Explore the unspoiled Istrian beauty (Rovinj)

Member Name: samanosuke74

Product:	Rovinj
Date:	08/01/07 (1197 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Idyllic spot for any summer traveller

Disadvantages: to crowded in August with lots of tourists

There are few places in the world which once visited you would like to come back many times again. If you are regular traveller to summer destinations around Europe then might you have experienced Rovinj (or Rovigno in Italian) one of the most beautiful spots on the Adriatic coast.
If you never had a chance to visit this “jewel of Istrian peninsula” maybe this text will help you to add Rovinj into one of your next summer itineraries.

Rovinj is situated on the west coast of Istria (local Croatian name for peninsula is Istra).
Most of the busy tourist destinations are situated on the western coats because of easy approach to the sea, mild climate and beautiful unspoiled nature that makes Istria a unique spot in this part of Europe.

In some way Rovinj has unofficial status of a symbol of Istria and Croatia.
If you ever seen any advertisement for tourism in Croatia, there are three things that are always included in any brochure, video or presentation;
Dubrovnik, well known medieval town on the south with huge history and precious heritage of the country, Bol on the island or Brac, recognisable horn-shaped beach surrounded by crystal clear Adriatic sea, and Rovinj, town that was once an island, and it was attached to the mainland at some point in the history.
For some people Rovinj is Venice’s little brother, and there are few reasons for this. In the history Rovinj was governed by Venice and in last few hundred years, two cities have developed strong relations. Even if you are visiting Venice, and if you fancy seeing what is on the other side of Adriatic, you can take a cruise to Rovinj which is approximately 2 hours away.

Rovinj is first mentioned sometime between 3rd and 5th century DC under name Castrum Rubini when this was only a small, barely inhabited island. During the centuries many different people and cultures occupied this magical place, especially those who were running from war and found this little island as perfect sanctuary.
Some time during the Byzantines rule, inhabitants gave to island the name Ruvigno or Rovigno which emerged into today’s Rovinj.

Rovinj is small, romantic place; far enough from busy cities of Rijeka and Pula but close enough to all major roads and ports, so access to the area is very easy. In recent years there was a huge development or new motorway and local road networks in Croatia and Istria is amongst most developed areas with excellent connections by road, air or sea.
If decide to see Istria and visit Rovinj there are 4 airport in area of 100 miles around Rovinj; Airport of Pula, Krk Airport, Trieste Airport and Venice Airport.
The closest one is Pula, only 45 of driving from Rovinj and there are regular connections from London Stansted to Pula by Ryanair, which is the best value if you prefer to save up on your flight ticket.
Ryanair also provide flight from Stansted to Trieste airport, which is around 130 km far away from Rovinj
Between April and October there is an option to fly with Easyjet from Luton Airport to Krk Airport near Rijeka. From Rijeka there are regular coach lines to most places is Istria, and of course Rovinj.
Upon arrival to Rovinj you will find yourself in one of the most picturesque town
on Mediterranean. Dominating tower of the baroque Parish church of St. Euphemia
is placed in the center of old town and it is surrounded with colorful buildings where each one seem to have it’s own story.
Narrow stone-pawed streets and old houses makes an image that you’ll find in many places in the area but there is something’s special about Rovinj; wherever you go around the center, you’ll be surrounded by sea once you reach the edge of the old town.
It is perfect place to wonder around and relax ideal for couples who want to enjoy walk and beautiful sunset at the end of the day.
There is an archipelago of 13 islands (and some small rocks which some tend to call islands as well), surrounding the cost of Rovinj, and probably the most famous one is St. Katarina Island on which you can take a day trip by ship and explore the unspoiled beauty of the island.
Most of the island is reserve of natural areas with dense vegetation and rich animal
life. Islands are forested in the inside with nude rocks on the edges making it perfect nesting spot for seagulls and other birds.

However if you prefer to stay on the coast, things could also be exciting for all nature explorers. Nearby Rovinj there is one and only fjord on the territory of Croatia called Limski Kanal (Canal of river Lim). Surrounded by green hills on each side, Lim fjord is a unique in this part of Europe. On the northern side of the canal there is a cave called
“Cave di Monfiorenzo” created by nature and very interesting place to visit if you are adventures enough to explore the depth of this mysterious cavern.

