"Rovinj aka Rovigno" a Rovinj Travel Page by debtravers

Rovinj is a small, incredibly picturesque town on the west coast of Istria. It was originally an island but around 250 years ago the narrow gap was filled in and Rovinj spilled over onto the mainland. We visited here in October and, judging by the number of bars and restaurants already closed for the winter, it is inundated with holidaymakers during the summer months - another good reason to come here when they've all gone home!

The old original part of Rovinj reminded me very much of Venice minus the hordes of tourists and, of course, the canals! The maze of cobbled back streets were an absolute joy to explore, beautiful buildings and shrines set into walls with offerings of flowers, tiny alleyways leading down to the sea, you could wander happily here for hours just taking it all in....so I did! I guess if you visit during the height of summer this may not be the case...it was perfect in October, warm and sunny and no crowds!

Rovinj is perfect for a relaxing break, take the time to wander around the old part of the town, stop off at the fruit and veg market, buy an icecream and sit by the sea wall watching the locals arrive by boat to get their groceries, walk to the church on the top of the hill to admire the views. At night the cobbled back streets were all but deserted and it was as if we'd stepped back through time.