Of all the towns on the Istrian coast, Rovinj has managed something rare β it's genuinely beautiful and it knows it, but it hasn't lost itself in the process. The old town is built on a small peninsula, its tall colourful houses rising steeply from the waterfront to the church of St Euphemia at the top. The streets are narrow, irregular cobblestones β no cars, just people, cats and the smell of the sea.
Rovinj is 210 km from Ljubljana, about 2h 30min by car.
Getting There
Shared shuttle from Ljubljana
GoOpti runs shared shuttles from Ljubljana to Rovinj regularly in summer. They pick you up at your address. Journey time varies β 2.5β3.5h depending on other passengers. Best option for solo travellers or couples who want door-to-door without paying for a full private car.
2h 30min, direct to Rovinj
We drive you from Ljubljana to Rovinj with no stops. We drop you at the edge of the pedestrian zone β from there it's a short walk to any hotel or apartment in the old town. For 3β4 people travelling together, the cost per head is close to GoOpti and the journey is noticeably shorter and more comfortable.
Rovinj β What Makes It Worth the Trip
People who visit Rovinj for the first time almost always say they should have stayed longer. A few things not to miss:
- Old town streets β best explored without a map. The alleys twist and climb, opening unexpectedly onto small squares or the sea. Best at dawn or dusk.
- Church of St Euphemia β the 18th-century church dominates the skyline. Climb the bell tower for a panorama of the coast and islands.
- Harbour β the fishing harbour on the north side of the old town fills up in the evening. Watch the boats, eat fresh fish, drink local wine.
- Golden Cape (Zlatni Rt) β a forested nature park south of the old town, with rocky coves and crystal water. 20-minute walk from the centre.
- Rovinj archipelago β boat trips to nearby islands. St Andrew island (Crveni Otok) is the most popular, with pine forest and clear water.
- Truffles β Istria is one of Europe's great truffle regions. Try them scrambled with eggs, on pasta, or with local cheese.
Questions
When is the best time to visit Rovinj?
June and September are ideal. July and August are peak season β beautiful but busy. The old town and harbour are genuinely pleasant even in high summer if you're there in the morning or evening. May and early October are quieter and still warm enough.
Can I combine Rovinj with PoreΔ?
PoreΔ is 35 km north of Rovinj β a natural combination. We can drop you in one and pick you up in the other, or include both in a single journey. Ask when booking.