Our Day Trip to Rovinj: A Splash of Colour on an Autumn Day Tour from Pula

After a few days visiting Pula, we decided to take a day trip to Rovinj, a town that sits on the western coast of Croatia‘s Istrian peninsula. Rovinj is about a 40-minute bus ride from Pula, so we figured we’d go spend the day, enjoy some seafood and maybe hop over to the nearby islands.

Well, the weather had other plans. By the time we reached Rovinj, the day was looking decidedly autumnal: overcast, windy, and threatening of rain. We scrapped our plans of island hopping – the Adriatic wasn’t looking particularly inviting! – but we still managed to have a nice day exploring Rovinj while ducking into cafes, restaurants and gelato shops along the way.

This is a little taste of what we got up to on our day trip to Rovinj:

Things to Do, See, Eat, Drink & Experience in Rovinj, Croatia

Walk up, down and around the Old Town

My favourite part of our day trip to Rovinj was getting lost in the Old Town. Rovinj is a maze of narrow little streets, staircases, archways and courtyards, and losing yourself here is the best way to enjoy the magic.

This is a town where white stone buildings and colourful facades collide, where rows of laundry are hung out to dry from windows, and where you can feel the influence of Venetian style (Rovinj was once part of the Venetian Empire).

I had initially plotted a few potential museums to visit, but in the end, I left my phone in my purse and just had fun wandering around aimlessly.

Wander the marina and have gelato

Like I mentioned earlier, initially, we had been hoping to visit St. Andrew’s Island and St. Catherine’s Island which are just a short ferry ride away, but with gloomy skies over us, we settled for a walk along the marina. There are some great photo-ops along here, and lots of gelato shops as well!

Enjoy a seafood lunch by the water

For lunch, we opted to eat at a seaside restaurant called Stella di Mare. Since they specialize in seafood, I ordered myself a risotto with shrimp and Sam went for a shrimp pizza.

Aside from the view, my favourite thing about this restaurant were the two cats going from table to table waiting for a piece of octopus, mussel, or scampi to fly off the plate and land at their feet. These may be the most well-fed cats in the town; we later found them napping the afternoon away at the marina.

Try climbing St. Euphemia’s Bell Tower

Oh, St. Euphemia’s! The average visitor walks to the top of the hill, has a look inside the church, and then makes their way back down; but the brave, they tackle St. Euphemia’s infamous wooden steps up the bell tower.

Unfortunately, we were not in the first group…

St. Euphemia’s steps have a reputation that precedes them: creaking, uneven, and sweat-inducing are a few words to describe them. There’s a photo of the steps posted on a billboard as soon as you enter the church so that you know what you’re getting into. Few pay the fee to go up, and out of those who do, not everyone reaches the top.

But hey, they must be sturdy enough if they let people climb them, right?!

Sam attempted the tower without success. And me? I was perfectly content to enjoy the views with my feet on solid ground.

Stock up on truffle products

Another placed we visited was Rovinj Market, which is a covered outdoor market.

It has a wide assortment of fresh produce, but the reason to come here is to stock up on all kinds of truffle products; we’re talking truffle oil, truffle carpaccio, truffle salt, whole truffles, and the list goes on.

If you’ve never tried truffles before, do so while you’re on the Istrian peninsula! They’re known to produce some of the highest quality truffles in Croatia and once you’ve had a taste of them, there’s no going back.

Shop for jewellery, art, and ceramics

If you’re interested in doing a bit of shopping, Rovinj has that too.

As you walk up to St. Euphemia’s, you’ll notice the street is lined with shops where you can get one of a kind jewellery in bright turquoises and corals, handmade ceramics and clay pots, and cheery sardine paintings to remind you of your seaside visit.

Grab sunset drinks at La Puntulina

Lastly, to finish off the day, we made it down to one the best sunset spots in all of Rovinj: La Puntulina.

Technically, this is a restaurant, but since we had spent most of the day eating, we opted for drinks. You only get a table if you’re eating at the restaurant, but they have a terrace that leads down to the water with lots of mats and pillows scattered around and that suited us perfectly.

If you’re visiting during the high-season, another sunset bar to add to your list is Valentino’s. We had initially planned to go there since it spills down to the water, but they were closed for the season.

Can you visit Rovinj in a day?

If you’re pressed for time, you can certainly visit Rovinj in a day, and see most of the main attractions. The Old Town is quite small and compact, so it’s very easy to cover on foot.

