Rovinj
Food | Wine | ArchitectureRovinj Travel Guide: Things to Know Before You Go
We visited Rovinj for the first time in April 2012, and we’ve been looking forward to returning ever since. Over a decade later, we stayed in Rovinj for the whole month of August.
We can’t say enough good things about Rovinj. The old town located on the domed peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea is beautiful from every angle.
Rovinj is a wonderful place to spend a day, a week, or a month. It offers the perfect blend of authentic character, modern luxury, and a little bit of nature to balance it out.
Below is a guide to our favorite food, wine, and architecture in Rovinj, plus some additional travel tips and resources we picked up along the way. We hope this information will inspire you to plan your next trip!
This website contains affiliate links that may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Where Is Rovinj Located?
Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Rovinj?
- Hotels in Rovinj
What Is the Best Time to Visit Rovinj?
- Weather
- Shoulder Season
- Best Value
FAQs About Rovinj
Other Things to Know About Rovinj
Rovinj Blog Posts
Rovinj Food
Rovinj is a working fishing port so it will be no surprise to learn that fresh fish and other kinds of seafood dominate the restaurant menus. However, the Istrian peninsula’s long history of agriculture is evidenced by the many uses of beef and pork.
Regardless of the protein involved, Rovinj’s traditional dishes are strongly influenced by Italian cuisine due to its location and history of Venetian rule.
Rovinj Wine
Rovinj, like Motovun, is located in the region of Istria. Navigate over to the Istria Wine page for information about Istrian wine varietals.
Rovinj clearly benefits from the local wine industry. From the wine shops to white tablecloth restaurants, there is plenty of vino to be tasted!
Rovinj Architecture
The centerpiece of Rovinj is the old town peninsula which, until the canal was filled in 1763, was actually an island. The limited space required the construction of narrow houses, narrow streets, and small squares.
According to the Rovinj tourist board, the old city was proclaimed a monument of culture in 1963 due to its distinct features.
Where Is Rovinj Located?
Rovinj is a seaside town in northwestern Croatia on the Adriatic Sea. It is a 1 hr 30 min drive south of Trieste, Italy, and a 1 hr 15 min drive west of Rijeka, Croatia.
Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Rovinj?
Hotels in Rovinj
For the best experience, we recommend staying near or in Rovinj Old Town. The castle marker in the map below is the top of the Old Town.
For 5-star beach experiences, check out Grand Park Hotel Rovinj and Hotel Monte Mulini. Both have multiple pools, beach access, and stunning views within a 10-minute walk of the Old Town. Whether you’re a budget or luxury traveler, Rovinj has accommodation options to fit everyone’s needs.
Here’s an interactive map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.
Book your stay now!
What Is The Best Time To Visit Rovinj?
The best month to visit Rovinj depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best weather, fewer crowds, or the best value? Following are our suggestions for each.
Weather
The best weather is a personal preference. We find the best weather for exploring a city is around 55° F and sunny. The weather in Rovinj during the summer can be very hot, but sunbathing, swimming in the Adriatic Sea, and boating are the most popular activities.
Below is a chart showing the average high and low temperatures for each month so you can decide what is best for you.
Shoulder Season
The time of the year with good weather and fewer crowds is often referred to as the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Rovinj is April, May, September, and October. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit.
We spent the month of August in Rovinj and thought the weather was very hot, accommodations were very expensive, and the old town was jam-packed with tourists.
Rovinj is a very popular destination for European tourists, specifically families from Italy, Austria, Germany, Slovenia, and Croatia.
Since it attracts many families, its peak season is the summer months with August being the busiest.
The best shoulder season for Rovinj is when the weather is good for swimming so you can enjoy the beautiful beaches without the large crowds.
Best Value
January and February are good months to visit Rovinj for the best value and with few crowds. Winters are cold in Rovinj, and if you are happy not lying on the beaches or swimming in the Adriatic Sea, it is a great time to visit and enjoy the beautiful Old Town without the crazy crowds.
FAQs About Rovinj
What is Rovinj Famous For?
Rovinj, Croatia is famous for its Old Town. The charming car-free Old Town of Rovinj is perfect for wandering and getting lost in its narrow streets and alleys. The countless colorful houses create a breathtaking ambiance that will leave visitors in awe. Located on a small peninsula, it offers picturesque views of the surrounding area. Whether you want to relax or explore, the Old Town of Rovinj has something for everyone.
Is Rovinj Pretty?
The architecture in Rovinj is absolutely stunning, and the nearby beaches are equally impressive. Whether you’re strolling along the promenade or admiring the harbor, there are plenty of spots to enjoy the beautiful views of Rovinj.
Rovinj also offers breathtaking sunsets that are a must-see for any traveler. With its unique shape and curve along the west coast, Rovinj provides plenty of vantage points to capture stunning sunset photos from different angles. Whether you’re enjoying a drink at the sunset bar of Hotel Katarina or capturing the view from the car park north of the old town, the beauty of Rovinj during sunset is truly captivating. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience when visiting this picturesque destination.
Is Rovinj Worth Going To?
If you enjoy a beautiful old town, stunning beaches, wonderful seafood, and fantastic local wine, then Rovinj is definitely worth going to. We explored this question in depth in our article “Is Rovinj Worth Visiting?”
How Many Days Do You Need in Rovinj?
You can thoroughly explore Rovinj’s Old Town in one day. We recommend 2-3 days for a more complete experience, including enjoying the local beaches. For a list of the best things to see and a suggested walking tour, check out our article “7 Best Things to See in Rovinj.”
How many nights to spend in Rovinj?
