Rovinj Holidays

Top attractions

This small Croatian village on the western coast has plenty of attractions to keep you occupied on your holiday in Rovinj. The car-free old town, which is filled with beautiful Venetian architecture, in an excellent place to start your exploration. Awash with cobbled streets and quaint shops, it has a somewhat Italian feel, which brings a rich and redolent sophistication to this ancient town centre. One of the highlights of the old town is Balbi Arch. It's the former entrance to the town and remains the heart of this fishing town. The Saint Euphemia Cathedral is a stunning waterside structure that can be visited for free. It’s a lovely place to start or finish a stroll around the fortifications of the old town, where you can soak up the local way of life. The port is also a lovely place to explore on a sunny morning. Head down and watch the boats bringing in the fresh fish which you'll be dining on in a matter of hours.

Beaches

The beach is a key part of life in Croatia. The long, hot summers are perfect for lazing around and swimming in some of Europe's cleanest and most temperate waters. Monte Beach is the town's most centrally located beach just to the south of the main square. There isn't much sand here, but the rocky coastline is perfect for swimming and relaxing with a book. They even provide ladders to give you easy access to the water. A few kilometres away are Small and Big Scaraba. Just a few minutes in a car or around half an hour by foot will bring you to these excellent beaches, which are a mix of rocky outcrops and pebbled inlets. There’s also a free car park nearby so if you decide to hire a car you can save some money on parking. Porton Biondi Beach is famed for its magnificent views across the bay to the old town. Popular with families, this beach is located nice and close to the centre of town and has plenty of amenities nearby.

Eating out

Experience a truly native gastronomical experience in Rovinj. The restaurants here are known for their use of local ingredients used with creativity and flair. Fresh fish, especially crab, is readily available along with other magnificent ingredients such as cured hams and asparagus. Given its proximity to Italy, pizza is also a popular food here and many restaurants cook with authentic wood-burning ovens. As well as more traditional restaurants, a holiday in Rovinj is will also introduce you to the concept of tavern dining. This authentic Croation eating and drinking venue is a place where groups of friends come together to enjoy the best of the nation's food and drink. There are many fantastic restaurants to choose from in Rovinj, but some of our favourites include Ocra, La Puntulina and Monte. If you're looking for spectacular views then head down to Maestral for delicious food and even better views across the bay. If you want to sample the pizza in town then be sure to check out Roma, Dario and Neptun.

Nightlife

A holiday in Rovinj is all about relaxation. There aren't any large nightclubs here but there are plenty of bars where you can enjoy an evening drink and even dance the night away. Croatia's proximity to Italy means they have an excellent range of reasonably priced wines. If you want to enjoy an evening by the water with a cocktail in hand, then head to Mediterraneo Bar. This popular establishment is a winner every time. Caffè Cinema is a fantastic cosmopolitan venue located by the harbour. The black and white interiors are popular with the young and trendy crowd who enjoy its hip hop beats. If you're after something a little rowdy with a local touch, then head down to Art Public Bar. It's actually an Irish bar but eschews the traditional tourist crowd and instead is full of Croatians looking for a good time at the weekends. Piazza Grande is a lovely wine bar, shop and café set in stunning surroundings. Enjoy a tipple under the grandeur of the wooden beans which loom above and tuck into a range of local produce off the tapas-style menu.

Family holidays

The relaxed tone of a holiday in Rovinj is ideal for children. While it’s a popular destination in the summer months you won't be swamped by crowds – the perfect setting, especially if you're travelling with very young kids. Aside from time spent at the beach and exploring the old town, the wider region offers a good selection of child-friendly activities to keep them entertained. Glavani Park is an oasis from the hot Croation summer sun. The park is home to three tree-top obstacle courses as well as some more traditional park-based attractions. As one might expect from a coastal region known for its marine life, there are several aquariums in the area. Umag, Rovinj, Poreg and Pula are all home to sea-life centres which make for a great half-day activity with the children once you've had your fill of time on the beaches of Croatia. If you want to do something truly unique with the children then how about star gazing at the Višnjan Observatory? The telescope here has been responsible for the discovery of hundreds of planets and it's a wonderful way to get the kids interest in science.

Couples holidays

Rovinj is the ideal destination for a romantic escape with your partner. The small town vibe provides the perfect ambience and the quaint pebbled coves and small family-run restaurants are ideal for spending some quality time together. There are cafés aplenty where you can stop for an afternoon glass of wine and a spot of tapas before heading to the beach to soak up the sunshine. Many of the hotels provide spas services, even if you aren't staying in the accommodation – the ideal treat and a great chance to truly unwind on your holiday in Rovinj.

Action & Adventure

This region of Croatia is excellent for biking and there are many organised tours, of various lengths, which you can join. It is also possible to explore the stunning countryside by yourself on two wheels, but it's important to make sure that you're well prepared with a good map and plenty of water. There are several trails which you can follow, but some of the most popular include the Captain Morgan Trail, the Saint Morgan Trail and the Rovinj Trail.

Croatia is known for its excellent sailing conditions and there are plenty of schools and hire shops where you can purchase all the right gear. Alternatively, you can head out to see on a manned ship where you can simply relax with a beer and let somebody else do all the hard work. The underwater world is just waiting to be discovered and there's no better place to do it. The crystal-clear sea and abundance of colourful marine life make for ideal conditions no matter if you're a novice or expert diver. Scuba Valdaliso Diving Centre offers a range of courses and excursions, and you can hire everything you need from them.

Culture

A holiday in Rovinj will take you back in time. The area has been dominated by a number of empires including the Romans and the Byzantines. The old town is where its rich history is most evident. This island fortification is home to traces of life which date back as far as the Bronze Age. Aside from the largest of buildings, such as the Church of St. Euphemia, most of the history can be seen in the everyday buildings which are now shops, cafés and apartments. The town clock is one of the most important historical signifiers in the town. It is adorned with the symbol of a Venitian lion and dates back to the mid-19^th century.