ROVINJ
Area: Croatia


Location:
In the extreme W of Croatia, midway down the W coast of the Istrian Peninsula, 15 miles from Vrsar, 25 miles NW of Pula airport.

Telephone code from UK:
385 52

Website:
http://www.htz.hr

Position:
The old town occupies a small promontory opposite a harbour and several small islands. Backed by farmland and rolling countryside.

Description:
Although one of Istria's larger and more sophisticated resorts, Rovinj focuses on a charming Venetian-built old town set on a headland overlooking a picturesque harbour, its entrance guarded by St Katerina island. The centre _ with its web of narrow medieval streets, stone and terracotta houses and 19th-century villas _ is dominated by the hilltop landmark of St Euphemia church and its 200-ft belltower. More recent development has extended a mile eastward parallel to the waterfront beyond the animated quayside, which is liberally lined with colourful cafes and bars.

Suitability:
Mainly middlemarket younger families and more mature couples. Particularly popular with Italians and Germans.

Accommodation:
Predominantly large, unexceptional 70s-built hotels providing adequate in-house facilities and entertainments. Most are situated E of the old town and harbour, perched above the sea, although within a short, level walk along the seafront promenade. A couple of properties enjoy more privacy on nearby islands. The Sol Melia hotel group have 5 hotels in the resort.

Shopping:
Usual combination of unsophisticated tourist paraphernalia, beachwear and local handicrafts. Regular market held in the old town. The harbour front is liberally sprinkled with stalls selling local trinkets and souvenirs.

Beach:
Very poor to nonexistent close to town. Merely a succession of patchy narrow rock and stone supplemented by a series of concrete bathing platforms and small boat jetties. Countless pebble and stone coves on some outlying islands and along the coast.

Entertainments:
Daytime: boat trips to local islands and resorts along the coast for alternative sunbathing, shopping and barbecues. Water sports include water-skiing and windsurfing. Pedalloes. Nightlife: relaxed and informal. Most hotels have organised programmes that include local bands and dancing. Good choice of cafes and restaurants line the harbour. Nightclubbers will be disappointed.

Eating:
Most restaurants and cafes are concentrated around the quayside. Locally caught seafood is particularly popular, as are traditional Italian-style pizzas and grilled meats.

Public-transport:
Ferries to the islands of St Katerina and St Andrea leave regularly from the harbour. Buses ply the main road behind the seafront hotels connecting with the main market square. Daily connections to Pula, Porec and Vrsar.

Local-excursions:
Plenty of local boat trips and most tour operators offer their own programmes. Porec (half day); Pula (half day); Lim Fjord (half day by boat); Trieste (half day by boat); Venice (long day by hydrofoil).