Rovinj

Immersed in the Romantic Streets with Venetian Flair

Romantic streets meander along picturesque houses to the water, where a bustling, picturesque harbor and old town emerge: The Istrian coastal town of Rovinj, with its charm is - because of historical buildings such as the Church of St. Euphemia, the ramparts, the Balbi Arch, and the entrance gate to the old town - one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia. The remains of the erstwhile rulers create an urban flair and Venetian heritage especially seems to come to life in this city in Istria. In the 18th century, thanks to the Venetian noble families, Rovinj grew to become the strongest naval power in the peninsula. In addition, the city was considered the Istrian center for fishing and shipbuilding.

The spectacular location of the old town on the peninsula has an incomparable charm with the city's narrow streets winding through bars, restaurants and taverns, where the local food and the hospitality of its people delight visitors. Not without reason is Rovinj one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia, whose urban center consists of closely packed buildings which create the  picturesque panorama that crowns the high hilltop with the Church of St. Euphemia. From here the visitor gets a breathtaking view of the city and sea. Romanesque-Gothic buildings and cobbled winding streets ensure that the already beautiful climb to the church is an experience. The tour will lead you further along to the Balbi Arch, which was originally built as a city gate. Remains of the fortress walls can also be seen. The Baptistery of St. Holy Trinity, the oldest building in the city, is still well preserved and also makes for an interesting visit. The Baptistery of St. Holy Trinity now houses an art gallery. The Native Museum is located in the baroque palace of Count Califfi. Across from the old town is the Franciscan Monastery dating back to the 18th century, which is one of its type according to the city monasteries.

Narrow streets lead visitors to galleries, boutiques and places along the way down to the harbor. The harbor has a picturesque location directly bordering the old town and is surrounded by a plethora of colorful facades. Here restaurants, bars and taverns have a large gastronomic selection of  typical local and international cuisine as well as an interesting entertainment program consisting of folk music and dance. In the evening, both in the old town and along the promenade there is a unique flair. Especially in the summer time, there are a variety of cultural events that take place in front of the magnificent backdrop of the old town.

From the Bustling City to the Pristine Nature

Certainly Rovinj enthuses visitors with its spectacular setting of the old town on a peninsula and although Rovinj is one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia, a visit to the other nearby towns in Istria is definitely worth it. North of Rovinj is the Lim channel, a fjord-like inlet which cuts deep into the hinterlands, where you can observe colonies of dolphins while taking a boat trip. In the south of Istria you will find Medulin known for its water sports and its flat sandy beach leading to the sea, in Motovun there are the well-known white truffles and then there is the picturesque Fazana situated near Pula- all worth a visit.

Fazana is a small village, proud of its long fishing tradition and is also a good starting point for a voyage to the Brijuni Marine-National Park on its namesake island of Brijuni. Even Tito knew how to appreciate the beauty of these islands and built here one of his residences where he also received many stately guests and Hollywood stars. Today, the public has access too and can experience the unspoiled nature and abundant wildlife.

Porec, following Rovinj and Pula, belongs to the most important centers on the west coast of Istria. The most famous attraction in Porec is the Euphrasius Basilica. The Bishop building was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Thus joining the long list of Croatian UNESCO sites that are worth visiting while on vacation.

The coast of Rovinj is over 67 kilometers long, where you will find a great variety of beaches ranging from those with extensive leisure facilities, to isolated, romantic coves; a beach for every taste. Visitors never cease to be amazed by the virgin beauty of the local beaches; rocky beaches follow areas of green growth and pebbled beaches follow rocky plateaus. Always worth a visit are the beautiful beaches on the nearby lying islands as well as the popular Dolphin Beach. Nudist beach sections are mainly found on the beaches of Polari, Skaraba, Valalta and Valdaliso. Official dog beach sections are located at the Zlatni Rt Forest Park (not to be confused with the Zlatni rat!) and in the Bay of Skaraba.