Things to Do in Rovinj & Must-See Attractions

This city gets quite popular in summer when the streets are full of tourists and the restaurants are filled with people enjoying the famous Mediterranean cuisine and fresh seafood from the Adriatic Sea. There are not too many places that will charm you in such a way.

Discover the picturesque city of Rovinj

Situated on the western part of the Istrian coast from Lim Fjord on the north to the town of Bale to the south. It has a very rugged archipelago consisting of 14 islands and 6 cliffs. Rovinj began to develop at the time of the Roman Empire and during the past century has experienced a series of intense times. As evidence, you can see the numerous forts, walls and towers and a large number of monuments from the period of Venetian rule.

Today Rovinj is the city that has the most tourist nights, which should not be surprising because here are some of the best hotels on the Adriatic coast. Its gastronomical and wellness offer, as well as various events for all ages, are increasing every year.

Visit Church of St. Euphemia

Church of St Euphemia was built in 1736. The church preserved its stone-white color through the years with beautiful park and walkway. It is dominated by Baroque style, and its extravagant interior is full of interesting sculptures and frescoes. The church is located at the highest point in the Old Town so it requires some uphill walking.

If you go to church while it is still open don’t miss to go up to the bell tower. From the tower, you get a 360 view of the area which is breathtaking and idyllic, with the sounds of church bells and the dark-blue sea view this place leaves you definitely mesmerized.

Legend says that when Euphemia was 15 years old, she was arrested by Diocletian’s soldiers, and when she refused to give up Christianity, she was tortured with cruelty. But she still remained loyal to Christ and was thrown to the lions who eventually killed her. People say that a sarcophagus came floating in the sea to the coast of Rovinj after a big storm. It is said that many people of Rovinj tried to haul the sarcophagus but no one succeeded. Finally, answering to St. Euphemia’s call, a small boy with two cows managed to haul the sarcophagus up the hill.

The people of Rovinj considered it a miracle, and they proclaimed St. Euphemia the patron-saint of the town. St. Euphemia’s Day is celebrated on September 16.

Explore the Old Town

The Old Town of Rovinj is built on the island, which was only connected with the mainland in the 18th century. The Old Town stands out with many sights and narrow streets in which artists exhibit their works.

The Balbi Arch was built in the 16th century and it represents the grand entrance in the Old Town. It was named after Daniel Balbi who was the mayor at the time. A few hundred years ago, the Old Town sat on an island separate from the mainland and the area where the main square currently sits was a canal, while a bridge connected the high street to the arch. When the canal was filled in, the arch came under the ownership of Balbi house. It is decorated with winged lion of Venice which reminds us that this coast used to be part of Venetian empire.

The Town Clock was built in the 12th century and it marks the center of the winding marble covered streets of the Old town in front of the drinking fountain. The clock stands out on the Main Square because of its color which is a vivid terracotta.

Things to do and see in Rovinj

There are so many fantastic and exciting things you can do or the wonderful things you can see in Rovinj. Let’s go!

Monkodonja Hill Fort

Monkodonja Hill Fort is well-preserved Bronze-Age hill fort. It is located about 5 km south-east of Rovinj. Monkodonja was inhabited in the period between 2000 and 1200 BC and it underwent numerous restoration phases. The settlement is circled by large drywall and as most others, Istrian hillfort settlements are placed on a flattened peak of the hilltop. Hill sights are a combination of the stunning sea view and the Brijuni islands and the land view of the lush Istrian countryside. It is definitely something worth seeing.

Discover beaches in Rovinj

Discover local beaches as Punta Corrente also known as Zlatni Rt (Golden Cape) which is the beautiful beach with a forest, crystal clear sea, pebbles, and rocks. Everybody can find a perfect little spot to enjoy staying at the beach. This is the largest and most popular beach in Rovinj.

Valdaliso beach is surrounded with pines, with an enchanting view of the Old Town of Rovinj. Access to the Valdaliso beach is possible either from the seaside or through the reception of the camp and hotel resort. Its southern part is mostly covered with pebbles, so it is suitable for families with children.
Monte (Baluota) is an attractive stone beach is located in the very center of Rovinj, right next to the church of Saint Euphemia. This unique spot is excellent for sunbathing and it is situated only a few minutes from the main square. The beach is not the best solution for amateur swimmers because of the rocky shore.

Visit Lim Fjord

Lim Fjord is also known as the Lim Bay is located on the western coast of Istria. It is located near Rovinj and Vrsar. The fjord is massively vegetated with pine trees and deciduous trees. The rich lush green makes a stark contrast with the blue water and the grey limestone – a truly beautiful natural phenomenon. The water here contains a large number of planktons, and because of that, the area is a natural hatching site for many fish species. The best way to visit Lim Fjord is by boat, and there are plenty of organized daily excursions on the coast of Rovinj.

Don’t miss these festivals in Rovinj

If you are a jazz lover, there’s Rovinj Spring Jazz Festival. If you like the Latin dance, there’s Sensual Days festival. We are sure everyone can find something for himself in Rovinj. Feel the energy of a festival which makes the whole town dance salsa on the Rovinj Summer Salsa Festival.

On the Grisia Art Fair galleries located on the Grisia Street open their doors and the street becomes an open-air art show with drawings, paintings, and sculptures enhancing the walls and doorways.

Go to the Brijuni Islands

The Brijuni Islands are a group of fourteen small islands. Visit the Nation Park with an unspoiled nature – crystal clear water, small ZOO and Tito’s museum. It is an oasis of the magnificent harmony between humans, animals, and plants. There is plenty of beaches where you can find yourself on your own with no others around. Visit the museum celebrating Tito’s life (former dictator of Yugoslavia) on the island and get to know a little bit of his exceptional life. The Mediterranean garden is also worth a visit with its beautiful lavender hedge and a calm and harmonious atmosphere. Hire a bike or golf car and explore the island on your own.

Go on a boat trip to St. Katarina Island

Take a boat trip to the St. Katarina island near Rovinj. It is romantic, peaceful, stunning – beautiful scenery with all the small bays. The whole St. Katarina Island is covered with pines. It offers a choice of peaceful and beautiful beaches. If you want to relax during your stay jump on the boat and put a relaxation mood on.

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