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About Rovinj
The large harbour in Rovinj, with its waterside restaurants, leads out along narrow cobbled streets concealing a wonderful array of shops, galleries and cafes into the town itself with its tiny squares and historic buildings. The colourful facades are visible from the sea climbing up to the church of St. Euphemia at the top. The coastline here is a protected Natural Heritage Area and a lovely place to explore all year round. Facing west the town's cafes and bars are famous for views of the sunset over the Adriatic and an excellent place to treat yourself to a meal of freshly caught fish.
The historic town of Rovinj in Istria reflects five centuries of art and culture. It was once a refuge for those fleeing the Plague and the ultimate beacon for desperate sailors. Since the 1960s it has been a summer hideout for world renowned artists, nature lovers, culture vultures and many others who are captivated by the town's breathtaking beauty.
At the epicentre of this charming Venetian medieval fortification stands an architecturally stunning Roman cathedral, which dominates this tiny Adriatic Sea peninsula. The numerous winding streets will eventually lead you to the Cathedral of St. Euphemia, as long as you are heading uphill. A brief stop at any one of the dozens of galleries will offer you a cultural and spiritual awakening of the senses, while a stunning panoramic view awaits at the top. The cathedral’s tower, a replica of the St. Marco Basilica tower in Venice, boasts a gorgeous 18th century copper statue of Saint Euphemia, the patron Saint of Rovinj. Her daily rotations forecast the weather and thus suggest to the villagers the course of their daily activities. From here you will be able to see Rovinj’s 13-island archipelago, engulfed by the deep blue of the Adriatic and the numerous pine forests that line the coast.
Rovinj was reputed to have been inspirational to Jules Verne and how can we argue, it is truly a beautiful and captivating place. Today, it offers the atmosphere of a resort that has been enchanting visitors for hundreds of years with the quality of its accommodation, dining and shopping.
Sightseeing in Rovinj and Nearby
You can find the town beach right under the church walls or use one of the public ferries that will take you to the islands of St. Catherine or St. Andrea (Red Island). If you wish to be more active, you can walk or rent a bicycle to find a secluded little beach for yourself, stretch on the smooth, naturally carved rocks, or relax in the shadow of the century-old pine trees.
Why not consider a day cruise on a sailboat or a motorboat? This will give you the chance to see the unspoiled beauty of the archipelago, including the famous Brijuni islands, the late President Tito's summer residence and one of the most beautiful natural parks of the Mediterranean.
Almost any water sport imaginable is available in the Rovinj area plus tennis, beach volley, horse riding and other activities can be easily arranged. Inland trips range from visits to medieval fortifications, combined with wine and truffle tasting to the Roman arena in Pula which stages a variety of evening cultural performances throughout the summer.
As soon as you immerse yourself in the natural beauty and activities offered by Rovinj and Istria, you will fall in love with the region. Its unique combination of fine wines, fresh fish, fragrant olive oil and truffles on one side, and the richness of natural and cultural discoveries on the other, will prove irresistible.
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