If you have 2-3 days to spare that’s even better. Rovinj is exactly the kind of town that I would enjoy lingering in; it has a laid-back feel, but it also has lots of restaurants, cafes and gelato shops to fill your day once you’ve seen the sights. You can get more ideas of things to do in Rovinj in this travel guide.

If you’re planning a longer trip to Istria, I think Rovinj makes an excellent base. We chose to stay in Pula which is in the southern tip of Istria (and we really enjoyed it!), but Rovinj might have been preferable for planning day trips to other neighbouring towns since it’s centrally located meaning you have shorter distances to travel.

 

Planning Your Rovinj Visit

Getting to Rovinj and Getting Around

One of the beauties of Rovinj is just how easy it is to reach from other Istrian towns — and how walkable everything is once you arrive.

Getting to Rovinj:

• From Pula: The bus is the most common option, taking 40–60 minutes. Schedules are frequent in summer but double-check off-season times.
• From Zagreb: There are direct buses, or you can connect via Pula. The drive is a bit over 3 hours.
• From Venice: In peak season, catamarans run directly from Venice to Rovinj — a spectacular way to arrive if you love dramatic sea views.
• By car: If you’re road tripping through Istria, parking is available just outside the Old Town (which is pedestrian only). Try the large lot at Valdibora.

Getting Around Rovinj:

• On foot: The way to go. The Old Town’s cobbled lanes, stairs and harbour are made for slow wandering.
• By bike: The coastline is dotted with cycling paths — rentals are cheap and plentiful.
• Water taxi: To the nearby islands (St. Catherine’s, St. Andrew’s), ferries run regularly from the marina.

A One-Day Rovinj Circuit

If You Have More Than a Day

If you’re tempted to extend your visit, here’s how you could spend a leisurely 2 to 3 days:

Day 1: Classic Rovinj

• Arrive early, grab coffee by the marina
• Explore Old Town, climb to St. Euphemia’s (brave the steps if you dare!)
• Sample truffles at the market
• Browse artisan shops for jewellery, ceramics, or local art
• Gelato stop (or two)
• Sunset drinks at La Puntulina or Valentino’s

Day 2: Islands and Adventure

• Morning ferry to St. Catherine’s or St. Andrew’s for a swim, hike, or picnic
• Lunch at a seaside konoba on the islands
• Back to Rovinj for a late afternoon stroll — check out hidden alleys and churches
• Optional: stand-up paddleboarding, sea kayaking, or a guided bike tour

Day 3: Food and Culture

• Local market breakfast (pastries, fruit, and maybe a shot of local rakija)
• Visit the Batana Eco-Museum (dedicated to Rovinj’s fishing heritage)
• Take a painting or cooking class — many studios and schools welcome visitors
• Dinner with a view — seafood risotto, Istrian pasta, and Croatian wine

What to Eat in Rovinj

Istria is a culinary hotspot — its blend of Croatian, Italian, and Mediterranean flavours makes every meal an adventure.

Don’t miss:

• Seafood risotto with scampi, mussels, or calamari
• Fuži (local hand-rolled pasta) with truffles or wild game sauce
• Octopus salad and grilled Adriatic fish
• Maneštra (Istrian bean and vegetable stew)
• Gelato: Local favourite spots include Gelateria Italia (classic Italian style) and Sladoled (innovative flavours)

Top picks for dining (besides Stella di Mare):

• La Puntulina: Unbeatable for sunset and seafood (reservations advised in high season)
• Tipico Old Town: Hidden courtyard, great for local wine flights and sharing plates
• Konoba “Jure”: Family-run, laid-back, excellent truffle pasta

Rovinj Travel Tips

• Wear comfy shoes: Cobblestones and steep hills — no stilettos required.
• Bring layers: Evenings can be cool, especially in shoulder seasons.
• Cash is king: Many small cafés, markets, and parking lots don’t accept cards.
• Language: Croatian is official, but Italian and English are widely spoken.
• Island ferries: Check seasonal timetables and weather updates if you’re planning boat trips.

Rovinj at a Glance

Rovinj by Season

Day Trip Budget

Where to Stay in Rovinj

If the day trip leaves you wanting more — which it likely will — here are three properties worth checking out:

• Hotel Lone — Rovinj’s most design-forward hotel, set on the Punta Corrente bay with walking access to the park mentioned in the day circuit above. The rooms are contemporary and the views across the Adriatic are excellent. The strongest luxury option in the area and a significant step up from the Old Town B&Bs.
• Villa Angelo d’Oro — a boutique heritage hotel built into the Old Town itself, minutes from St. Euphemia’s church, La Puntulina and the artisan shops. Staying here puts you inside the setting the article describes — useful for early-morning photography before the day-trippers arrive by bus.
• Hotel Eden — a well-regarded mid-range property with Adriatic views, a reliable choice for a longer Istrian stay without the luxury price point. Good position for both the Old Town and Punta Corrente park walks.

