Rovinj walking tour & city guide
A colorful Istrian town rising from the sea.
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Rovinj, on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula, is one of the most romantic towns on the Adriatic. Its pastel houses crowd a small hill that was once an island, topped by a tall Venetian-style bell tower, and the narrow streets lead down to the water on every side.
The old town
The cobbled lanes of the old town, polished smooth over the centuries, climb to the Church of St Euphemia, a baroque church dedicated to the town's patron saint. Its 60-meter bell tower, modeled on St Mark's in Venice, can be climbed for a view over the town and the islands.
Grisia Street, on the way up, is lined with art galleries and studios, and every August it hosts an open-air art exhibition. Many houses have their foundations directly in the sea, and small doors open onto the water.
The harbor and the coast
The harbor is full of fishing boats, including the traditional 'batana' boats, which have their own small museum. South of the town, the Golden Cape forest park has pine forests, walking and cycling paths, and rocky beaches with very clear water.
Boats go to the nearby islands of St Catherine and St Andrew, and to the Lim Fjord, a long sea inlet known for its oysters and mussels.
Visiting tips
Rovinj's old town is pedestrian, so park outside and walk in. Sunset over the sea, seen from the rocks below the church, is magical. Istria's hilltop towns like Motovun and Grožnjan, famous for truffles and wine, are an easy drive inland.
Top sights in Rovinj
- 1
Church of St Euphemia
A hilltop church with a bell tower view.
- 2
Grisia Street
A lane of art galleries.
- 3
Old harbor
Fishing boats and pastel houses.
- 4
Batana House
A museum of the traditional fishing boat.
- 5
Golden Cape Forest Park
Pine forests and clear-water coves.
- 6
Lim Fjord
A long sea inlet nearby.
Food markets & where to eat in Rovinj
Rovinj market
A morning market with Istrian produce.
Harbor promenade
Seafood restaurants facing the boats.
Old town konobas
Small taverns in the lanes.
Lim Fjord
Restaurants serving fresh oysters and mussels.
Food to try in Rovinj
Truffle pasta
Fuži or pljukanci with Istrian truffles.
Istrian olive oil
Some of the best in the Mediterranean.
Malvazija wine
The region's crisp white wine.
Fresh oysters
From the Lim Fjord.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Rovinj
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in RovinjCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Rovinj.
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