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1. Free Walking Tour

The Rovinj Tourist Board offers free walking tours. We generally advise going on the free walking tour. It is a tip-based tour. When the tour is complete you may offer a tip to the guide. This helps us to familiarize ourselves with the city and helps us to know what we want to spend time coming back to see later. Generally, the guide will answer any questions you may have as well as give you a bit of the city’s historical perspectives. Also, feel free to ask the guide for restaurant ideas especially if you have specific dietary needs. Sometimes guides can also suggest places you might have not known about or may not have otherwise considered visiting.

We started our trip as we usually do with a free walking tour. The Rovinj Tourism Board gives an excellent free tour every Tuesday that gives you an excellent history of the city and helps you get oriented. We learned that Rovinj was inhabited by the Venetians for over 500 years so there is a big Italian influence in the city. It’s actually one of the city’s official languages so you will see listed on all government buildings. This tour even includes live music and refreshments at the end. And the best part was the tour was truly free. They weren’t working for tips at all.

2. Rovinj Old Town

From the port, wander over to the main square. This square connects the old town on the left with the newer parts of the city on right. It also has a beautiful fountain with a boy with a trout and a clock tower that was built in the 17th century that also used to double as a jail.

When traveling to Rovinj the first thing you want to do is visit Old Town. You’re going to love all the old houses winding streets and corridors that take you around the city. This is a charming and lovely place to enjoy the seaside port and all the local foods. This city gives you the feeling of the old world and gives you the feeling as though you’ve gone back in time. Everything is relaxed and peaceful. The restaurants in the shops are easily accessible. These beautifully colored two and three-story houses tower over you as you walk along narrow streets between them. From 1293 to 1797 Rovinj was one of the most important cities in Istria. Rovinj was governed by the Republic of Venice during this time and was fortified by two defensive walls still partly visible today.

From the port, wander over to the main square. This square connects the old town on the left with the newer parts of the city on right. It also has a beautiful fountain with a boy with a trout and a clock tower that was built in the 17th century that also used to double as a jail.

3. Balbi’s Arch

This arch was built in 1678. On one side of the arch is the head of a Turk on the outside and the head of a Venetian on the inside. This is the site of the old town gate. The arch that leads to Grisia street now stands where the original town gate once stood. Rovinj was once ruled by Venetians and this was a defensive wall to protect the city during that time.

4. St. Euphemia Cathedral

Rovinj’s shores in the 10th century. You can still see her sarcophagus in the church today. We also Just keep climbing uphill and you will eventually reach the crown jewel of Rovinj The Church of Saint Euphemia. This church is named St. Euphemia because her sarcophagus mysteriously washed up on Rovinj’s shores in the 10th century. You can still see her sarcophagus in the church today.

5. Clock Tower

We also recommend paying the 20 kunas ($3 USD) to climb the clock tower to get amazing views of the city. The clock tower stairs are a bit scary as the stairs look ancient, but they are sound and the view is well worth the climb. See the video above at 3:03 seconds as a reference.

6. Grisali Street

Once you leave the church walk down Grisia street to see all the cute artisan shops where you can do some window shopping or pick up a souvenir or two as you make your way back down to the main square. It’s also nice to check out the Monument for fall soldiers. Behind which has another great seaside view of Rovinj.

7. The Monument for Fallen Soldiers

This monument commemorates the victims and fallen soldiers of the Fascist terror in 1940 – 1945. In this area, you will be able to see where once Rovinj island stood. In 1760 the canal was filled which now makes Rovinj area part of the mainland. Where once a bridge stood between the island and the mainland it has all since been connected.

8. Bridge Square

So before 1760, there was a bridge that served to help locals to cross from Old Town Rovinj to the mainland. The bridge no longer exists but the area name still does. It is still called Bridge Square today.

9. Maestral Restuarant

We tried the highly recommended Maestral Restaurant. We were not disappointed the food was great and the view was fantastic.

10. Rovinj Harbor

Next check out the Port of Rijeka. You are going to spend the majority here enjoying the picturesque views, getting gelato, and eating and all of the main seaside restaurants.

You will love the many color-faceted restaurants, homes, and shops. The port is lined with fishing boats of all kinds. Enjoy the walk and hears the sounds of water crashing against the port and listen to the live music from local artists playing in the courtyards around the area. The Adriatic sea is blue and vibrant. Especially come here around time for sunset and be captivated by the natural hues of the sky in the early evening. Have a drink and welcome nightfall.

11. Red Island Boat Tour

We can highly recommend Maestral Boat Tour. Taking a boat tour is another must when you are in Rovinj. There are many excisions to choose from but we when with Define Tours Red Island Tour with Lim Fjord. There are many excisions to choose from but we when with Define Tours Red Island Tour with Lim Fjord. A beautiful natural attraction in Istria. Lim Fjord is a protected area where fishing and boating are strictly prohibited.

Red Island

Seeing Rovinj from the water is simply stunning and we highly recommend it. And the verdict is that Red Island is very nice. Exploring Red Island was delightful. There is a Resort area that includes a restaurant. There were seaside views and a walking path that encircled the island. It is a lovely excursion.

We did not know at the time but later found out the Comb Jellyfish are an invasive species that are taking over the area.

Also, we knew that Europe has nude beaches and we are no longer shocked when we happen upon one. Still, it was new to see people cruising along in their speed boats with no clothes on. It’s not illegal here so be aware.

We were surprised to find there was Salsa music at Pirate Cave. So we ended our boat cruise by dancing Salsa at Pirate Cave. It was a lot of fun.

Lim Fjord

Night Life

Be sure to check out the nightlife in Rovinj. Croatia is known for its fabulous dancers and dance events. We found Salsa dancing at La Concha Casa Mexicana, a local establishment, and we loved it!

12. Mulini Beach

You will eventually come across the Island Hotel which has the best beach on the island. Mulini Beach naturally you can bring your own towel and layout for free on the rocks as well. If you like nature trails then you will love the Golden Cape Forest Park. It has many trails lined with tall cedar and cypress trees on the interior trails and lovely seaside views on the exterior trails. You can walk the trails as we did or rent a bicycle to really see everything quite quickly. A bonus item is to check out the nightlife.

13. Lone Bay Beach

Taking a walk along the beach or going for a swim is very easy and relaxed here. You might just want to get lunch and look out over the Adriatic sea. You can walk and enjoy the park and the nature of the area. Some of the cliff areas are low-lying rocky areas where you can enjoy views of the sea. Along the coast is a spectacularly rocky edge around the beach. Chair rental prices are less expensive here. They were 45 kuna or $6.50 USD / person.

14. Golden Cape Forest Park

Take a nice stroll through Golden Cape Forest Park. It has a variety of lush, tall spruce and pine trees along the trails. This park has trails along the side of the beach and trails inside the park. We also noticed many bicycle riders enjoying the trails also. You might consider renting a bicycle.

15. Rock Climbing

For all the adventure seekers there is rock climbing available for you. If lounging on the beach is not your vibe and you need a bit more activity. There is a mountainside made just for you. It appears to have climbing sites for different skill levels as wellsTh