A day trip to Rovinj from Poreč

Rovinj is the town on the postcards: pastel houses rising straight out of the sea, a bell tower on the top of the hill, fishing boats in the harbour. It is busier than Poreč in summer, but early in the day and at sunset it is magical. From our villas it is an easy day out.

Getting there

Rovinj is about 40 minutes south of Poreč by car, on the road that loops around the head of the Lim bay. Leave early in July and August: parking fills up by mid-morning. Park in one of the big paid car parks on the edge of the centre and walk in; the old town is pedestrian.

Morning: the old town and St Euphemia

The old town stands on what was once an island, joined to the mainland in the 18th century. Wander uphill through the narrow lanes, where steps run down to the sea between houses.

At the top is the Baroque church of St Euphemia, built in the 1720s and 1730s. Its bell tower, about 60 m tall, was modelled on the campanile of St Mark’s in Venice, and a copper statue of St Euphemia on the top turns with the wind like a weather vane. Inside the church is the saint’s sarcophagus, which according to legend washed up on the shore and could only be pulled up the hill by a young boy with two oxen.

In season you can climb the bell tower for a view over the roofs and the islands. The stairs are steep and wooden.

Late morning: Grisia

Walk down Grisia, the steep cobbled street from the church to the old town gate, lined with galleries and studios. In August the street traditionally fills with an open-air art exhibition.

Lunch

Eat in the old town or along the harbour. Seafood is the obvious choice. Read our guide to seafood in Istria for what to order and how fish is priced.

Afternoon: the Golden Cape

South of the harbour, the Golden Cape (Zlatni rt) is a forest park planted in the 19th century, with cypress, cedar and pine trees, a coastal path and rocky coves. It is the best place to swim near Rovinj and to cool off in the shade. Walk or cycle from the town.

Sunset

Come back to the old town for sunset. The west-facing rocks below the church and the harbour front are the classic spots.

More around Rovinj

• Islands: boats from the harbour go to St Andrew (Crveni otok) and St Catherine for swimming.
• Diving: the famous Baron Gautsch wreck lies off Rovinj. See our diving and snorkelling guide.
• Lim bay: stop on the way back for oysters. See our Lim bay and Vrsar guide.

Tips

• Go early or late. Midday in August is hot and crowded.
• Wear good shoes. The stone lanes are steep and polished.
• Bring cash for small purchases, though cards are widely accepted.

Where to stay

Rovinj is a day trip, not a base, for our guests. Back at Villa Duga, Villa Bina or Villa Cvita Domenica, there is a private pool and a quiet evening waiting. For more ideas, see our one-week Istria itinerary.