Trifter

Arguably one of Croatia’s most scenic destinations; Rovinj is a popular spot for visitors from across the globe. Tucked away at the top of Croatia, the picturesque island village is yet vastly undiscovered, at least by the Brits anyway. Considered one of the most beautiful towns on the Adriatic coast, it is an elegant juxtaposition of Italy and Croatia.  Marbled streets and winding paths, ginormous pizzas, homemade ice creams, sun drenched skies, an azure sea and vast rows of terracotta tiled homes make up the postcard that is Rovinj. The idyllic island village and the surrounding twenty-two islands and islets are a protected natural heritage area. It’s no wonder, take a peek or wander through the hidden corners, discover heritage homes perched on the edge of the sea, or climb to the top of St. Euphemia church spire and see the sprawling village below. If you head to Rovinj in the summer months you may be in for a treat. Traditional shows and theatrical performances are part of the summertime line up. The end of August sees ‘ Rovinj’s Night’ where thousands of visitors flock for three nights to enjoy the biggest fireworks fiesta on the Adriatic Coast.

Rovinj and its surrounds offer excellent opportunities for hiking, cycling tours and nature based activities. In the day light hours explore the myriad of rocky capes and deserted bays that dot the coastline. The nearby hilltop town of Motovun is undeniably beautiful. The surrounding hills are draped with vineyards, the river Mirna flows below and the thick forest is rich with prized black and white truffles. Limskadraga is also a serene spot some 20 miles long. Often called Limski Fjord, or Lim fjord or the Lim Channel, the Croatians breed fish and oysters there. Even though the surrounding estuary is often referred to as a fjord it was not carved by a glacier but by the river that gradually eroded the ground away on its way to the Adriatic Sea. At the mouth of Limski is another picturesque and impossibly quaint village, Vrsar. Settled on a small hill the town is divided into two parts; the sea promenade and the old town. A little further a field, located between vineyards and olive groves, is the town of Bale. Featuring the astonishing Bembo palace and a beautiful neo-baroque parish church. Dvigrad, an abandoned medieval village is also worth exploring while in the area. Located on a limestone hill just after the Lim valley Zminj boasts the chapel of the Holy Trinity, featuring 15th century murals by local painters. At the end of August Zminj holds the popular folk festival Bartulja, dedicated to St. Bartholomew.

Because of their immediate proximity to the Adriatic Coast, either Vrsar or Rovinj are great places to sample an overwhelming selection of sea food. Gastronomical delights are a fixation for any trip and, dishes from this region do not disappoint. Sample the local specialties, a medley of fish, crab and mussels, or the equally tasty seafood stew that comes accompanied with an exquisite mussel sauce. Traditional offerings include the local smoked ham, sheep milk cheese, sauerkraut and the local favorite scrambled eggs infused with wild asparagus. Spoil yourself with the local drop, wines, teran, malvazija and borgonja are excellent local wines.

For those interested in experiencing Rovinj, the closest airport is Pula which is 37km away. In summer a high speed ferry operates the two hour journey from Venice or there is a bus line that travels the length of the country with decent connections and service.