The number of nights to spend in Rovinj depends on your personal preferences and the activities you plan to do. Rovinj is a beautiful coastal town in Croatia with plenty to offer, including historic sights, charming streets, and stunning beaches. For a relaxed visit, 2-3 nights may be sufficient to explore the main attractions and enjoy some leisurely time by the sea. However, if you want to experience more of the surrounding area or participate in outdoor activities such as hiking or boat trips, you may want to consider staying for 4-5 nights or longer. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how much time you want to spend in Rovinj based on your interests and schedule.
Is Rovinj Expensive?
Yes, Rovinj is a very expensive destination. Rovinj is a small town, and it’s very popular with Italian, German, Austrian, Slovenian, and Croatian tourists. The high demand and a limited number of accommodations and restaurants have created expensive prices. However, the cost ultimately depends on the level of luxury required. We prepared a Budget for a Month in Rovinj that analyzes all the necessary expenses.
What Region Is Rovinj in?
Rovinj is located in the Istria region of Croatia.
How to Get to Rovinj?
Rovinj is a seaside town that does not have a train station. You can get to Rovinj by car, bus, or ferry.
Ferry – There are ferries to Rovinj from Venice during the high season.
Car – You can rent a car at your arriving airport or train station and drive to Rovinj. If you prefer not to drive yourself, private transfers are a popular option in Croatia. For private transfers, we recommend GetTransfer. For rental cars and price comparisons of international and local brands, we recommend Discover Cars.
Bus – FlixBus and GoOpti are very popular bus options that have direct bus routes from Rovinj to major European cities. It is nice that their websites offer schedules and online ticket purchasing.
Which is nicer Rovinj or Poreč?
Both Rovinj and Poreč are beautiful coastal towns in Croatia, each with their own unique charm.
Rovinj is known for its picturesque old town, colorful buildings, and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. It has a romantic and artistic atmosphere, with narrow streets to explore and a vibrant cultural scene.
Poreč, on the other hand, is famous for its well-preserved Roman architecture and its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Euphrasian Basilica. It also offers beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a lively waterfront promenade.
Ultimately, whether Rovinj or Poreč is nicer will depend on your personal preferences. Both towns have their own distinct character and attractions that make them worth visiting.
Other Things To Know About Rovinj
Airport
Pula Airport (code: PUY) – there are no direct flights from the United States to PUY. Most connecting cities are in Germany. From Pula Airport, it is a 45 min drive to Rovinj, Croatia.
Rijeka Airport (code: RJK) – there are no direct flights from the United States to RJK. Most connecting cities are in Germany. From Rijeka Airport, it is a 1 hr 30 min drive to Rovinj, Croatia.
Trieste Airport (code: TRS) – there are no direct flights from the United States to TRS so you will need to connect in a European city. From Trieste Airport, it is a 2 hr drive to Rovinj, Croatia.
Venice Marco Polo Airport (code: VCE) – there are direct flights from Philadephia, JFK, Newark, and Atlanta to VCE.
From VCE, a shuttle bus to Venice Mestre Train Station followed by a 3-hour 30-minute train ride to Trieste Centrale train station. From Trieste Centrale train station it is a 1 hr 30 min drive to Rovinj, Croatia.
Alternatively, it is a 3 hr drive from Venice Marco Polo Airport.
Time Zone
Central European Standard Time (GMT +1)
Currency
Euro €
Language
Croatian and Italian – Rovinj is a town where English is abundantly spoken.
Visa
Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa to visit Croatia if they stay 90 days or less. For more information on visa-free travel in Croatia, check out our article on traveling visa-free.
Electricity
Croatia’s electrical outlets are Type C, F, and L. They have a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Travelers from the United States will need an adapter.
If you have many items to plug in, we recommend a travel power strip with multiple USBs and standard plug-ins. Using a power strip, you will only need one adapter to plug the strip into the wall.
SIM Card
Travelers will want a SIM card for Croatia. You can get either a local SIM card or an eSIM card.
To get a local SIM card, you have to find a local cellular service provider, often stand in line for assistance, show your passport, and complete some paperwork. The SIM cards work great, but purchasing them is somewhat inconvenient. This option is best if you need more than 5GB of data.
We use eSIMs exclusively because they can be purchased through an app prior to arrival in a new country and activated when you hit a cell tower in the country. We use Airalo eSIMs. They work great, and I recommend them if you plan to use less than 5 GB of data during your stay or if you need internet immediately on arrival.
Car Rental
Croatia has a limited train system, and rental cars or private transfers are often required when visiting the country.
The large car rental companies in Rovinj are Enterprise and Sixt. For a comparison of rental car offers from large, international brands and smaller regional brands, we recommend Discover Cars.
Rovinj Blog Posts
21 Pros and Cons of Living in Rovinj, Croatia
Rovinj, Croatia is a picturesque town on the Istrian Peninsula that has captured many hearts with its beauty and old-world charm. If you're looking for palm-fringed beaches, charming cobblestone streets, and a relaxed Mediterranean...
Budget for a Month in Rovinj, Croatia
The budget for a month in Rovinj, Croatia depends on the level of luxury required. We believe that traveling full-time requires a moderate level of comfort. Most people (us included) could not stay in a hostel month after month and...
Is Rovinj Worth Visiting?
Rovinj is a small town in Croatia that is definitely worth visiting for its charming atmosphere and beautiful scenery. If you're looking for a pretty seaside destination with a great atmosphere, Rovinj should definitely be on your list of...
7 Best Things to See in Rovinj, Croatia
Rovinj, Croatia offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. From strolling along the scenic waterfront to exploring the Old Town, there is something for everyone. If you’re interested in architecture, the best...
Archives
We also visited Rovinj in May 2012…
