Where to Go, Eat & Explore
Why Should Rovinj Be on Your Croatia Itinerary?
Rovinj, Croatia quickly became one of our favorite towns along the Istrian Peninsula—and honestly, it may be one of my favorite places in the world.
This colorful Adriatic seaside town is located only about 3 hours from Venice, Italy, and the Italian influence is unmistakable. Between the pastel buildings, cobblestone streets, fresh seafood, and lively harbor, I constantly had to remind myself I was actually in Croatia.
From wandering the charming Rovinj Old Town to climbing historic bell towers and enjoying sunset cocktails along the waterfront, this town perfectly captures the magic of coastal Croatia.
Where to Stay in Rovinj?
Our rental in Rovinj Old Town quickly became one of my favorite stays from the entire trip. It required a bit of a steep climb (which is common in the Old Town), but the apartment was spacious, bright, and full of character. The real highlight, though, was the rooftop terrace.
From the terrace we had sweeping views of:
- the rooftops of Rovinj Old Town
- the Adriatic Sea
- the bustling Rovinj Market below
Sipping coffee in the morning while watching the town come to life, or winding down at sunset with a glass of wine, made the climb absolutely worth it. It was the kind of spot that makes you fall in love with a town even more.
Note to self: sometimes the balcony is absolutely worth the splurge.
Where we stayed: Hotel Irundo Rovinj (click here)
Check out the view from the rooftop below:
Rooftop views of our room – Hotel Irundo – Rovinj, Croatia
Things to Do in Rovinj, Croatia?
1. Climb the St. Euphemia Bell Tower
One of the top things to do in Rovinj is climbing the St. Euphemia Bell Tower.
Standing 60 meters (~196.5 feet) tall atop the town’s highest hill, the St. Euphemia bell tower was designed in the same style as the tower at St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy. It is incredible to climb this tower that was built in the mid-1600s(before the current church), and at the very top sits a statue of Saint Euphemia, which doubles as a weather vane.
Jeff and I a tradition when traveling: we try to climb every historic church tower we can find.
But this one? …. Possibly the scariest staircase I’ve ever climbed.
The climb includes 192 rickety wooden steps, many of them old and creaky, which means every step requires careful footing. It’s equal parts thrilling and slightly terrifying.
But the reward at the top?
Absolutely worth it.
Best Panoramic Views in Rovinj?
The panoramic views from the top of St. Euphemia Bell Tower are absolutely breathtaking — definitely worth the sweaty palms and shaky knees!
Entry is only about 20 kunas (~$3) per person, making it one of the best experiences in Rovinj.
We’ve climbed the St. Euphemia Bell Tower in Rovinj twice now—once in 2017 and again in 2025—and I can confirm the wooden staircase is equally terrifying both times, yet still one of the our favorite cheap things to do in Rovinj.
*Fun fact: Inside this church, Relics of Saint Euphemia are preserved in a Roman sarcophagus from the 6th century (but adapted in the 15th century)!
Check out the story of St Euphemia (click here)
2. Walk to Rovinj Harbor from St. Euphemia Church
After visiting the church, it’s an easy 10-minute walk downhill to Rovinj’s marina and harbor.
This area is lined with waterfront cafés and seafood restaurants, making it the perfect place to enjoy fresh Adriatic cuisine, straight from the boats that dock there daily.
Here you’ll find:
- grilled local fish
- fresh shellfish
- calamari caught that morning
Pair your meal with a glass of local wine while soaking in views of colorful fishing boats, the turquoise Adriatic, and the Old Town skyline—a true Rovinj experience you won’t want to miss.
3. Become a Foodie In Rovinj
Along the harbor in Rovinj, the restaurants showcase some of the freshest seafood on the Adriatic coast, with menus built around the day’s local catch. As you wander the waterfront, you’ll find plates of perfectly grilled local fish, fresh shellfish, and tender calamari caught that very morning, often simply prepared with olive oil, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs to let the flavors shine.
Many of the harborfront spots display the daily catch right outside the restaurant, allowing you to choose exactly what you’d like grilled. It’s a quintessential coastal dining experience in Istria, where seafood is about as fresh as it gets.
Pair your meal with a glass of local Istrian wine—perhaps a crisp Malvasia or a bold Teran—while soaking in the views of colorful fishing boats gently bobbing in the harbor, the turquoise waters of the Adriatic, and the postcard-perfect skyline of St. Euphemia Church rising above the Old Town.
As the sun begins to set and the harbor glows in golden light, the atmosphere becomes even more magical. Dining here isn’t just about the food—it’s about the slow, relaxed coastal life — making it one of the most memorable experiences in Rovinj and a true taste of Croatia’s seaside culture. 🌅🍷🐟
4. Find a Place to Watch the Sunset
Following Rick Steves’ recommendation, we had hoped to visit the beautiful Mediterraneo Bar, but sadly it was closed—another good reason to plan a return trip back to this area 😉
But sometimes the best travel moments happen unexpectedly.
While wandering along the rocky coastline, we stumbled upon Valentino Cocktail & Champagne Bar completely by accident.
And somehow… We had the entire place to ourselves.
Valentino Cocktail & Champagne Bar
This tiny bar sits right on the rocks overlooking the Adriatic, making it one of the most unique places to grab a drink in Rovinj.
Instead of traditional chairs, guests sit on cushions placed directly on the rocks, watching the sunset over the harbor.
We may have stayed for one… or two… extra cocktails while the sky slowly turned golden.
The sunset reflected across the Adriatic, lighting up the rooftops of the Old Town and the quiet harbor nearby.
It was one of those perfect travel moments where time seems to slow down. 🥂
Why Should You Visit Rovinj, Croatia?
We absolutely fell in love with Rovinj, Croatia. As much as I want to tell people about this gem of a destination, I also want to keep this gem a secret.
Between:
- wandering the cobblestone streets of Old Town
- climbing the St. Euphemia Bell Tower
- eating fresh seafood by the harbor
- enjoying sunset drinks along the Adriatic
… every moment felt special.
If you’re exploring Croatia or the Istrian Peninsula, I highly recommend spending 2–3 days in Rovinj.
Rovinj is the kind of place that encourages you to slow down, wander, get lost, and simply enjoy being there.
It’s the perfect combination of historic charm, coastal beauty, incredible food, and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
We’ve loved Rovinj so much, we’ve visited twice!
Until Next Time, Rovinj!
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