For a relaxing and relatively inexpensive holiday by the seaside along the Adriatic, consider the smaller towns in Istrian Croatia. Istria is a heart shaped peninsula reaching into the crystal blue sea, with interiors of deep green trees and vineyards, edged by beaches and narrow stone streets.
Rovinj is recommended
Often overlooked, about 450 miles north from Dubrovnik along the coastline, is the picturesque town of Rovinj, a fishing village with beaches in coves snuggled beside meandering paths through pine forests. Vistas from the piers in the Old Town include gorgeous, clear blue waters sparkling in the sunshine dotted by pleasure boats playing among the hundreds of islands off the Croatian coast. Rovinj is often cited as one of the prettiest places along the Adriatic.
Sunny Croatia deserves a look
And the sun does shine! A typical Mediterranean climate allows for swimming, diving, sailing, hiking and biking almost all year round. On average, at the height of summer, sunshine prevails 10 hours a day when temperatures are usually in the 70s Fahrenheit with a warm sea. The national tourist board calls Croatia, “The Mediterranean as it once was.” The European Tour Operators Association has named Croatia as its preferred destination of 2011/2012. The Town of Rovinj celebrated its status as the top Croatian destination on the Adriatic by cooking and serving up a 100-foot long apple strudel for the townsfolk in October 2011.
Take a ferry from Venice
Following a few days of serious Venetian history overload and severe museum fatigue, we decided to hop onto a ferry boat from Venice’s Main Station, Stazione Marittima, easily reached by communal water taxi. There are seven seasonal sailings weekly for the journey of under three hours, booked with Venezia Lines, and therefore, no need for another airport. Disembark within proximity to the Old Town or catch a taxi to your hotel. Service begins in February; we took our holiday at Easter in April and found the weather delightful.
Climb the church tower
In the center of town is a baroque church, St. Euphemia, with a mid-17th century bell tower that resembles St. Mark’s in Venice. Climb the 200-foot tower for a fabulous view out over the village, the sea, the pier, the boats and the islands. Afterwards, stroll around the town’s bars, cafés, restaurants, shops, grab an ice cream while watching the fisherman unload the fresh hauls of the day from their nets, take a sightseeing boat trip.
Celebrate the annual Rovinj Night
While springtime is lovely, summer events heat up. Theis annual highlight, for over 40 years, Rovinj Night, the last weekend in August, which is complete with a spectacular fireworks display over the harbor set to live cello music, parades and an evening of fishing tradition. Other summer highlights include a Summer Festival Concert, a Big Band Concert and a St. Lawrence Night, for watching shooting stars.
Accommodation
Campsites, resorts and hotels are plentiful and service is relaxed and friendly. We stayed at the Hotel Eden in Rovinj, considered a four star. There is a large pool area surrounded by a serene grass lawn and a mature pine forest for quiet sunbathing. A short stroll among the trees takes you to a secluded beach. The town center was just over a mile and a delightful walk along a lighted path by the sea in the evening. Doubles in high season start at 149 Euros (approximately $200) with hot buffet breakfast included. The homemade local blueberry sauce atop the hot pancakes was divine.
Sources:
Croatian National Tourist Board
www.Rovinjinfo.com
Hotel Eden, Rovinj