sample itinerary
The sample itinerary below shows you how one of bespoke atlas’ custom plans not only expertly guides you through the city on a by-day and morning/afternoon/evening basis, but also offers tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your trip based on your passions and preferences. Once we deliver your guide, you’re prepared to go book your flights, make your accommodation and on-the-ground reservations.
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three days in rovinj, croatia
Croatia’s sparkling seaside town of Rovinj is perched on the edge of the Adriatic and boasts all the charms: fabulous food and wine, winding cobbled streets, sunshine and friendly locals. All within a compact egg-shaped peninsula just south of the Slovenian border, or a three-hour drive from the Croatian capitial of Zagreb.
day one
morning
o Wander the Rovinj Green Market, an outdoor market bursting with local produce of fresh fruit and veggies, along with honey, lavender, oils and wine.
o From the centrally-located market, get lost in the labyrinth of cobbled streets and alleys that is the basis for Rovinj’s charm. Along the way, you’ll stumble across small galleries and boutiques stocking local artisans, such as Galerija Brek. The winding Grisia Street is typically lined with a variety of art stalls. Close to the main square, keep an eye out for the Balbi Arch, and take a few moments to appreciate it’s intricate detail and nods to the town’s history (including the Lion of St Mark from the times of Venetian rule, a bearded man and a Turk wearing a turban). In the main square you’ll notice a more prominent display of Venetian influence with the Lion of St Mark also adorning the Rovinj’s clock tower. Although beautiful, the clock tower has a dark history, once used to house a one-cell prison at its base.
afternoon
o Take in a leisurely late lunch in Rovinj’s main square. There are countless taverns and cafes to choose from; scan the menus and see what takes your fancy on the day.
o Walk up to the towering St Euphemia Church, named after the patron saint of Rovinj. If you can stomach the climb up the bell tower’s rickety stairs to the 60 metre-high top, you’ll find yourself rewarded with sensational views in every direction to truly appreciate Rovinj’s beauty.
o Stop in at the Rovinj City Museum where you’ll find a celebration of Croatian artists housed within a 17th-century baroque palace.
evening
o Make a reservation in advance at Monte, the first Croatian restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star. Monte’s degustation menu is creative and contemporary, crafted from and inspired by the best seasonal produce from local fisherman and farmers.
stay
o The Melegran is a boutique hotel in the heart of old town that marries rustic charm with modern amenities and décor. Tip: some rooms have kitchenette facilities in case you fancy picking up local produce from the Green Market and prepping a meal or two yourself.
day two
morning
o It’s all about truffles. The Istrian Coast is known as a hotbed of both black and white truffles; one of the world’s largest truffles on record was discovered here (weighing 1.31 kilograms on November 2, 1999, according to the Guinness World Records).
o Sign up for a truffle hunting adventure in near-by Motovun (approximately 50 minutes from Rovinj). You can opt in for a 90 minute truffle experience, or go for the full day with a local family that will also share their truffle cooking secrets with you over a meal you prepare together. Three generations of the Karlic family has been truffle hunting in the area for over 40 years and enthusiastically share history and knowledge on their hunting tours.
afternoon
o Stop in at Puntulina on the rocks for lunch with a breathtaking water view (also a great option for dinner if you can time it to catch the sunset). Reservations required.
o After fun in the mud hunting for truffles and a lunch with a view, slip back into the relaxed pace of Rovinj and enjoy a few sunny hours at one of the town’s beaches. We recommend taking the short boat ride over to either St Andrew Island (also known as ‘Red Island’) or St Katarina Island where the gravely and pebbly beaches tend to be a little quieter.
Note: Boats depart regularly from the city dock near the main square or the Delfin Pier.
Both islands also offer some great nature hikes.
evening
o A fabulous family-owned restaurant operating since 1972 is Giannino (owned and operated by the same family as Puntulina). Crowned the “capital of seafood”, Giannino’s is all about the catches of the day, prepared in traditional ways, and features regional specialty dishes. Reservations recommended.
day three
morning & afternoon
o Step aboard one of the several boats that cruise the Lim Fjord (not to be mistaken for the Lim Fjord in Denmark). There are cruises of varying duration but we suggest a more leisurely option that includes stops to the pirate cave and a fresh seafood late lunch at the end of the Fjord, before returning to Rovinj.
evening
o Once back ashore, settle in for a sunset cocktail and spectacular views at the ultra-lux Viva Eufemia Bar at the Grand Park Hotel. The bar also offers food, and the hotel boasts seven restaurants should you be in the mood to sample a drink and meal at a few of them.
add-on ideas
o The Istrian Peninsula is not only known for its truffles, honey and olive oils, but also some incredible wines. Make a day of it sampling the best in the region on a wine and truffle tour, or a cooking class, with Eat Istria.
o Enjoy a harbour-side lunch at Kantinon Tavern, known for it’s traditional and authentic seafood dishes.
o If you have more time to spend in the region, it is worth adding picturesque Piran to your trip. Just over the Slovenian border, only an hour drive from Rovinj, or 90 minutes by ferry, this port town is the country’s coastal crown jewel.
alternate accommodation recommendations
o Angelo d’Oro offers multiple room types, each with their own unique design and décor to honour the history of the building.
o Hotel Adriatic, Rovinj’s oldest hotel with modern, sophisticated updates and located where the main square meets the harbour.
o Beyond the boundaries of Rovinj, consider the Meneghetti Hotel and Winery for an elegant, scenic escape.
o Rovinj also has plenty of local stays listed on Airbnb.
things to keep in mind
o Rovinj is approximately a three-hour drive from Zagreb or a 40-minute drive from Pula.
o Tourist traffic is high during the summer months; consider visiting Rovinj in September when the weather is still reasonable but the town is less busy. September is also the height of truffle season.
o Although Croatia is a member of the EU, it has yet to adopt the euro. Plan ahead for exchanging your currency to the Croatian kuna, as not all foreign currencies can be exchanged once you arrive in Croatia.