Best 5 Things to do in Romantic Rovinj, Croatia

Last updated on November 21st, 2022 at 03:28 pm

Rovinj is a beautiful and incredibly romantic village located right along the Istrian peninsula in Croatia. It is the perfect place for couples looking for an escape from everyday life. As you walk around the old village, you will feel as though you have been transported through time. And, if you allow yourself to fall under Rovinj’s spell, you will find yourself moving more slowly. As you do, your senses will be awakened and you will find yourself drawn into the magic of this place. Walking around the ancient coastal town, the bright and colorful buildings will dazzle you, lovely ocean views will beg you to take a dip, and delicious seafood will melt on your tongue. While we only had a day here, I wish we had had a week to explore all of the beauty and history that lives here. Keep reading and discover more of what you can uncover in romantic Rovinj.

***Disclaimer: Be sure to check entry regulations for Croatia as well as any activity you wish to participate in before booking any part of your journey.

Seven Interesting Facts About Rovinj

1. For over 500 years, Rovinj was governed by the Republic of Venice. At this time, it was called by its Italian name: Rovigno. Even today, one can still see many resemblances to Venice in both the layout and architecture.

2. Rovinj was once an island. However, the channel that separated it from the mainland was filled in in 1763.

3. Rovinj has changed hands many time. After the fall of Venice, Rovinj was governed by the Austrians up until WWI. After that, it was governed by Italy and occupied by the Germans. In 1947, Rovinj finally became part of the Yugoslav Republic of Croatia.

4. Rovinj has a humid, subtropical climate and in summer, water temperatures surpass 20 °C.

5. The houses in Rovinj’s Old Town have a unique chimney structure that was declared a monument of culture in 1963.

6. The traditional boats of Rovinj are known as batana. There is a museum dedicated to learning about them: The Batana Eco-Museum. On their website, you can learn more about the museum, booking a sunset boat ride, or how to have a traditional Croatian meal at a tavern (Spacio Matika).

7. Nowadays, most people in Rovinj speak Italian, Croatian, or an ancient romance language called Istriot.

How to get to Rovinj

By Plane/Public Transportation:

The easiest way to get to Rovinj would be to fly and then rent a car. There are also public transportation options, so I am including that information as well.

From Pula Airport

Pula Airport is the closest airport to Rovinj, Croatia. However, this is quite a small airport and it could be difficult to find flights.
From the Pula Airport, it’s about a 40 minute drive to Rovinj. Alternatively, you can take the shuttle bus.

Alternative Airports

Two bigger airport options include the Trieste Airport in Italy or the Lubljana Airport in Slovenia.

> From the Trieste Airport, it’s about a 2 hour drive by car.
If you decide you would like to take public transport, you would have to take a train to Trieste and and then a bus to Rovinj. You can view the route here.

> From the Lubljana Airport, it’s about a 2.5 hour drive by car.
If you decide you would like to take public transport, you can check out the bus option here and the train option here.

By Car:

Driving to Rovinj is quite easy and we did not find the roads to be very congested. The biggest challenge always comes when you ask the question “Where to park the car”? Old Town Rovinj was built by the Venetians and is comprised of very narrow, mostly un-drivable alleyways. Therefore, it is important to find a parking spot outside of the ancient city walls.

Parking

We personally parked in the Parkplatz Rovinj because it was the closer to town and more convenient for our purposes. Of course, that also means that it is a bit pricier.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a free parking spot, you might consider this option. However, it is important to note that you will also have a 10 minute walk to get to the town.

Romantic Things to do in Rovinj, Croatia

1. Take a dip in Rovinj’s Perfectly Teal Blue Waters

Pictured above, you can see one of the many places to enjoy the water in Rovinj: Plaža Balota. This spot can get crowded, so be sure to arrive early to claim your spot!

It is important to note that the coastline here is not a sandy coastline. Therefore, it is much rockier and pebbled than what many people might first imagine for a beach. Therefore, you will want to be mindful of what kind of footwear you decide to pack for your romantic getaway in Rovinj. In my opinion, flip flops really don’t cut it here. The best options are either good quality water shoes or water sandals.

You can see a map of other nearby beaches by clicking here.

2. Dine on Delicious Seafood in Romantic Ravinj

One of the benefits of visiting coastal towns is the access to delicious and super fresh and delicious seafood. A highlight of our trip was a stop in at the Tunaholic Fish Bar. I got the salmon burger and my husband got the tuna burger. Both were flavorful, perfectly cooked, and served on soft, locally made, black squid ink buns.

Please note that there is limited seating at this little restaurant. My suggestion to you is to get it to go and find a nice spot with an ocean view to enjoy them!

You will find lots of other seafood restaurants throughout the village, so explore the options and enjoy!

3. Enjoy the View From the Top at the Church of Saint Euphemia

View of Rovinj From the Church of Saint Euphemia Tower

Church of Saint Euphemia in Rovinj, Croatia

View of an Island Just off the Shore From Rovinj

If you are looking for a romantic overlook of Rovinj, this is the best spot. Climbing up the narrow staircase to the top of the tower can seem a bit daunting at first. And, especially towards the top, there are a few precarious steps. But, you will be well rewarded with a cool breeze and fantastic views across Rovinj and the Adriatic Sea.

For more information on opening hours, the cost for tickets to climb the tower, and more, please visit the church’s official website.

4. Get Lost Wandering Rovinj’s Romantic Alleyways

A Passageway in Romantic Rovinj, Croatia

I think that walking around adorable alleyways is one of the most romantic things to do in Rovinj. You will find that they are full of cute souvenir stores, gelato shops, and locally made arts and craft stores. So take your time and explore. There’s no need to rush through here. Enjoy the sun, eat some creamy gelato, and enjoy the time with one another.

Travel Tip: If you are looking for amazing, creamy, and flavorful Italian gelato, we particularly loved the Gelataria Italia.

5. Take a Day Trip to Piran, Slovenia

Piran is another old Venetian city with many old Italian features, but it has now been incorporated into Slovenia. In some ways it is similar to Rovinj: architectural style, delicious seafood, beautiful water to swim in, etc.

But, in other ways it is completely different. For one thing, Piran is certainly smaller, which some people might prefer. It also had a bit more of a subdued feel to it, whereas Rovinj seemed to have more vibrance and energy.

I’ve seen a lot of people ask which one is better to visit: Rovinj or Piran? And, to be honest, I asked the same question. At the end of the day, I would say that Rovinj was my favorite of the two. But, I am also really glad that we visited both because they really are quite different from one another.

If you would like to read a bit more about Piran, you can check out my post: Top 5 Amazing Places to Visit on Your Vacation in Slovenia

Getting From Rovinj to Piran

The best option to get to Piran is by driving yourself, which takes about 1 hr.

Alternatively, you can take the FlixBus to Portorož, which takes about 2 hrs. From there, you can take a 6 minute local bus ride to Piran.

In Conclusion

I hope that this post has offered you some great inspiration for your visit to Romantic Rovinj. I would love to hear your thoughts and recommendations for Rovinj in the comments below!

Happy Travels,
<3 Christine