Rovinj is located on the western coast of the Istrian Peninsula in Croatia. The city has a very mixed identity having been ruled by many different groups over the centuries. For five hundred years until the end of the eighteenth century, Rovinj was ruled by the Republic of Venice, the influence of which is seen in much of its architecture. It then became part of the Austrian Empire until the end of the First World War, after which it belonged to Italy, and finally after the Second World War, it became part of Yugoslavia. The original town was built on a small island very close to the coast. It became part of the mainland when the channel was filled in the mid eighteenth century. As you see, Rovinj has had a colourful history with numerous invaders and yet it still welcomes overseas visitors with open arms. The beaches here are comprised of pebbles and shingle, the waters are crystal clear and a wide variety of water sports are offered. Modern accommodation provides excellent amenities, restaurants cater for all tastes and nightlife is relaxed. The warren of narrow cobbled streets in the old town are filled with wonderful buildings and churches as well as many small shops and pavement cafes. A Rovinj holiday offers much more than lazy days on the beach or lounging by the pool. Visitors can enjoy many sports both in and out of the water, sightseeing in the old town, visits to neighbouring Porec and, since Venice lies just across the bay, a day trip to what is considered by many to be the most beautiful city in the world.
Rovinj is an ideal base for those wishing to combine a cultural visit with a relaxing seaside holiday. The beauty of the surrounding countryside, the crystal clear waters and its rich history combine to make Rovinj a very popular holiday destination. It also benefits from its proximity to Porec.
Rovinj holidays are very popular with British holidaymakers thanks to its exceptionally sunny climate, its stunning scenery and its historic centre. The pebbly beaches will probably deter families with small children for whom buckets, spades and acres of sand are considered essential holiday ingredients. There are however many sheltered coves and inlets where you get away from the crowds and bathe in clear blue waters.
The climate along the Adriatic coast gives long dry summers and pleasantly mild winters. Rovinj can be visited at any time of year but the long summer holiday season lasts from April until October.
Rovinj is part of Croatia’s Istrian Riviera that enjoys a perfect climate with long hot summers and mild winters. It is a beautiful walled town filled with narrow winding cobbled streets where wrought iron balconies and doorsteps overflow with blossoming plants. The architecture in the old town, with its Venetian influences, is most attractive and the eighteenth century Baroque church which dominates the skyline, dedicated to St. Euphemia, is well worth a visit.
Rovinj’s beaches will disappoint those looking for swathes of golden sand as the many small coves and inlets are rocky and where they are manmade, the rocks are covered in shingle. However, the quality of the water and the marine life compensate for this and snorkelling here is very rewarding. It is also possible to find your own small cove away from crowds that offer some degree of privacy. The larger bays slope gently into the warm Adriatic waters providing safe bathing for children and less confident swimmers. The beaches are all tree lined offering shade in the heat of the day. A variety of water sports are offered for those who enjoy a more active holiday.
Rovinj has a range of accommodation from four star inclusive hotels to apartments, villas and small family run bed and breakfasts. Its restaurants serve a variety of menu that satisfies most tastes and budgets and it offers good shopping facilities. Nightlife can be as vibrant or as relaxed as you wish as Rovinj has venues to please all.
A Rovinj holiday has much to recommend it as it possesses both natural and manmade beauty and can be as relaxing or as energetic as you wish. It also makes a good base from which to explore the surrounding countryside and neighbouring towns and villages.
Although Rovinj has a number of lively bars and discos, its nightlife is fairly relaxed with evenings spent dining under the stars. Local festivals tend to up the tempo a little. Those who wish to party will find the liveliest bars overlooking the pier. The Monvi centre also has a party atmosphere with bars, discos, a nightclub and an open air theatre where concerts are held.
Shopping in Croatia is generally more expensive than in Britain, but the quality of goods tends to be excellent. Certainly you should be prepared to spend more on food whilst there. Rovinj has many small shops in the old town where tourists can purchase traditional handicrafts such as wood carvings, ceramics and embroidered linens. The main shopping street is Carrera and here you will find many small specialist shops, boutiques and galleries. The area is pedestrianised and makes for a pleasant retail experience
Rovinj has numerous restaurants, bistros and cafes serving a variety of cuisine that caters for most tastes and pockets. Fish features prominently on menus and there are some excellent eateries down by the harbour and along the seafront. Enjoy your evening meal while watching glorious sunsets and end the day with a relaxing travarica which is a locally produced herbal brandy. Croatian wines are pleasant and inexpensive.
