Hotels in Rovinj

Rovinj Hotels

Stroll past fishermen assessing their morning catch – seagulls squawking overhead. Their fishing boats bob up and down side-by-side with swanky yachts whose sails clink in the breeze. Meandering cobbled streets showcase elegant old houses that give way to pretty piazzas, adding a touch of Venetian charm to this most Italian of Croatian towns. A truly unscathed Mediterranean fishing village, perhaps that’s why so many artists have landed in Rovinj since the 1950s – artworks pouring onto the streets from their workshops.

Things to see

Rovinj’s charms are most appreciated strolling around its winding old streets, home to pastel-coloured Venetian style buildings all nestled around the pretty Rovinj Harbour. Head here early in the day to see fishermen pulling in fresh fish, or in the afternoon to watch as they mend their nets. Stop off for some lunch on the pavement bistros of Trg Marsala Tita, or Marshall Tito Square – try some barbecued fish, or a feast of pasta with shrimp and truffles. Once you’ve sated your appetite take a walk up to St. Euphemia’s Church – you’ll have seen its towering spire from the streets below. Sitting pretty in the middle of the old town peninsula on a hilltop overlooking Rovinj and the cyan waters of the Adriatic, the 18th century church is the largest baroque building in Istria. If you get a chance, have a nose inside, looking out for St. Euphemia’s marble tomb.

Hotels in Rovinj

Rovinj’s Venetian style makes it a charming place to stay in a boutique casa or guesthouse. Small romantic hotels with shabby chic decor, antique furnishings and windows with flower boxes are perfect if you fancy relaxing in your hotel room with an evening glass of wine, while listening to the chitter chatter from the cobbled streets below. To really treat yourself, check in to a luxury Rovinj hotel – large 4 and 5-star hotels hug the old town, providing upmarket retreats in grand landscaped settings with pristine swimming pools, design-led furnishings and top-notch service. Cheap hotels are also available, especially off season.

Where to stay

If you fancy soaking up Rovinj’s fishing village charm, stay near the harbour, so you can open your hotel window to the sight of colourful fishing boats floating on the sparkly Adriatic Sea, and wander from your hotel room to bistro table to try out the catch of the day. The area around Grisia – the cobbled street that leads uphill to St. Euphemia’s Church – is a popular choice for art lovers, with galleries and workshops galore. Zlatni Rt Park – a pine tree-filled area leading to Rovinj’s hidden rocky coves – offers seclusion just a stone’s throw from the old town.

How to get to Rovinj

International visitors generally arrive at Pula airport, approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Rovinj. Plenty of airlines serve the airport, with flights landing from all over Europe and the UK. Airlines tend to up their flight frequency in the summer months, especially budget operators. If you’re travelling from Italy, it’s also possible to take the rather scenic ferry service from Venice to Rovinj direct. To get to Rovinj from Pula airport, hop on the bus from the city centre, hire a car or arrange an airport transfer. Car parking can be tricky in Rovinj old town so check this before travelling.