Rovinj, We Miss You

We almost didn’t go to Rovinj, or anywhere in the northern region of Istria, during our two-week journey through Croatia. The first few draft itineraries called for us to do what many tourists do and head straight for the Dalmatian Coast. What were we thinking? When friends ask us which place in Croatia was our favorite, we initially say something like they‘re all great in their own way. When pressed, we unequivocally say - Rovinj.

The route from Zagreb to Rovinj took us through scenic Opatija, which offered our first chance to put our toes in the Adriatic Sea. The town is known as a 19th century resort filled with Habsburg-era villas and home of a unique statue called The Maiden with the Seagull. We enjoyed a walk along the promenade to soak it all in.

After settling into the Adriatic Hotel overlooking the Rovinj harbor, we headed straight to the Mediterraneo Bar for sunset. Etched into the rocks, the bar offers the perfect place to grab a cocktail and watch the sun slide into the sea.

Rovinj provided so many opportunities to experience the beautiful landscape and the lovely town perched on a peninsula. We moved from a quiet beach cove on nearby St. Andrew's Island, easily accessible by ferry, to the infinity pool atop a sister property to our hotel. So glad we were able to find water shoes to purchase along the way.

The evenings in Rovinj are filled with great food and street entertainment. We sampled local dishes from several recommended restaurants like Snack Bar Rio (a restaurant, not a snack bar), Sidro, and Kantonin. In addition to some of the freshest seafood you can find, we tried a delicious homemade pasta with lamb ragout (in Croatian, Domaći Pljukanci). The service was exceptional - people were so nice. One evening when I left my new hat, our server rode up on a bicycle to return it to me while we were in line for gelato nearby. :) And let's not forget breakfast at our hotel - yum!

Before leaving Rovinj, we strolled through the meandering old town where we visited the Church of St. Euphemia and Suzette found an awesome lamp made by a local artist.

We have already vowed to return. Until then, Rovinj, we miss you.