Rovinj Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Rovinj

Rovinj is one of the most developed seaside resorts in Croatia, offering a whole range of visitor opportunities in a picturesque ambience of the ancient town, surrounded by luxuriant pine forests (the cape of Zlatni Rt is designated as a park forest, while the coast and islands of Rovinj are set aside as a protected landscape).

Rovinj has grown up around a charming Venetian-built old town, set on a headland overlooking a picturesque harbour, whose entrance is guarded by St Katerina Island.

The riviera of Rovinj features a great number of hotels, tourist villages, campsites and marinas, as well as many catering establishments.

Locality:

Rovinj is situated in the extreme W of Croatia, midway down the W coast of the Istrian Peninsula (15 mls SE of Vrsar, 25 mls NW of Pula and its airport). The old town occupies a small promontory opposite a harbour and several small islands just offshore, with Valdibora Bay to the N and St Katerina Bay to the S; backed by farmland and rolling countryside. Rovinj forms part of an archipelago encompassing many inlets and 22 islets.

Rovinj is a resort for mainly middlemarket younger families and more mature couples. Particularly popular with Italians and Germans. Predominantly large, unexceptional 70s-built hotels providing adequate in-house facilities and entertainments. Most are situated E of the old town and harbour, perched above the sea, although within a short, level walk of it along the seafront promenade. A couple of properties enjoy more privacy on nearby islands.

The beaches are very poor to nonexistent close to town, merely a succession of patchy, narrow rock and stone supplemented by a series of concrete bathing platforms and small boat jetties. Countless pebble and stone coves on some outlying islands and along the coast.

Sports and recreation play an extremely important role within visitor opportunities offered in Rovinj. Competitions, tournaments, sports schools (tennis, diving, windsurfing etc.) and trainings are organized. Sports grounds, facilities and equipment are rented.

Among sports facilities important are various playgrounds - football, basketball, handball and volleyball, as well as the multi-functional sports hall, the eight-lane bowling alley, outdoor (Olympic) and indoor pools for swimming and water-polo, gyms, recreational and cycling trails. Water sports opportunities include yachting, rowing, windsurfing and water-skiing.

Daytime can be spent exploring the old town including local museum (art and archaeological exhibitions), aquarium, St Euphemia church and Franciscan monastery. Boat trips to local islands and resorts along the coast for alternative sunbathing, shopping and barbecues, water sports including water-skiing, windsurfing, parascending, sailing and pedalloes. Fishing (permit available from tourist office); tennis; horse riding; bowling; gym.

A number of regattas are held annually and there is an art festival in July.

The nightlife is relaxed and informal, with most hotels offering organised programmes that include local bands and dancing, classical concerts.

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Population: 4.495.900
Languages: Croatian 96% (official), other 4% (including Itali
Currency: kuna
Currency code: HRK
Local Times:
Croatia - Zagreb

Country Dialling Code: +385
Voltage: 220V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 Parallel circular prongs

'Schuko' type with two earth connectors on the sides

The Republic of Croatia is bordered by Slovenia , Hungary , Serbia and Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina . Its long Adriatic coastline has over a thousand islands and islets - some of the larger islands are Brac , Krk , Cres , Hvar , Korcula and Mljet. Croatia has a beautiful rugged landscape. A system of National Parks has been established that protects the country's flora and fauna. The Parks include the National Park on the island of Mljet , Kornati National Park, Krka , and the Plitvice Lakes.

Croatia has brushed aside a decade of civil unrest and is once again emerging as a popular tourist destination. With an impressive coastline of around 1,185 islands, reefs and islets, roman ruins and beautiful medieval villages.

Croatia has an impressive history, a fact that is best explained through the vast array of sites worth visiting. Most towns have an historical centre with its typical architecture. There are differences between the coast and the continental part, so both areas are a must. The most famous is Dubrovnik, a prime example of the coastal architecture, but by no means the only one worth visiting. Equally important is the capital and largest city, Zagreb, with a population of about 1 million. It is a modern city with all the modern features, yet it has a laid back feel. In the E, in the region of Slavonija with its regional capital Osijek and the war torn Vukovar are awe inspiring. Scattered throughout the region are vineyards and wine cellars, most of which give tours and tastings. Those looking for some sun, great food and a little history will want to put Croatia on their travel shortlist.

Rovinj Travel Guide

Rovinj Suitability Profile