Back to Rovinj.
There are many bars and restaurants around the town to get refreshment. Most of them are nearby the sea, so perfect view is guaranteed while you enjoying your early morning coffee or late evening cocktail. Cuisine is typical mediterranean, and you can’t go wrong
if you order sea-food salad or risotto with shrimps, prawns and other tasty sea goodies.
Everything you order in a restaurant will usually be freshly made, and not only in restaurant but is someone invite you for a dinner, be sure that your meal will not be prepared from frozen food. People in Istria and other coastal regions spend time in the morning in search for fresh seafood on the market and only few of them will go to supermarket and buy frozen food.
If you are keen on preparing your own food then pop down on local fish market where you’ll find anything you could imagine that was caught early in the morning by local fisherman’s. There is also always good value for fresh food, maybe a little more expensive then is supermarkets, but at least you know you are buying quality.

If you are into pizza, Rovinj has many restaurants where you will find something for yourself. There is very big offer of different varieties of this popular dish, and it is hard to tell which one is best. That really depends on individual preferences, but if you order one with salty sardines, fresh tomato, mozzarella cheese and fresh home-grown olives on the side, you can’t go wrong. All that washed down with selection of quality wine from Istria like Malvazija – white crispy wine ideal to be consumed after nice meal or Zlahtina from island of Krk; no matter what your choice is be sure that it will be worth every penny.
Although you might prefer beer, there is also huge selection of Croatian and other international brews in every bar.

Nightlife in Rovinj could be main reason for many travellers who are in this sort of entertainment. If you fancy late night partying after meeting with your friends in a bar then few places will offer you quality entertainment with lots of live performance of well known DJ’s and others artists. One of the best places to go is definitely Monvi Centre, night club which has some exciting program almost every night from modern dance music, drum’n ‘ base, house and live performances of domestic and international artists. Being one of the most reputable entertainment centre since early 80’s Monvi has grown even bigger and now includes open-air theatre, Mexican restaurant, cocktail bar, wine restaurant, Internet café, video play shop and modern art gallery.

If too much night life takes too much energy out of you and next morning you want to cure your hangover somewhere in the shade with glass of cool refreshing non-alcoholic drink then get down to one of the 20 beaches. Easy access from town, walking distance to the beaches will guarantee that you’ll find peace of your mind even after the most hectic
night out.

If you are not late night person and prefer to wonder around at the evenings and enjoy easy life, then you will find lots of happenings around centre. Local open-air events like music concerts are on schedule almost every evening in Rovinj. Art exhibitions, theatre, ethno evenings and sport events will definitely occupy you during stay in Rovinj.
In recent years there is an expansion of event-tourism where local agencies offer variety of happenings in a town or around area.

There is a massive choice of accommodation in Rovinj. If you prefer hotels, there are 10 hotels in city area with good quality service, and probably most reputable are Eden Adriatic and Angelo d’Oro. Private accommodation is offered on every corner with reasonable prices and good quality.
There is something about people from Rovinj and people from whole Istria when it comes offer places to tourists. They like to keep their reputation to high level and make sure that their guests want to come back after first visit. There is some unofficial rule among owners of accommodation that quality must be their number one on their list of offers, which is often accompanied by huge amount of hostility.

Istrian people are very proud of their country and love every corner of it. You can feel this through their way of living. They are ready to offer reasonable accommodation price to travellers and make you to feel like in your own home.

During my stay in Rovinj I was in private accommodation in couples house who were making a living from renting apartments to tourists. Every day we were having nice chat and enjoying coffee, we would also have lunch together and they offered to show me around the town and some interesting things in Rovinj that you would not be told by any tourist agency. After few days new friendship was born and I promise to come back again.

Rovinj itself offers so many things that are very hard to describe them all in one place.
The real beauty of the town lies in every stone built in its walls, in little shops on the corners and romantic cafés to spend lazy afternoons in.
But when sun goes down the real ‘fiesta’ start and you’ll want to enjoy every minute of your stay in this beautiful place that truly deserves to be called ‘the jewel of Istria.’

Summary: Rovinj has long reputation of one of the best destinations on Adriatic coast