🇭🇷 Croatia · Places to discover
What to see in Rovinj ?
24 places curated by Hozy - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
MAP · OVERVIEW
Landmarks & heritage (8)
Church of Sainte-Euphémie, Rovinj
Landmark
Baroque basilica commanding the old town since 1736, its 60-metre bell tower offering exceptional panoramic views across the Rovinj archipelago. The relics of the martyred saint are enshrined within a Roman sarcophagus dating from the 4th century.Balbi Arch
Landmark
Monumental Baroque gateway from 1679 marking the entrance to the old town, crowned with a Turkish bust and a winged Venetian lion. An essential vestige of the fortifications that protected the city under the Venetian Republic.Museum of the City of Rovinj
Landmark
Housed within the Baroque Califfi palace, this museum traces Rovinj's history from prehistory through the Venetian era, featuring a fine collection of Flemish and Italian paintings. Often overlooked by hurried visitors, it reveals the true soul of the city.Clock Tower and Gate of the Pigs
Landmark
Medieval fortified ensemble comprising a square tower from the 14th century and one of three historic gates providing access to the old town. The Baroque clock tower adjoining it was added in the 18th century by the Venetians.Public Cistern of Marafor Square
Landmark
Square of ancient Roman times (the Roman forum) where fragments survive of the temple of Neptune and Mars, alongside an 18th-century Venetian cistern. The most history-laden spot on the peninsula, yet often traversed unnoticed.Califfi Palace
Landmark
17th-century Baroque edifice at the heart of the old town, a textbook example of Venetian patrician architecture in Istria. Its austere façade conceals a remarkable interior courtyard.House of Battles (Casa dei Combattimenti)
Landmark
15th-century medieval dwelling ornamented with a sculpted combat relief on its façade, a rare testament to the city's civic Gothic architecture. Few visitors pause to admire it, despite its singular character.Old Town of Rovinj - Grisia Lane
Landmark
The principal thoroughfare of the medieval peninsula, paved with smooth stones worn smooth by centuries of footfall, lined with galleries showcasing local artists. Each August, it transforms into an open-air gallery during the celebrated plein-air painting competition.Nature & parks (4)
Red Island (Crveni Otok - San Giovanni in Pelago)
Nature
The largest island in the Rovinj archipelago, connected to Maškin Island by a causeway and once the private estate of Baron Hütterott, now a resort. Its crystalline waters and secluded coves make it a gem accessible by water taxi.Coastal Path - Rovinj to Monsena
Nature
A 4km walking trail hugging the rocky coast north of Rovinj, passing wild coves, pine woods and island views. Minimally marked but well-trodden by local joggers and walkers early in the morning.Island of Sainte-Catherine (Sveta Katarina)
Nature
Small island five minutes by boat from the harbour, dominated by a historic hotel yet freely accessible along its rocky shores. Commanding views of Rovinj's old town from its eastern coast.Zlatni Rt Forest Nature Park (Punta Corrente)
Nature
Pine and cypress forest planted in the late 19th century by Baron Hütterott on a rocky peninsula south of Rovinj. Ideal for swimming in secluded coves, picnicking beneath the shade, or paddling the coastline by kayak.Viewpoints (3)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAViewpoint over the Harbour from Carera Street
Viewpoint
The old town's main thoroughfare opens onto natural terraces overlooking the colourful harbour and its fishing boats. In early morning, fishermen still unload their nets here in an authentically atmospheric scene.Rovinj Lighthouse (Svjetionik Rovinj)
Viewpoint
An active lighthouse on the southern tip of the Rovinj peninsula, surrounded by pines and rocks battered by waves. Accessible on foot from Zlatni Rt, it commands an unobstructed view across the offshore islands.Sunset from the Terrace at the Foot of Saint Euphemia
Viewpoint
The locals' essential spot for watching the sun dip into the Adriatic, with the old town silhouetted against the sky. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to secure a spot on the rocks facing west.Activities (4)
Open-Air Painting Studio - Old Town
Activity
Since the 19th century, Rovinj has attracted artists and painters who still work in the narrow streets today. Several studios welcome visitors and offer watercolour and oil painting courses.Boat Excursion to Rovinj Archipelago
Activity
Local boatmen offer full-day trips to the 14 islands of the archipelago, with swimming stops in coves inaccessible on foot. Small private boats are preferable to group tours for greater freedom.Sea Kayak Rental - Zlatni Rt Coast
Activity
Several operators offer kayaks and SUP boards from Lone beach to explore the rocky coves and sea caves along the coast up to the archipelago. A sunrise paddle out to the islands is an unforgettable experience.Rovinj Market (Tržnica Rovinj)
Activity
Covered and open-air market where local producers sell vegetables, cheeses, honey, olive oil and Istrian truffles. Between 7am and 10am is the true pulse of the town, before the tour coaches arrive.Beaches (3)
Mulini Beach (Plaža Mulini)
Beach
Developed rocky beach at the foot of the Lone hotel, with jetties and sea-access ladders. Flat rocks allow you to sunbathe facing the open sea with views of the old town behind.Cuvi Beach (Uvala Cuvi)
Beach
Small wild cove north of Rovinj, accessible only on foot or by kayak, with turquoise waters and white pebbles. One of the few undeveloped beaches near the centre, ideal for escaping the crowds.Lone Beach (Uvala Lone)
Beach
Natural rocky cove bordered by the Zlatni Rt forest, with bathing areas on flat stone slabs. Less crowded than developed beaches, this is where locals spend their weekends.More to discover (2)
Rovinj Marine Research Centre (Ruđer Bošković Institute)
Place
One of Central Europe's oldest marine biology institutes, founded in 1891, offering public visits to its historic aquarium showcasing Adriatic fauna. A little-known and fascinating spot away from the tourist trail.Istrian Fine Groceries - Zigante Tartufi Rovinj
Place
Shop of the renowned Istrian truffle house founded by Giancarlo Zigante, offering tastings and sales of white and black Istrian truffle products. Istrian white truffle rivals that of Alba — an unmissable gastronomic discovery.