Rovinj (pronounced “Rovin,” the “j” is silent), is an ideal get-away for couples and singles. (Yasonya (Adobe Stock))
Travel just 80 kilometers from Italy’s border near Trieste and arrive in Croatia’s coastal gem, Rovinj. From Aviano it’s about a three-hour trip. The windshield time is well-worth it. Of note, Croatia’s gas prices are 15 to 20 percent lower than Italy’s, so plan your refueling accordingly.
Rovinj (pronounced “Rovin,” the “j” is silent), is an ideal get-away for couples and singles. You’ll find everyone in the hospitality industry speaks English.
I stayed at the Island Hotel Katarina. It’s unique as it sits off the mainland on its own island and offers spectacular views of the town. Guests access the property via the hotel’s private launch, which shuttles back and forth between the mainland and the island every thirty minutes, with the trip lasting 5 to 10 minutes. The ferry service as well as the car park are included in the price of your stay, and the buffet breakfast is first-rate. If keeping up with timetables and shuttling back and forth aren’t your style, you’ll find an abundance of accommodations in town.
From Aviano it’s about a three-hour trip. (Kate Leahy Voigts)
In the main square and pedestrian area, you’ll find numerous concessionaires offering powerboat and kayak rentals, sunset cruises and even dolphin boat excursions with 100 percent-guaranteed sitings or your money back. If the cafe life is for you, you’ll enjoy people watching while listening to buskers entertain the passersby.
I was interested in cycling, so I headed to the Tourist Information (TI) office (near the main port at Trg na mostu 2) and picked up a map. The Strika Ferata path, a former rail line, stretches about 23 kilometers through scenic agricultural areas. You’ll want a hybrid, mountain bike or ebike as parts of the trail are rough. Along some stretches you’ll encounter a parallel paved road with limited traffic where I diverted for a smoother ride.
Back in town, navigate the narrow streets and alleyways to make your ascent to the dramatically poised Church of Euphemia. A statue of Saint Euphemia, the patron saint of Rovinj, adorns the top of the church and serves as a rotating weathervane. Inside you’ll find her sarcophagus, numerous relics, and master class artwork including a depiction of “The Last Supper” dating from 1574.
A statue of Saint Euphemia, the patron saint of Rovinj, adorns the top of the church and serves as a rotating weathervane. (Kate Leahy Voigts)
Euphemia’s tomb is adorned with a beautiful fresco of her holding a miniature version of Rovinj’s striking silhouette in the palm of her hand. If you’re feeling fit and vertigo isn’t an issue, don’t miss the climb up the bell tower constructed in 1654. The rustic wooden planks you’ll take to the top are a bit challenging, so take your time and enjoy the fantastic panorama which awaits you.
For sunbathers, you’ll enjoy the pebbly beaches where rental loungers are readily available. If you’re a free spirit or just want a no hassle swim or sun-bathing option, you’ll find tourists and locals alike create their own “pop-up” sunning spots on the plentiful piers, jetties and tiny inlets which line the coast. The price is right – free!
Great bars and restaurants also await you. There are countless spots tucked into the rocky peninsula. A popular favorite is Caffe Bar Mediterraneo. If it’s full, don’t despair; just wander a little further up or down Sveti Kriz and you’ll discover another charming venue.
The key to maximizing your visit is embracing the defining Croatian saying “pomalo,” which means “little by little” or “slowly.” Relax, don’t rush, and take it easy, which is easy to do while roaming Rovinj.
In the main square and pedestrian area, you’ll find numerous concessionaires offering powerboat and kayak rentals, sunset cruises and even dolphin boat excursions with 100 percent-guaranteed sitings or your money back. (Kate Leahy Voigts)
Kate is a retired Army officer enjoying la dolce vita in Aviano, Italy. Her pocket travel guide, Visiting Venice Hemingway’s Way, was published in May 2026.
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of War.