🇭🇷Croatia · Places to discover
What to see in Rovinj?
16 places selected by the community - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
Landmarks & heritage
5 places
1Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Landmark
Balbi Arch
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.
- 2
Landmark
Landmark
Clock Tower and Gate of the Pigs
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.
- 3
Landmark
Landmark
Public Cistern of Marafor Square
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.
- 4
Landmark
Landmark
House of Battles (Casa dei Combattimenti)
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.
- 5
Landmark
Landmark
Old Town of Rovinj - Grisia Lane
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.
Museums
1 place
- 6
Museum
Museum
Museum of the City of Rovinj
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.
Religious sites
1 place
7Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Religious site
Church of Sainte-Euphémie, Rovinj
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.
Castles & fortresses
1 place
- 8
Castle
Castle
Califfi Palace
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.
Nature
1 place
- 9
Nature
Nature
Island of Sainte-Catherine (Sveta Katarina)
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.
Parks & gardens
1 place
- 10
Park
Park
Zlatni Rt Forest Nature Park (Punta Corrente)
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
2 places
- 11
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Viewpoint over the Harbour from Carera Street
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.
- 12
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Sunset from the Terrace at the Foot of Saint Euphemia
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
2 places
- 13
Activity
Activity
Open-Air Painting Studio - Old Town
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.
- 14
Activity
Activity
Sea Kayak Rental - Zlatni Rt Coast
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.
Beaches
1 place
- 15
Beach
Beach
Lone Beach (Uvala Lone)
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
1 place
- 16
Place
Place
Rovinj Marine Research Centre (Ruđer Bošković Institute)
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.
Also 🇭🇷 in Croatia
