Considered one of the most beautiful cruising destinations on the Istrian coast, Rovinj is a charming fishing village located on a small peninsula extending into the Adriatic Sea. The old town, dominated by the imposing Church of St. Euphemia, will captivate you with its narrow streets, panoramic views, and a romantic, sleepy atmosphere. The deep blue sea provides a stunning backdrop to the architectural beauties of the historic center, while the nearby beaches are perfect for relaxing days and exciting sailing stops. Off the coast, the 14 islands of the Rovinj Archipelago, including the beautiful Crveni Otok (Red Island), Sveta Katarina, and Sveti Andrija, are ideal destinations for day trips.

In recent years, Rovinj has seen a steady influx of visitors, yet its charm remains intact, partly because it is still one of the last authentic fishing ports in the Mediterranean. Early in the morning, you can watch fishermen unload their catch amid flocks of squawking seagulls, and before lunchtime, mend their nets. Everything in this town exudes maritime culture. So why not choose it as a stop on a beautiful sailing cruise along the Istrian coast?

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A top-notch marina ready to welcome you

The ideal base for exploring Rovinj and its coast is ACI Marina Rovinj, located on the southeast side of the city harbor, offering the most beautiful views of the historic center, the Church of St. Euphemia, and Santa Katarina Island. From the sea, the marina is easily recognizable thanks to the church bell tower rising above a small hill. For 35 years, the marina has been an integral part of the city’s enchanting landscape. From the start, its modern design, strategic location, and high-quality services have placed it among the best nautical destinations in the Mediterranean.

The marina offers 192 berths for boats averaging 17 meters in length and provides full technical and nautical support services. It is frequently visited by large yachts, which dock along the outer floating piers or in the nearby Lon Bay, where depths range from 5 to 10 meters. Numerous services are available within the port, while others are easily accessible nearby, since the port is located in the city. Restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, ATMs, and more are within easy reach.

The Rovinj harbor is sheltered from Bora and Scirocco winds but exposed to the Mistral. The fuel station is about 500 meters away, in the northern part of the port. Other safe nearby anchorages include Valdebora Bay, one mile north of the port, Red Island (Crveni Otok), and Figarola, which has a sandy bottom and good holding ground.

The elegant and historic old town

Surrounded by lush wooded hills, Rovinj’s old town is characterized by steep streets and cobbled squares. The ancient city walls once had seven gates, of which three remain: Porta di San Benedetto, La Portica, and Porta di Santa Croce. At the site of one of the former gates, Porta della Pescheria, you can now admire the elegant Balbi Arch, built in 1679 and dedicated to the then-governor of the city, Daniele Balbi. Ulica Grisia is the street of local artists selling portraits and paintings.

This charming cobbled street leads to the Church of St. Euphemia, the largest Baroque building in all of Istria, located at the highest point of the peninsula on which the town stands. It offers an impressive view, with its beautiful 60-meter-high bell tower reminiscent of St. Mark’s Campanile in Venice, topped with a statue of Saint Euphemia designed to rotate like a weather vane.

During your visit to Rovinj, don’t miss the Casa della Batana eco-museum, an extraordinary permanent exhibition dedicated to the “batana,” the traditional flat-bottomed boats typical of the area.

Beaches with spectacular views and old shipwrecks

With 67 km of jagged coastline and an archipelago of 14 islands and islets, Rovinj offers an incredible variety of beaches, coves, and bays. Among the most popular is the Baluota city beach, located at the foot of the Church of St. Euphemia. In the evening it is illuminated, allowing for safe nighttime swimming. In the old town, the small Monte Beach offers easy access to the sea via steps, though it has no sun protection.

Baia Lone is one of Rovinj’s most famous beaches, popular with both tourists and locals, while Porton Biondi is a gravel beach with a large green meadow behind it and a stunning view of Rovinj’s old town. Within the Punta Corrente Nature Reserve, there are a couple of beautiful, mostly gravel, wild beaches.

For diving enthusiasts, the wreck of the “Baron Gausch”, a passenger ship that sank off Rovinj in 1914 after hitting a naval mine, is a must-see. With a special permit, it is possible to explore the interior of the wreck, one of the best-preserved in the Adriatic.

Photo credits opening image: Snav.

Discover the best boat rental deals in Rovinj