Exploring Rovinj

First stop on the map is Rovinj. Here, you can leave the car in the parking space close to the center and then go to explore the city!

Approaching the city centre, you will encounter the Balbi's Arch, which was built where once was the main gate of the city, Porta della Pescheria.
During the 17th century, the gate was demolished and was erected a monument in honor of the city podesta Daniele Balbi and his family. There is an engraving on the stone of the Arch which tells the story of the city, while it was proclaimed cultural monument in 1963.
It is an open-air site, and it is possible to visit it every day.

This is the main church of the city of Rovinj, built on the ruins of a smaller one, dedicated to Saint George.
During the first half of the 18th century, the previous church was too small for the growing community of the city, so the inhabitants decided to build a bigger one, that could have hosted more people.
The works to expand the site started in 1725 and lasted until 1736, later on the three main altars and the pipe organ were added.
The church was renamed in honor of Saint Euphemia, whose statue was already part of the interior of the old building. Entering the church, the most visible and relevant part is the altar of Saints Georges, Rocco and Marco, which is made of precious Carrara marble and built by the Venetian artist Girolamo Laureato.
The Church also keeps the sarcophagus with the relics of Saint Euphemia, whose engravings narrate the martyrdom of the Saint and the moment the relics arrived at the coast of the city of Rovinj.
This beautiful and full of history building is open to the public every day from 10 am to 6 pm during the summer and from 10 am to 2 pm in the winter.
Before going, it's better to contact the parish for the visiting hours.

Close to the сhurch, located in the very heart of the city, you can descend a magnificent staircase, which will conduct you to the beautiful Ulica Grisia.
This is the artistic spot of Rovinj, famous for the open-air exhibition held once a year during the month of August.
The initiative started in 1967 from a group of artists that were part of the Artistic Community of Rovinj, and supported also from the Civic Museum of the city, with the intention to display and enhance the local artistic scene and the historical centre.
For more info on the next dates, it is possible to check the website of the municipality of Rovinj.

This is the heart of the medieval center of Rovinj, a point where the tight little streets converge and open to tiny evocative squares surrounded by the houses.
In this area, you can also find lovely bars, restaurants and shops.

La Puntulina is the perfect spot for lunch break!
A beautiful restaurant with a view on the stunning Croatian seaside, which was founded in 2004 by an Italian family who owns the house that was on that property. They wanted to create an atmosphere where Italian culture and food could blend with the Croatian landscape and cuisine. The result is a familiar environment with a menu of local and fresh products from the sea.
Opening times: Thursday – Tuesday: 1 pm – 10 pm Wednesday: closed
A reservation is needed, and you can contact them through the website.

To have a nice and restoring moment after lunch, there is a perfect location in the heart of the city, that is the Balota Beach.
With a length of about 150 meters, this beach is a gem located in the heart of Rovinj, popular among locals and with a stunning view on the Saint Euphemia Church on top of the hill.
It is a rocky beach, with a lot of little inlets, from where it is also possible to admire the picturesque Katarina Island.

Now a trilling adventure awaits you – dolphins watching!
Croatia is famous for its dolphins' population, and it is possible to see them in open sea while they move in herd, crossing the surface of the water.
There is a guided tour on the boat which will bring you to the wild west coast of Rovinj, through the archipelago of little islands that keeps alive a rich marine wildlife and biodiversity.
You can find all the information about the duration of the trip and prices here, where you can also book a tour.

Another lovely spot for dinner, set in the picturesque old center, is the Santa Croce Restaurant.
Open in 2004, praise a romantic and comfy atmosphere with a menu rich of local products.
In fact, the ingredients are mostly from the Rovinj market and fish from the sea, in an interesting mix of Istrian tradition and innovation.
The restaurant is open every day from 5 pm to 11 pm and here you can find contacts and info to make a reservation.

Before checking in for the night, don't forget to get the car at the parking lot.

You will spend the night in Rovinj at the Puntulina Seaview Apartment, located just 100 meters from Balota beach, with a beautiful view on the seaside.
The facility is a two-room flat, with an equipped kitchen and free Wi-Fi. There is also a private parking space and the building is 15-min walk from the city center too.