish of fresh fuži with meat

What to visit around Rovinj

To make your trip to Rovinj even more special, you should include some nearby towns and islands in your itinerary. Among our favorites are: 

• The Lim Channel, a 13-km-long fjord that is part of a beautiful valley
• The Red Island, which connects the island of St. Andrew with the neighboring islet of Maškin, it can be reached in a very short time from Rovinj by boat
• Pula, Poreč, Novigrad, and Umag, the other famous coastal resorts of Istria

Tips for your holidays in Rovinj

Here are 6 tips that we hope will be useful for your trip to Rovinj:

1. Remember to bring your valid identification card or passport.
2. The electrical outlets in Croatia are type C (the plug with 2 round pins), so try to plan accordingly to avoid running out of battery.
3. One of the city's most important events, the Wine Festival, is celebrated in September. Don’t miss it!
4. In front of Rovinj lies one of the most famous wrecks in the Adriatic, the Baron Gautsch. If you love the underwater world, you'll be glad to know that through some authorized centers, it is possible to dive and explore its interior.
5. In recent years Rovinj has become an increasingly popular destination for free climbing enthusiasts. The most famous spots for climbing are the Punta Corrente park and the Dvigrad climbing site.
6. From the port of Rovinj, there are boat excursions at sunset to spot dolphins in their natural habitat. It's not guaranteed that you will see them, but it's very likely!

Useful information about Rovinj

Rovinj is a well-organized seaside resort that provides all kinds of services to its visitors. The main activities are concentrated in the harbor area, with bars, restaurants, markets, shops, and rental services.

In the city center, there are also 4 pharmacies, 1 tourist clinic and 2 veterinary centers. Keep in mind that to take advantage of free primary health care during your stay in Croatia, all you need is your European Health Insurance Card.

Rovinj offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Along the coast, you can find some of the finest luxury Adriatic resorts, but the historic center is also filled with B&Bs and apartments.

If you are on a budget, it's advisable to stay outside the old town. There are also organized campsites just a stone's throw from the sea.

Regarding the local currency, as of 1 January 2023, Croatia adopted the euro, replacing the kuna.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Rovinj

Take a look at some phone numbers that may prove handy during your stay in Rovinj: 

• Rovinj Tourist Board: +38552811566
• Port Authority: +38552814166
• Emergency Room: +38552813311
• Tourist clinic: +38552840702
• Police Department: +38552538222
• Rovinj Bus Station: +38552811453
• Cab: +38552811100 
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Rovinj

Rovinj is quite small and its historic center can be visited on foot in just a day.

If you decide to arrive in Rovinj by car, we suggest leaving your vehicle outside the town's fortress and venturing into the historic center through the Balbi Arch. You will find yourself in Marshal Tito Square and can begin your walk through the streets of Rovinj.

As for the city beaches, you can only reach them on foot or by bicycle. In fact, Rovinj is home to a couple of cycling trails.

If you want to visit the surroundings or reach the more distant sandy beaches, you can also rely on taxis.

Useful info: in Rovinj, there are several paid parking lots, but during peak season, they may always be full. If you book accommodation in the city center, we recommend asking the owners where you can park as many offer alternative solutions for their guests.

A picturesque stone alley in the old town of Rovinj

Ports in Rovinj

The port of Rovinj is located in the heart of the city center and is surrounded by beautiful buildings dating back to the Venetian era. 

The entire port area is populated with bars, restaurants, shops, and rental services. Near the harbor, you will also find the famous Rovinj Market, where you can buy fresh products. 

In addition to ferries and hydrofoils coming from Italy and Slovenia, the port of Rovinj also welcomes yachts and fishing boats.

Rovinj ferry: schedules and tickets

Ferries to Rovinj depart from the ports of Venice, Trieste, Cesenatico, and from Piran in Slovenia.

Connections from Italy and Slovenia to Rovinj are seasonal and operated by 3 ferry companies: Liberty Lines, Kompas (Adriatic Lines), and Gomo Viaggi. The routes are usually active from May to September with multiple daily departures. Keep in mind that ferries to Rovinj do not carry motor vehicles, only passengers. However, you can travel with your pet.

Here is some additional information about the available routes:

• Venice - Rovinj ferry: the ferry connection from Venice to Rovinj is active with up to 7 weekly sailings during the high season. The crossings vary between around 3 and 5.5 hours depending on the company.
• Trieste - Rovinj ferry: the Trieste - Rovinj ferry route is available 6 times a week with up to 2 daily departures. The journey can last from 1 hour 40 minutes up to 2.5 hours.
• Cesenatico - Rovinj ferry: the connection from Cesenatico to Rovinj is active in July and August with 2 weekly crossings. Departures are usually on Wednesdays and Sundays, and the journey takes about 3 hours.
• Piran - Rovinj ferry: there are 3 weekly crossings serving the Piran - Rovinj ferry route (on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday). The crossings can take 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the chosen itinerary.

A part of the scenic port of Rovinj

Book ferry tickets online to Rovinj

On Ferryhopper, you can book your ferry to Rovinj without any hidden fees! Browse all ferry connections to/from Rovinj on our Map of ferries and discover the hidden gems of the Istrian Riviera!