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.
Located on Croatia’s northwestern coast, Rovinj feels worlds away from Dubrovnik. In fact, the two towns are roughly 430 miles (690 km) apart—a drive of about seven hours across nearly the entire country.
Rovinj is also just a few hours from Venice, 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 Old Town to climbing historic bell towers and lingering over sunset cocktails along the waterfront, Rovinj captures a slower, more relaxed side of Croatia that feels completely different from the country’s famous southern coast.
Things to Do in Rovinj, Croatia?
1. Climb the St. Euphemia Bell Tower
One of the highlights in Rovinj is making the climb to the top.
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’s remarkable to climb a tower that has stood here since the mid-1600s—predating the current church—and to discover that the statue of Saint Euphemia at the top also serves as a weather vane.
Jeff and I’s 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. (👇 check out the video for yourself to see if you can heart my heart beating LOL )
But the reward at the top?
Absolutely worth it.
Best Panoramic Views in Rovinj
After conquering surviving the climb, the reward is spectacular.
From the top of the bell tower, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Rovinj’s terracotta rooftops, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands. I may have spent most of the climb questioning my life choices, but the moment I stepped onto the viewing platform, it was all worth it.
Entry is only about 20 kunas (around $3) per person, making this one of the best-value experiences in Rovinj—and one of the most memorable.
We have climbed the St. Euphemia Bell Tower in Rovinj for fun twice now—once in 2017 and again in 2025—and I can confirm the wooden staircase was 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
2. Walk from St. Euphemia Church to Rovinj Harbor
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 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.
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—and settle in for the view. From the waterfront, you’ll see colorful fishing boats bobbing in the harbor while the bell tower of St. Euphemia rises above Rovinj’s Old Town.
We found ourselves lingering long after the meal was over. As the afternoon faded into evening, the harbor took on a warm golden glow, fishermen returned with their catches, and locals gathered along the promenade for their evening stroll. It’s the kind of place that encourages you to slow down, order another glass of wine, and simply enjoy being by the sea. 🌅🍷🐟
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.
It was another one of those perfect travel moments where time seems to slow down. 🥂
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 👈
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 in Rovinj feels 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 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!
Read the Comments +