Rovinj Old Town walking tours, island boat trips to St. Catherine’s and St. Andrew’s, and Istrian truffle hunting experiences are worthy of consideration — the boat trips in particular are the island-hopping plans mentioned at the start of this guide, now bookable in advance rather than weather-dependent on arrival.

Rovinj Day Trip FAQ

Is a day trip from Pula to Rovinj enough?

Yes. In 6–8 hours you can wander the Old Town lanes, climb (or skip!) St. Euphemia’s hill, browse the market for truffles, stroll the marina, and catch sunset at La Puntulina. If you want island time, plan an extra day.

What’s the easiest way to get from Pula to Rovinj (and back)?

Bus is simplest: ~40–60 min each way. Buy tickets online or at the station; shoulder-season schedules thin out, so check the last return before you leave. Driving takes ~40 min; park outside the pedestrian Old Town (e.g., Valdibora lot) and walk in.

How should I structure a one-day walking route?

Start at the marina viewpoint (postcard shot), zig-zag up through Old Town to St. Euphemia’s church, loop down via artisan streets (jewellery/ceramics), detour to the market for truffle tastings, grab seafood by the water, then finish with gelato and sunset on the rocks at La Puntulina.

Can I climb St. Euphemia’s bell tower — and is it safe?

The wooden stairs are steep and creaky; views are spectacular but it’s not for everyone. Wear grippy shoes, keep hands free, and skip it in high winds or rain. Happy from ground level? The church terrace still gives excellent panoramas.

What if the forecast turns gloomy?

Swap islands for a marina walk, linger in cafés and gelaterias, browse galleries, and duck into the Batana Eco-Museum. The Old Town is perfect for aimless, weather-proof wandering — and moody skies can make photos more dramatic.

Where should I eat if I only have one meal?

Harbour konobas for seafood risotto, buzara mussels, or shrimp pizza (cats may supervise!). For a splurge with views, La Puntulina (reserve in peak season). Truffle lovers: order fuži with truffles or pick up tartufata at the market. Always leave room for gelato.

Can I visit St. Catherine’s or St. Andrew’s islands on a day trip?

In high season, yes — ferries and water taxis run frequently. In shoulder or winter months, services reduce or pause, and windy seas can cancel crossings. If the day is short or blustery, prioritise the Old Town loop instead.

Where are the best photo spots?

• Marina with the bell tower backdrop.
• Church terrace at St. Euphemia’s.
• Waterfront alleys where houses meet the sea.
• Market colours and artisan displays.
• La Puntulina rocks at golden hour.

Are the market and shops open year-round?

Most Old Town shops stay open, but hours shorten off-season and some bars (e.g., Valentino’s) hibernate in winter. The covered market runs year-round, with peak variety in warmer months; autumn shines for truffle products.

How much should I budget for a day trip — and cash or cards?

Sample mid-range day: €15 bus return, €3 coffee and pastry, €18 seafood lunch, €6 sunset spritz, €10 truffle treat ≈ €52. Cards are accepted widely, but carry small cash for market stalls, little cafés, and parking.

Is Rovinj accessible?

The Old Town is steep and cobbled with narrow steps; it can be challenging for strollers or wheelchairs. The marina promenade is flat and scenic, and terraces near the water offer step-free views. The bell tower climb isn’t accessible.

What should I pack — especially in autumn?

Comfortable shoes with grip, light layers, a windproof jacket, and a small umbrella. For sunset by the water, bring a sweater; rocks get cool and breezy. A phone wrist strap helps on slick steps and near the marina edge.

Using Rovinj as a Base for Istria

If you have more than a few days, Rovinj is an ideal base to explore the wider peninsula:

• Pula: Roman amphitheatre, lively nightlife, street art scene
• Motovun: Medieval hilltown, epic truffle feasts, hiking trails
• Grožnjan: Artist village, jazz festivals, panoramic walks
• Brijuni National Park: Safari park, Roman ruins, beaches — reachable by ferry

If you enjoyed this post check out our Zagreb City Guide for tips on how to make the most of your time in Croatia’s capital city.

Have you been to Rovinj?
Did you do a day trip or stay longer?